GLASGOW TO WELCOME GLOBAL SPACE INDUSTRY TO FIRST EVER
SPACE-COMM EXPO SCOTLAND
Registration for the inaugural Space-Comm Expo Scotland is now open. Space-Comm Expo, organised and owned by Hub Exhibitions, is the leading international space conference. This is the first time the Expo comes to Scotland and will take place September 11-12 at the SEC Glasgow. Visitors can register for free entry tickets and access the programme at www.space-comm.co.uk/scotland
The first Space-Comm Expo Scotland is the new catalyst for one of the world’s leading space nations at the forefront of the UK’s global space ambitions. The Scottish space industry is one of the fastest growing in Europe, home to over 150 space companies employing over 8,000 people in high quality jobs.
Glasgow designs and builds more small satellites than anywhere outside of California. Scotland is home to five spaceports aiming to be a strategic launchpad for the northern hemisphere with multiple launch vehicle operators.
Headline speakers already confirmed include Will Whitehorn, Chair, Seraphim Space Investment Trust; Professor Malcolm Macdonald, Chair of Applied Space Technology at the University of Strathclyde; Dr Hina Khan, Executive Director, Space Scotland. Conference themes include; Boosting Investments in Space, Sustainability, Accelerating Growth in the Space Sector, Building the Workforce of Tomorrow, Current Capabilities and Future Opportunities.
Over 3,000 attendees are expected over the two day event, discovering new technologies, innovations and applications from over 75 suppliers, representing the whole supply chain.
The programme includes 60 speakers, 450 one-to-one meetings and 20 hours of free-to-attend conference sessions. The audience profile is not only space industry professionals but those from downstream sectors such as Fintech, Agritech, Maritime and Energy, with an interest in space applications.
Space-Comm Expo Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government, UK Space Agency, UKspace and Space Scotland, with plans to attract international delegations and visitors from across Europe and the global space community, alongside Primes, SMEs and Start-Ups. The Expo features a strong government focus with the introduction of a government & VIP Programme for Ministers, International Trade Delegations and other stakeholders.
Professor Anu Ojha OBE, Director of Championing Space at the UK Space Agency, said: “Events like Space-Comm Expo Scotland play a vital role in bringing together the people and businesses who will write the next chapter in the growth story of Scotland’s space sector. Glasgow is a global hub for small satellite manufacturing and data applications, while companies and universities across Scotland are playing major roles in some of the most complex and important space missions, supporting thousands of jobs. There are huge opportunities to build on these successes, as we countdown to the first launches from Scottish spaceports, catalyse investment from all over the world, and deliver new space missions and capabilities that benefit the whole of the UK.”
Investment Minister Tom Arthur for the Scottish Government said: “I’m delighted that Space-Comm Expo is coming to Scotland. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the country’s rapidly growing space industry and a great opportunity to showcase the talent, innovation and facilities it has to offer. Scotland is open for business and the Scottish Government is committed to helping unlock further opportunities, investments and collaborations to support this hugely exciting and strategically important sector.”
Space-Comm Expo Scotland will follow the award-winning format of previous events with Scottish based companies to the fore alongside international exhibitors, product demonstrations, keynote speakers, multiple conference theatres, roundtables and 1-2-1 networking opportunities.
“Lockheed Martin is delighted to be part of Space-Comm Expo Scotland, which is an opportunity for us to show our ongoing commitment to the UK space industry and to broaden that industry across the UK which of course includes our interest in Scotland,” said Nik Smith, UK Regional Director of Lockheed Martin Space UK. “We are a strategic partner with the Government and are working closely with the UK Space Agency to conduct a vertical satellite launch from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, further evidence of our determination to support the Scottish and wider UK economy.”
The award winning and varied format of Space-Comm Expo includes the main Expo area with leading suppliers, separate Keynote Stage and Downstream Theatres, Start-Up Zone, Meet the Buyer, Roundtables, Space Bar, Networking Lounge, Breakfast Briefings & Evening Receptions.
Space-Comm Expo Scotland follows in the success of the four previous editions of Space-Comm Expo. In 2025 Space-Comm Expo will be expanding in both capacity and international reach. March 2025 the Expo will move to London ExCel to manage attendee growth and facilitate the participation of international delegations, exhibitors and visitors. Another new Expo will be launched next year, Space-Comm Expo Dubai will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre in May 2025.
