UAH to host second annual Business of Space Conference February 23-25; Registration is now open

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (DEC. 17, 2024) – The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Business (COB) will host the second annual Business of Space Conference to focus on creating solutions through partnerships while addressing both opportunities and barriers. Registration is now open for this event that will unite space industry professionals from across the nation on February 23-25, 2025, on the campus of UAH, a part of The University of Alabama System.

Registration closes on February 17, and the cost is $525. Discounted rates are available for those who register by January 24, and special rates are available for the military, federal government and National Space Club members.

The conference aims to foster collaboration between researchers and space industry stakeholders to shape the future of academic and policy research. Attendees will review the latest insights and explore ideas and strategies to drive innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving sector.

Distinguished speakers include a keynote address by Kevin Engelbert and a lunch address by David Livingston, DBA. Engelbert is the manager of the In Space Production Applications (InSPA) portfolio at the NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Livingston is the founder and host of "The Space Show" and the executive director of One Giant Leap Foundation, Inc. (OGLF).

"The new space economy is complex from multiple business perspectives," says Dr. Hank Alewine, conference planning committee chair and associate professor of accounting at in the UAH College of Business. "While the risks and barriers for participation in the space sector are high, the great potential economic and knowledge gains warrant serious consideration for decision-makers to engage in space-related commercial activities. I'm excited to be part of this emerging research on the final frontier!"

Huntsville's legacy of aerospace innovation dates back to the pioneering work of Dr. Wernher von Braun and his team. Known as the "Father of the American Space Program," von Braun led efforts in developing the rockets that sent the first man to the moon, igniting a passion for U.S. space exploration. Since then, Huntsville has been a hub for technological advancement, earning it the nickname "Rocket City." It is also home to one of NASA's largest facilities – Marshall Space Flight Center.

Statewide, Alabama is a key player in the aerospace economy and ranks among the top five states for aerospace engineers. It is home to over 300 aerospace companies from 30 countries, including industry giants like Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Nestled among these organizations is UAH, a respected research institution strategically positioned in the heart of Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the United States. The university's proximity to industry leaders encourages collaboration to advance aerospace innovation.

"Space exploration will impact our lives in countless ways – from economic growth to technological advancement," says Dr. Jason T. Greene, dean of the UAH COB. "At UAH, we're incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by space industry leaders from both public and private sectors, creating a rich environment for knowledge creation and collaboration. The Business of Space conference serves as a platform to fuel meaningful discussions, spark innovative ideas and launch research initiatives that have the potential to shape future policies and business practices within the new space economy."

"We are proud to have an outstanding planning committee driving this effort, including Hank Alewine, Ph.D. and Yeolan Lee, Ph.D. from the UAH College of Business, Lucia Cape of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, Jeremy Fehrenbacher from Moog, Tina Highfill, Ph.D., of the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Christine Kretz of Karman Line Consulting. Thought leaders like Dr. Alewine are emerging in areas like space accounting while preparing the next generation of business professionals for roles in the space sector. It's an exciting time for business at UAH."

To learn more about the Business of Space Conference and to register, visit https://www.uah.edu/opce/program-topics/business-of-space