2012 CSCA National Conference

Our Critical Canadian Space Infrastructure

A full day series of sessions on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 at the
National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5W1.

The 140 companies and organizations listed in the Canadian Space Directory generated $3.44 billion CDN in revenue and employed over 8000 Canadians in 2010, according to the 2010 State of the Canadian Space Sector Report. These firms support the technologies required for weather forecasting, remote sensing, GPS systems, satellite and cable television, remote phone communication systems and even our Canadian astronaut corps.

They also provide equipment and technical support to scientists performing experiments and developing new technologies related to astronomy, Earth sciences, medicine and many other fields at over a dozen university faculties located throughout the country plus facilitate communications and space situational awareness for our Canadian military in the far North for Arctic sovereignty and on missions throughout the world. Taken together, these companies, the educational facilities developing new innovations, our military, plus the government and industry organizations and the facilities they utilize represent our critical Canadian space infrastructure.

But this infrastructure is in a state of crisis. The December 26th, 2011 Canadian Press article “Canadian Astronauts could be grounded for years after next mission” reports that “Canadian astronauts could be stuck on the ground for years following Chris Hadfield’s space mission scheduled for 2012.” The December 15th, 2011 Ottawa Business Journal article “Lost in Space” raises concerns over whether Canadian developed planetary rover technology will remain viable after government funding expires in spring 2012 and even the Canadian Astronomical Society is distributing an online petition opposing the expected and dramatic decrease in funding for space based astronomy programs as outlined in various Canadian Space Agency documents such as the 2011 – 2012 Report on Plans and Priorities.

What must we do to support and grow this disparate group of private and public organizations, capabilities and supporting infrastructure? Make your voice heard. Attend and contribute to the 2012 Canadian Space Commerce Association national conference focused on our critical Canadian space infrastructure.

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Who Should

Attend?
  • Executives, business owners and independent consultants focused on enhancing the global competitiveness of Canadian space and aerospace focused businesses.
  • Public and private space policy professionals specializing in the impact of government policy on innovation and productivity improvement.
  • Venture capitalists, SR&ED credit financing firms and others wanting to know more about commercial opportunities available now through Canadian scientists, academics and engineers.
  • Scientists, engineers and researchers interested in growing our critical Canadian space infrastructure.

The 2012 Conference Fee Schedule

Fees include one full year  membership in the CSCA.
  • $395 CDN- Standard registration per person for the full one day conference.
  • $295 CDN – Early bird registration per person for the full one day conference if registered before March 1st, 2012.
 For more information, please contact the Canadian Space Commerce Association, Suite 214, 131 Minerva Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario, M1M 1W1 or e-mail chuck.black@spacecommerce.ca.

Discounts are available for existing CSCA members in good standing and members of supporting organizations. For more information, please e-mail chuck.black@spacecommerce.ca.

Register Online Now for the best pricing. A schedule of events will be posted shortly.

A dozen expert speakers will discuss future opportunities and how to protect, support and grow the disparate group of private and public organizations, capabilities and supporting infrastructure which together compose our critical Canadian space infrastructure.

Confirmed speakers include:

The event will also include:

  • A late afternoon panel discussion on “Our Critical Canadian Space Infrastructure” – Acknowledged industry and government experts outlining the current situation, defining the specific problems that makes this a crisis and offering useful and innovative solutions.
  • Start-Up LiftOff – Speakers for start-up commercial space ventures will make a high energy five minute presentation focused on their organization in a format modeled after the O’Reilly’s Ignite Talks under the motto “Enlighten Us, But Make It Quick!”

Don’t forget to download the 2012 sponsorship package.

The Canadian Space Commerce Association (CSCA) is a registered Canadian not-for-profit industry organization dedicated to advancing the economic, legal and political environment for space and aerospace focused companies.