Space-Comm Expo readies for 2022 growth following standout first year at Farnborough International

Hot on the heels of a successful debut, Space-Comm Expo is already gearing up for a triumphant return in 2022.

Space-Comm Expo’s first two-day event, hosted at the first-class Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, saw delegates from across the global space community pass through the doors 7 to 8 July 2021 in one of the industry’s first face-to-face events.

Held under stage three COVID-19 regulations, up to 1,000 industry professionals per day were welcomed to the event, connecting with 95 exhibitors and attending over 90 exclusive seminar sessions, including keynotes from Elodie Viau of the European Space Agency and Ian Annett from the UK Space Agency, who joined Kevin Craven from ADS to discuss the UK’s future opportunities in space and Dr Mike O’Callaghan from Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Steve Beeching of Viasat, discussing actioning a sustainable space-based strategy.

Brought to the industry by Hub Exhibitions, in partnership with the renowned aerospace
events experts at Farnborough International, Space-Comm Expo is the first exhibition to focus on the commercial future of space for business, defence and aerospace.

Acknowledging the need for global experts to connect face-to-face to make pioneering steps in the sector, both organisations pushed forward to ensure the event took place physically, safely and securely, despite the pandemic. A post-event, independent market research survey revealed overall visitor and exhibitor satisfaction was above the industry average, with around 90% attendees inclined to return next year.

Rob Sherwood, Managing Director of Hub Exhibitions, commented: “For many people, the commercial future of space is focused on commercial space flights, such as those from both Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin in recent weeks. But the success of the first Space-Comm Expo has proven that it’s so much more than that. The positive response we had from attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and industry groups has really validated our decision to produce this exhibition and highlighted a clear opportunity for the UK’s space sector to thrive.”

Joe Muir, Aerospace Commercial Director at Farnborough International, commented: “We’re thrilled with the success of the first Space-Comm Expo. We saw a gap within the commercial space sector to deliver an intelligent and insightful platform for professionals to connect and, through forging a partnership with Hub Exhibitions, we have been able to deliver a standout industry event at a time that has never been more pivotal for the aerospace sector. At Farnborough International, we understand the important role the space sector plays in the global aerospace industry and we will be continuing to pioneer conversation and innovation as we plan for our dedicated Space Zone at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2022.

“I’d like to thank our industry partners, including UK Space Agency, ESA, UKspace, ADS
Group and KTN, who supported the development of the event. We look forward to
collaborating with them in the future to continue to grow and spearhead Space-Comm Expo into the sector’s must-attend event.”

Speaking about the success of the event, Patrick Cahill, Deputy Director & Space Sector
Lead of the Strategic Partnering Programme at the Cabinet Office, said: “To be able to bring professionals from across the sector together in one room, forge intelligent relationships and hear from other Governments on how they are pursuing the commercialisation of space in a safe and innovative way is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

“Commercialising space is an incredibly important focus for all Government departments, and Space-Comm Expo provides the Government and aerospace industry with a collaborative platform to discuss the development of new initiatives to further the UK in this area. I look forward to attending the Space-Comm Expo again in 2022.”

Space-Comm Expo returns to Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 7-8 September 2022.

To register your interest in exhibiting, sponsoring or attending, visit https://www.spacecomm.co.uk/