On May 9, leaders in space innovation from around Michigan will gather in Traverse City to serve as panelists for Space Night, hosted by Newton’s Road as part of Northern Michigan Startup Week. Support for this event has been provided by ATLAS Space Operations and Northwestern Michigan College.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and talk to Michigan-based entrepreneurs at the forefront of the space industry, as well as attend panel discussions to hear about their personal experiences and predictions for where the space industry is headed.
Key event details
- When: Monday, May 9, 2022
- Time: Doors open at 5:00 pm. Program begins at 5:30 pm.
- Location: Milliken Auditorium at the Dennos Museum Center (1410 College Dr., Traverse City)
- Who should attend: The event is open to the public. Adults and high school students with an interest in space and innovation are encouraged to attend.
- Cost: Free
- Registration recommended. The event will also be live-streamed for those interested in watching the program virtually.
The event will feature two panel discussions:
Founders, Astropreneurs, & Innovators Panel
- Brad King – CEO, Orbion Space Technology
- Adam Kall – Co-founder & Director of Operations, KMI
- Dr. Reuben Sorensen – Founder, Orbital Effects
- Gene Sorgi – Founder, Challenger Communications LLC
Future Space Industry Panel
- Don Moore – CEO & General Counsel, GeoJump, Inc.
- Stephanie Gowell – Director of Business Solutions, Neta Orbital Effects
- James DiCorcia – Lead Systems Engineer, EOI
- Mike Carey – Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, ATLAS Space Operations
Both panel discussions will be moderated by Katie Horvath, Chief Marketing Officer of Aunalytics, Inc. and a member of the Michigan Women’s Commission appointed by Governor Whitmer. Prior to the panel discussions, welcome remarks will be provided by Dr. Nick Nissley, President of Northwestern Michigan College, and a brief keynote will be provided by Chris MacArthur, Sr. Legislative Assistant to U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar.
Prior to the beginning of the program at 5:30, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments while visiting the exhibit space which will feature information about the astropreneur panelist businesses and host partners. Regional youth projects will also be represented, including the Traverse Area District Library Exolab project and the Atlas Space Explorers Post. Michigan university students studying to pursue space-related careers are invited to request a table to share their entrepreneurial pursuits while still in college.
“While the space industry often feels out of grasp for many of us, it’s actually closer than you might think as space innovation is happening right here in Michigan,” said Barb Termaat, Executive Director of Newton’s Road. “Our goal with Space Night is to demystify the expertise and career opportunities available in the space industry and encourage conversation between enthusiasts and experts. We welcome interested adults and teens in hopes to inspire them to consider a career in the space industry.”
About Northern Michigan Startup Week
Space Night is part of Northern Michigan Startup Week, a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growing startup community in Northern Michigan May 9-15th. Northern Michigan Startup Week is open to everyone – students and adults. It’s for everyone with curiosity or an idea they want to explore, those who want to make new connections, and those who want to get in on the action of building something new. A collaborative initiative, Northern Michigan Startup Week is organized by 20Fathoms, TCNewTech, Northern Michigan Angels, and Newton’s Road. Lead sponsors are Hagerty, Boomerang Catapult, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Northwestern Michigan College.
About Newton’s Road
Newton’s Road is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to STEM-related learning for all youth in the 5 county region. Northern Michigan Startup Week is an example of our work engaging with educators, businesses and community leaders in the process of creating influential experiences that can lead to vibrant futures for our youth.
