From left: Sarah Fleming, SFA Connect; Gerald Howard, Lausanne, Claire Hector-Taylor, Christchurch; Daniel Palomo, Houston: Jin Park, Seoul
A new global initiative, the Space Cities Network, was launched at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress in Abu Dhabi on 21 October 2024.
This network brings together four cities - Lausanne, Christchurch, Houston, and Seoul - to collaborate on the growth of aeronautics, space, and astronomy sectors.
The cities involved are:
Lausanne Montreux Congress, Switzerland
ChristchurchNZ Business Events, New Zealand
Houston First Corporation, USA
Seoul Tourism Organization, South Korea
The Space Cities Network aims to foster international collaboration, connecting public and private sectors across universities, research centres, and industries. This cooperation will be crucial as the global space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035.
Claire Hector-Taylor, co-chair of the Space Cities Network and representing ChristchurchNZ Business Events, highlighted the role of cities in supporting the space community. “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 said.
The network will also be supported by destination marketing organisations from the four cities, aiming to attract international space conferences and events.
Gerald Howard, fellow co-chair and representative from Lausanne Montreux Congress, emphasised the importance of collective effort in the future of space exploration. "Space is the mirror of humanity and of our community... The Space Cities Network is there to help facilitate that,” Howard said.
The initiative marks a significant step toward uniting global space communities through business events, further advancing the sector’s development.