Bridging Hemispheres: Collaborating for a Unified Natural Heritage
September 7-11, 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
Hosted by the Iziko South African Museum
Contact: spnhc2026@iziko.org.za
Introduction
While many of us are still shivering through winter, we are delighted to share exciting news from a very sunny South African. 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 Organising Committee, working in close collaboration with the SPNHC Joint Organising Committee and Iziko Museum, looks forward to welcoming the SPNHC community to the African continent for the first time.
Call for Symposia, Workshops, and Themed Sessions
A sincere thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal for a Symposium, Workshop, or Themed Session. The Program Committee is currently reviewing all submissions, and acceptance notifications will be issued no later than the end of March.
Call for Abstracts
The full call for abstracts is now open and will close on May 15 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Please review the available sessions in the attached document to determine the best fit for your presentation. Share your research, join the conversation, and submit your abstract today.
Registration Rates
Early Bird Registration Rates will be available from the opening of registration through
July 31, 2025:
–SPNHC Member – $450 (USD)
–Non-Member – $550 (USD)
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.
After July 31, prices for both members and non-members will increase by over $100.
Please note registration rates do not include VAT (currently 15%).
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. 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.
An exhibitor prospectus will be released soon. For tailored sponsorship options, please contact Ruth Seyler (spnhc.conference@gmail.com), SPNHC Conference and Sponsorship Coordinator.
Ongoing Communication
As excitement builds for the first SPNHC Conference to be held on the African continent, the Local Organizing Committee is committed to keeping delegates well-informed as plans develop.
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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