Senior hospitality/tourism/entertainment industry executives and space industry leaders will come together May 27, 2009 for the Space Investment Summit 6 (SIS-6) to engage in a full day of presentations and discussion relating to a variety of emerging business opportunities. The summit will focus on rapidly expanding linkages between space and non-space factors.  The program will include stimulating keynote and panel sessions, featuring the most respected and creative minds in relevant industries, addressing timely topics such as development of exciting simulation and virtual space experiences.

Former NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain Jon A. McBride, Vice President of Strategic Development for Delaware North Companies, will deliver a keynote luncheon presentation sharing his own unique perspective on business opportunities involving space themes.  An example of his creative approach involves creation of the 44,000-square-foot Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where visitors can strap in and "get vertical" for an all-too-real simulation of the sights, sounds and feelings of a space shuttle launch.

Summit panel sessions will focus on the following major subjects:  financial issues in the synergy of space and hospitality, tourism and entertainment; space-themed physical attractions; the multimedia virtual experience of space; and lively discussion concerning business challenges and opportunities. 

The summit is organized by the Space Investment Summit Coalition in collaboration with the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and hosted by the National Space Society (NSS), an active member of the Coalition.  The event will be held immediately prior to the International Space Development Conference (ISDC) May 28-31, the annual conference of NSS. 

"The summit has been carefully designed to stimulate dialogue among industry leaders, concerning market expansion created by the growing synergy of space, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment initiatives," said Paul Eckert, summit coordinator and Boeing international and commercial strategist. 

"This conference will bring together executives from the space and hospitality-tourism industries to discuss future joint ventures in the exciting, emerging world of space tourism," said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of the Rosen College. "We are honored to support this event and assist in merging these great industries."

The ongoing summit series helps stimulate private investment and business innovation, providing outstanding, twice-yearly venues for leaders to explore emerging space-related opportunities.

FMI: www.isdc2009.org