Bridging Hemispheres: Collaborating for a Unified Natural Heritage
September 7-11, 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
Hosted by the Iziko South African Museum
Contact: spnhc.conference@gmail.com
Registration is Open – Discounted Early Rates End on June 30
Introduction
Preparations are well underway for the 41st SPNHC Annual Meeting, taking place 7-11 September 2026, in Cape Town, South Africa, proudly hosted by Iziko Museums of South Africa at the Iziko South African Museum. Our Local Organizing Committee, working in close collaboration with the SPNHC Joint Organizing Committee and Iziko Museum, looks forward to welcoming the SPNHC community to the African continent for the first time.
Welcome to SPNHC 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa — we are delighted to bring together natural history collections professionals from around the world for a rich week-long program of field trips, plenary sessions, symposia, workshops, and social events.
Please review the draft schedule below to plan your participation.
Key Conference Dates and Conference Schedule
| Date | Activities |
Note – All conference sessions, except for field trips, closing banquet, and possibly some workshops, will take place at the Iziko South African Museum – 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town
| Sunday, September 6 – Full Day (7:00–16:00) | Field Trip to West Coast Fossil Park & !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre ⚠ Additional cost – registration coming soon |
| Monday, September 7 | – Field Trip Option 1: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden & Table Mountain National Park – Field Trip Option 2: Two Oceans Aquarium Behind the Scenes and Drive Experience ⚠ Additional cost – registration coming soon Icebreaker Reception – Included for all in-person attendees |
| Tuesday, September 8 – Main Conference – Day 1 | Plenary and Symposium Sessions, Exhibits, Poster Viewing |
| Wednesday, September 9 – Main Conference – Day 2 | – Symposium Sessions, Exhibits, Poster Viewing – Grill and Greet Social Event ⚠ Grill and Greet: Additional cost – registration coming soon |
| Thursday, September 10 – Main Conference – Day 3 | – Symposium Sessions, Exhibits, Poster Viewing – Banquet ⚠ Banquet Additional cost – registration coming soon |
| Friday, September 11 | – Collection Tours – Workshops ⚠ Additional cost – registration open |
| Saturday, September 12 | Workshops ⚠ Additional cost – registration open |
Travel and Hotel Information
Make your plans today – for the trip and conference of a lifetime.
For information on traveling to and how to make the most of your time in Cape Town, visit
SPNHC-Africa-2026-Travel-Information.pptx
https://www.capetown.travel/
https://www.tripadvisor.com
Hotel Accommodations – recognizing that attendees may wish to stay longer in Cape Town, and have different travel needs and budgets, SPNHC decided not to book a host hotel for the 2026 Annual Meeting. Here is a list of recommended accommodations near the Iziko South African Museum – 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
Early Registration is now open – Rates increase to the Standard Rate on July 1
Early registration is now available, with rates for SPNHC members, non-members, and students. Discounted pricing is also offered for participants from lower-income nations and for those based in South Africa. Not able to attend in person? A virtual conference registration option is available, with the flexibility to upgrade to an in-person registration at any time.
Registration Rates
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE – FULL CONFERENCE
SPNHC MEMBER
**Early rate** available until June 30 – $450
Standard member rate, thereafter until August 30 – $550
NON-MEMBER
**Early rate** available until June 30 – $550
Standard rate, thereafter until August 30 – $650
STUDENTS
Member until June 30 – $300
Non-member until August 30 – $400
LOW, LOWER-MIDDLE-INCOME ECONOMY, and South Africa
Low/lower-middle-income economy/and South Africa in person until August 30 – $150
Details at https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/register/event/76295
Tours and Fieldtrips
The Local Organizing Committee, together with Iziko Museums and other partners such as SANBI and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, is curating a selection of field trips and tours that showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and scientific richness of Cape Town and the broader South African landscape. Field trips will take place September 6-7.
Field trip registration is now open.
Exhibits and Sponsorship
The SPNHC Meeting is renowned for fostering meaningful connections among attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors. Recognizing that Cape Town may be a long-haul destination for some of our regular partners, the LOC is introducing flexible exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities, including tabletop exhibits to reduce freight costs, as well as roundtables and additional speaking platforms.
View the sponsorship and exhibitor prospectus – For more information, contact Ruth Seyler (spnhc.conference@gmail.com), SPNHC Conference and Sponsorship Coordinator.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute, connect, and be part of an historic SPNHC gathering—submit your abstract and register today. Questions, please contact spnhc.conference@gmail.com.
Special Thanks to our Diamond Sponsor – Delta Designs LTD
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