Southern California space event is not to be missed

According to the report, which was released in March 2016, the aerospace sector is being transformed by new technologies and new markets - and in the centre of all this innovation and growth is SoCal. Think about the headlines over the last few years: Mars landings, the B-2 Stealth Bomber, the Space shuttle. Think of figures who have tested the boundaries of the sector, from Howard Hughes to Elon Musk. All out of SoCal and making waves globally.

It is because of this trend that Space Tech Expo and Aerospace Electrical Systems has moved its show to Pasadena to take advantage of the deep ecosystem of aerospace suppliers. The show looks set to be the biggest event to date with 3500+ expected attendees and over 230 exhibitors.

The venue move from Long Beach to Pasadena has been widely supported by the local space and aerospace businesses, with JPL not only exhibiting but also featuring in the Space Tech Conference proceedings, with Deputy Director, Gen. Larry James presenting a keynote address. JPL - itself based in Pasadena, is one of the most exciting companies in the sector. But it is not the only one taking advantage of the SoCal talent pool.

“In Southern California today, leading commercial technologies are moving into the aerospace market,” the LAEDC report reads.

“Companies operating in Southern California are blessed with a number of advantages, including a deep ecosystem of talent, expertise and engineering prowess, a synergistic environment for technological innovation, a culture of risk- taking and entrepreneurship, and a workforce with the needed skills for innovation across the most innovative technologies.”

According to the report, related employment in the sector has grown by more than 64% since 2004, representing 85,500 jobs in SoCal. And, as average aerospace industry wages come in at $105,715, it pays to be involved.

Part of being involved in this exciting phenomena is of course staying in touch with the industry, networking and keeping on top of technological developments, which is why attending shows like Space Tech Expo and Aerospace Electrical Systems is so important.

Nearly a quarter of US jobs related to guided missiles, space vehicles and related parts are in SoCal, the reports reveals. This means that there will be a great opportunity to meet the people behind truly innovative and groundbreaking global trends in the sector.

There will be a focus on examining how military and government organizations can deliver space missions by working closely with the commercial sector, leveraging the latest innovative technologies and business models. The conference also takes a deep dive into the rapidly evolving space-to-space market, and offers specific sessions examining the plethora of emerging on-orbit services and technologies.

The event which will last two days. As well as the excellent conference program on offer, attendees can also benefit from visiting the massive exhibition space free of charge and meeting aerospace pioneers face to face at their stands. There are also free-to-attend technical sessions.

Participating companies include Northrop Grumman, JPL, Space and Missile Systems Center Directorates GP/SY/SB, Dassault Systèmes, Orbital ATK, Honeywell, BAE Systems, NRO plus many more.

And it is not just important for those actively involved in the aerospace sector to attend the event. The report also highlights that such a growing hub is reliant on goods and services in the local region - Across the US the aerospace industry spends more than $24bn on goods and services for inputs into production.

But what is clear is that the industry is in SoCal to stay, according to the report:

“Continued innovation and exponential technologies in materials, design, digitization, connectivity, artificial intelligence and robotics, combined with the industry’s deep roots, established infrastructure and forward-thinking pioneers in the region will ensure a vibrant and robust future for the aerospace industry in Southern California.”