Calling all Young Space Professionals

by Bernadette Maisel and Jillianne Pierce, Space Foundation New Generation Program Leads

Three years ago, the Space Foundation made a conscious decision to drop the word “National” from National Space Symposium, to reflect the increasingly global nature of the event. As technology advances, the world feels smaller and the importance of international collaboration becomes increasingly apparent.

That diversity is reflected in the makeup of our New Gen conference-goers. As this infographic illustrates, not only is young professional involvement on the rise, but participants hailed from 19 countries over the last two years. That is surely something to celebrate. And celebrate we will, at the inaugural New Gen International Star Party, sponsored by Dynetics, during this month’s Space Symposium in Colorado Springs!

New Gen attendees will be asked to please bring a sealed packaged snack from your home, as well as a fun fact, song or dance to share. The sillier, the better, and group activities are encouraged!

At a similar young professional gathering Jillianne attended in Jerusalem in October, delegates shared musical performances, dance, and comedy. One person taught attendees Irish slang, another shared Bollywood dance, and Australian Vegemite, French pate and German cookies abounded!

Our event will take this sentiment one step further. In addition to sharing highlights from our cultures, we will gather under the stars to celebrate the common interest that unites us – space! Join us for stargazing with telescopes, while enjoying beverages, hors d’oeuvres and make-your-own s’mores over fire pits. 

This event will be held at the West Tower Lobby of the Broadmoor Hotel on Tuesday April 12 from 7:00 until 8:30 PM.

We look forward to seeing you there!

About New Gen: In 2008, the Space Foundation’s New Generation Initiatives (‘New Gen’) program was created to foster meaningful, long-term peer relationships between space professionals aged 35 and younger, and to provide access to top space leaders and opportunities for individual career development and mentorship. New Generation Initiatives have become an important part of the programming at the Space Symposium, held annually at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA. 

Over 200 young space professionals representing various facets of civil, commercial and national security space annually participate in the specialized agenda.

This article is part of Space Watch: April 2016 (Volume: 15, Issue: 4).