Glasgow, a city that produces more satellites than anywhere outside of the US, is playing host to a series of space-related conferences.
“Glasgow Convention Bureau is delighted that the city is experiencing a growth in space technology and research conferences due to our thriving and rapidly growing space industry. The city and region are a key hub for space systems, manufacture, launch, and data analysis that drive a need for innovators to meet and collaborate here,” said Aileen Crawford, head of Glasgow Convention Bureau.
Between 25-27 March 2025, Glasgow welcomed the PocketQube Conference held at the Glasgow University Union. The event brought together engineers, academics, and businesses working in the field of ultra-small satellites. The conference highlighted Glasgow’s contributions to the evolution of the PocketQube platform — a technology with global reach and roots in the city’s space ecosystem.
“Glasgow was the perfect host for this year’s PocketQube Conference. The city is globally recognised for its leadership in small satellite innovation, and that’s reflected not just in its universities and businesses, but in the way it supports events like ours. Delegates commented on how welcoming and well-connected the city felt — it made for a truly inspiring few days,” said Tom Walkinshaw, founder and CEO at Alba Orbital & PocketQube.
In May last year, the 3AF International Conference on Space Propulsion drew global experts to Glasgow to explore advances in rocket propulsion, while Space: Securing our Entrepreneurial Future held between 16–17 May 2024, at the University of Strathclyde, focused on space industry growth and economic opportunity.
“Glasgow combines academic excellence with industry know-how, and that’s what makes it such a compelling destination for space conferences. The links to leading research centres and industry are right on your doorstep, which really adds value for delegates,” said professor Ik Siong Heng, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow.
Still to come, the 24th International Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation & 16th Edoardo Amaldi Conference on Gravitational Waves will take place at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) between the 14–18 July 2025.
In December, the European CubeSat Symposium will return to to the University of Glasgow, rounding out the programme of space events.
“The growth in the number of space-related conferences being held in Glasgow is testament to the network of innovation assets, including world-class universities, colleges, internationally acclaimed companies, and groundbreaking innovators who work closely together to make the region a leader in the global space market,” said Stephen Breslin, CEO, Glasgow Science Centre.
"At the Glasgow Science Centre, we champion the city’s scientific and engineering story to encourage our young people to become innovators of the future. We are delighted that Glasgow is leading the way as a hub for space and satellite technology.”
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
