Four space-focused cities from across the globe have come together to form an international

network focused on the growth of aeronautics, space, and astronomy.

 

The network’s launch was announced at the International Congress and Convention

Association (ICCA) Congress in Abu Dhabi this week.

 

The first four cities include: Lausanne Montreux Congress – Lausanne, Switzerland (Europe); ChristchurchNZ Business Events – Christchurch, New Zealand (Oceania); Houston First Corporation – Houston, United States of America (North America); Seoul Tourism Organization – Seoul, South Korea (Asia).

 

This new international alliance has been designed to increase collaboration across the space

sector encompassing universities, research centres, government agencies, industry and

corporations. Knowledge sharing among public and private sectors is essential for the success

of current and future projects, fostering a thriving space community.

 

Space Cities Network Co-Chair, Gerald Howard from Lausanne Montreux Congress, said the group is excited to be collaborating and sharing knowledge across their regions for the next generation of space exploration.

 

“Space is the mirror of humanity and of our community – a quest for tomorrow. A world of exploration and innovation impacting a future that needs support and guidance. Our community, working collectively with Space experts can be one of the keystones of it, and the Space Cities Network is there to help facilitate that,” Howard says.

 

Space innovation, technology and exploration has become a truly collective endeavour. International space projects like Artemis offer real examples. And the forecast of the space economy just reinforces it: $1.8 trillion by 2035.

 

“Houston is proud to join this international network, leveraging our rich history in space

exploration to drive innovation and collaboration across the global space sector,” said Michael

Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation. “As a hub for cutting-edge research

and industry, we are committed to fostering partnerships that will propel the future of

aeronautics and space.”

 

The Space Cities Network will be made up of a select community of highly regarded, connected

and influential people who are locally and/or internationally recognized in their field of

expertise.

 

These people will be supported by destination marketing organizations from the four

participating cities, which are ready to increase and reinforce their space communities with new

bids and attract more international space conferences and events to their respective

destinations.

 

Claire Hector-Taylor from ChristchurchNZ Business Events and fellow Co-Chair, said: “Cities

will play an integral, legacy role as hubs for events supporting the space community, hosting

conferences, summits, and meetings that bring together industry leaders, researchers, and

policymakers.”

 

Jin Hyeok Park, Director of Seoul Convention Bureau says “Seoul is thrilled to be part of the

Space Cities Network, as it offers great potential for expanding business event opportunities in

the space industry. By collaborating with leading cities globally, we aim to strengthen

international connections and drive innovation. We’re eager to leverage this network to attract

more space-related events and conferences.” - TradeArabia News Service