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
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.
Key Conference Dates and Conference Schedule
Field Trips – September 6-7
Main Conference September 8-10
Workshops – September 11-12
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
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
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. To see available hotels near the conference venue – Iziko South African Museum – 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
You can search for available nearby hotels on Tripadvisor or your favorite travel websites.
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
Early Bird Registration Rates will be available from the opening of registration through
June 30, 2026:
–SPNHC Member – $450 (USD)
–Non-Member – $550 (USD)
After June 30, prices for both members and non-members will increase by over $100.
Please note registration rates do not include VAT (currently 15%).
Call for Abstracts
The full call for abstracts has been extended and will close on May 31 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Please review the available sessions to determine the best fit for your presentation. Share your research, join the conversation, and submit your abstract today.
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. More information will be announced shortly.
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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