HOUSTON SPACEPORT IN SPOTLIGHT AS SPACECOM LAUNCHES NOV. 17-19 IN HOUSTON

Nov. 16, 2015

HOUSTON — SpaceCom, The Space Commerce Conference and Exposition, launches Nov. 17-19, 2015 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

The three-day event will feature hands-on demonstrations, the perspectives of top industry leaders and examples of current technology crossovers to showcase the real, viable links between space technology and some of the major industries in the United States.

“Houston is a hub of innovation and the industry leaders who will be here as part of this event will be the same people blazing a new trail into the future of space commerce,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario Diaz. “That new direction will require not only innovation, but also collaboration, and SpaceCom is a fantastic platform to nurture that kind of creative and inventive collaboration.”

The Houston Airport System’s (HAS) Houston Spaceport is a platinum sponsor of this event that will address the massive transformation and growth taking place across the aerospace market driven by the rise of privately-funded companies, the development of innovative technologies and business models, new approaches to public-private collaboration, and the application of space technologies to industries across the economy.

Detailed plans for Phase I of the Houston Spaceport development will be among the focal points for the airport system during the event.

“Houston has a rich space heritage and the impact of space commerce can be huge for this region,” said Ellington Airport General Manager Arturo Machuca. “Houston Spaceport provides the perfect opportunity for aerospace-related companies looking to take advantage of a talented workforce, ample infrastructure and extensive resources. We look forward to showcasing and leading discussions on the advantages of commercial spaceports.”

SpaceCom will explore ways to utilize space technologies and innovations to enhance growth and profitability across vital industry sectors. Its in-depth conference program will engage attendees with solutions-oriented case studies, intensive roundtables and practical how-to sessions. The event's interactive exposition gives attendees the opportunity to learn about applications in action with nearly 100 exhibitors, VIP meets and greets and Innovation Theater presentations.

“SpaceCom is designed to educate business leaders on tested space technologies and how to apply them to solve real-life business challenges, dramatically impacting a company’s profitability,” said James Causey, executive director of SpaceCom. “Many companies are already learning about, and adopting, these technologies in areas such as remote medicine, water purification, oil and gas exploration in harsh environments, complex communications systems and weather data reporting. SpaceCom’s unique, interactive conference program and dynamic trade show floor will provide a forum for dialogue, facilitated problem-solving discussions and methods to implement space technology for practical, business application and innovation.”

The SpaceCom conference will also feature a Spaceport Summit designed to lay the foundation for an international spaceport network. Executives from Houston Spaceport and 14 other U.S. and international commercial spaceports will meet to identify common challenges and brainstorm near-term initiatives, activities and actions to lay the foundation for commerce to flourish across the international network of spaceports.

“A meeting of this nature is unprecedented,” said Causey. "The international spaceport network will stimulate a whole market sector that will have profound impact on the global economy in the future.”

Attendees are invited to visit the Houston Spaceport booth at section #309 and join the conversation on social media using hashtag #SpacecomExpo. For more information, visit www.spacecomexpo.com.