Four space-focused cities have come together to form an international network dedicated to advancing aeronautics, space, and astronomy.
The inaugural members of the Space Cities Network are Lausanne Montreux Congress (Switzerland); ChristchurchNZ Business Events (New Zealand); Houston First Corporation (US); and Seoul Tourism Organization (South Korea).
The network will serve as a platform for public and private sector organisations to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore potential partnerships in the area of space studies and development. With the aerospace economy forecasted to be valued at US$1.8 trillion by 2035, up from US$630 billion in 2023, collaboration is crucial for maximising opportunities and addressing challenges.
The Space Cities Network will comprise a select community of highly regarded, connected and influential people who are locally or internationally recognised in their field of expertise. They will be supported by destination marketing organisations from the four participating cities, which are ready to reinforce their space communities with bids for international conferences and events.
“Two or three experts in each city will be chosen to form a community. We’ll also form a young professional community; these young individuals are our future so it would be good to hear their thoughts,” said Space Cities Network co-chair, Gerald Howard, who is also senior business development manager with Lausanne Montreux Congress.
“Aside from committee meetings and supporting business events that already exist, we also plan to support more public events as the public don’t really understand what aerospace is about,” Howard added.
All four cities expressed their excitement to be collaborating and sharing knowledge across their regions for the next generation of space exploration.
Jin Hyeok Park, director of Seoul Convention Bureau, said: “With (South) Korea set to launch a new space agency, and Seoul being home to the Korea Association for Space Technology Promotion, we aim to create more opportunities for (aerospace-related) business events.”
Claire Hector-Taylor, ChristchurchNZ’s business development manager – international & bid manager, pointed out that aerospace is one of Christchurch’s four economic clusters, supported by testing facilities, manufacturing capability, and burgeoning talent.
“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,” she added.
Daniel Palomo, director global sales with Houston First Corporation, pointed out: “We don’t just want to attract meetings. We want to create new meetings, and help to educate the local community on the importance of the aerospace sector. These events will help to leave a legacy by elevating talent.”
When asked about plans for membership growth, noting that there is currently one city each in four continents, Howard said: “We are starting with one city per continent. We are looking for quality cities to join, and may cap it at two cities per continent.
“At this point, we have obtained support from different agencies around the world, who have told us that Space Cities Network is something they really needed. Space is an international collaboration, and 2025 will be a big year from us.”
Howard stated that more information on the Space Cities Network will be unveiled in time to come.
