Space Symposium to break records

WASHINGTON – A record number of exhibitors are confirmed for the 40th Space Symposium at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.And while it’s too soon to say for sure, international participation at the April 7-10 conference could also break records, Thomas Dorame, Space Foundation senior vice president for Symposium 365, told SpaceNews.In spite of growing demand for exhibits and 100 firms on a waiting list, the Space Foundation plans to continue holding the annual conference at the Broadmoor.“There’s a magic about Space Symposium and part of that magic is the location,” Dorame said. The campus atmosphere attracts government and industry leaders, and lends itself to planned or impromptu meetings among individuals, companies and government agencies, he added.Emerging PlayersMore than 300 exhibitors have claimed booths in the Broadmoor North and South Halls. In addition, 48 small and emerging space companies will be showcasing products and services in the Broadmoor’s Rocky Mountain Ballroom on the west side of the venue.“The Innovate Space: Supplier Showcase is an opportunity to let more people truly participate, as opposed to just have meetings on the side,” Dorame said. “We’ll promote the Supplier Showcase, so we get the right foot traffic over there.”For new entrants and emerging companies, the Space Symposium includes a New Frontiers track, featuring a pitch competition, interviews and investment panels at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.U.S. Space Force leaders including Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein have confirmed their attendance. Also present will be Kelli Seybolt, U.S. Air Force undersecretary for international affairs, and Lt. Col. Walter Shedroff, Air Force combat operations chief.Although no NASA Administrator has yet been confirmed, NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro along with former administrators Dan Goldin and Jim Bridenstine will be speaking at the event.  “From a senior leadership perspective, you’re going to see the same people that you would want to see, want to engage with, want to hear from,” Dorame said.It’s too soon to say how overall attendance will stack up with previous years. Budgetary constraints are likely to prevent some U.S. Air Force and Space Force personnel from coming.