From congress to coastline: a delegate’s Sydney story As a first time visitor, Nero was surprised by how effortless Sydney was to navigate. Getting between his accommodation, the conference venue, restaurants and public transport was simple. The city also felt safe and unexpectedly familiar. “Aside from the cars driving on the opposite side of the road, I almost didn’t feel like I was in another country,” he said. Arriving a week early gave him freedom to explore, and he quickly found that many attractions were close together. One of the biggest surprises for Nero was Sydney’s ferry network. Used to Toronto’s limited island ferries, he enjoyed how far and wide Sydney’s services extended. Highlights included a trip to Taronga Zoo and a whale watching excursion, both helped by almost perfect weather throughout his stay. Nero also explored Sydney’s mix of urban and coastal landscapes. A hop on hop off bus tour led him to scenic stops, including the Coogee to Bondi walk where he spotted whales from the clifftops. Two standout experiences were the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge Climb. As an engineer, he was especially drawn to the Opera House tour, appreciating the insights into its architecture and construction. The bridge climb provided an unforgettable view across the harbour. Food and hospitality also made an impression. Nero enjoyed restaurants around The Rocks, where he tried seafood, pasta and a local favourite pancake spot. Reflecting on the trip, he said the city’s accessibility, natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere boosted his confidence as a solo traveller. “Sydney is a very welcoming city… The longer you spend there, the more you discover,” he said. For this young aerospace engineer, the IAC 2025 in Sydney was more than a professional achievement – it was confirmation that Sydney offers delegates a world class experience where business and pleasure come together seamlessly. Toronto based mechanical engineer Benjamin Nero travelled to Sydney to present his team’s research at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025. Representing the University of Toronto’s Space Flight Laboratory, where he contributed to the assembly and testing of NASA’s Aspera microsatellite, he found the congress valuable on both a professional and personal level. See why global delegates choose Sydney. Visit besydney.com.au or contact: Rahul Shah Director, Client Engagement – North America 416-709-8986 | [email protected] Ashley Ash Associate Director, Client Engagement – North America 289 686 7833 | [email protected] Paid Advertisement
