SpaceUp NZ
A space unconference

We're proud to announce that KiwiSpace is hosting a 2-day space conference for mid-February next year!

We're planning to hold NZ's first SpaceUp -- a space unconference, where participants influence the topics, schedule, and structure of the event.

What's a SpaceUp?

Everyone who attends SpaceUp is encouraged to give a talk, moderate a panel, or start a discussion. New sessions are proposed during the weekend, and the schedule is adjusted to accommodate trending topics - which means the usual “hallway conversations” turn into full-fledged discussions.

Why?

We've wanted to hold a conference ever since our inception, as a way to bring together every 'space-interested' kiwi. There are boffins working away in their garage on rockets, former space people now working in different careers, and businesses using space applications/data every day -- and most of us don't know about the other, or have a great idea that just needs a little bit more support to be viable. We want to get all these people in one room, and see what happens.

When & Why Now?

In February next year, we're also holding a 2-day Space Education Workshop, thanks to the support of JAXA -- who will be sending a team of around 6 people out to NZ. It made sense to try to combine the activities in a back-to-back programme, and make both events even better. More information on the teacher workshop will be coming out shortly.

Mark these dates in your diary now:

13 & 14 Feb 2014	Thu/Fri	JAXA Space Education Workshop
15 & 16 Feb 2014	Sat/Sun	SpaceUp New Zealand

Where?

We're in advanced discussions with AUT University, to hold the workshop and conference at their campus in the Auckland CBD.

Who?

The conference will be open to everyone - absolutely everyone. We want people there of all ages, all backgrounds:

Tertiary / Research
Space Industry (including users of space applications - PNT/GNSS, Remote Sensing, Meteorological data, Satcomms, etc).
Government
Educators
Students (primary - tertiary)
Space Enthusiasts (the general public)

The only requirement of attendance we have is that you have to participate, and not just be a spectator. But don't freak out - we're not expecting you to give a one-hour lecture, you can't be a fly on the wall. We'll detail in future posts some of the ways you can get involved.

How much?

We're aiming to keep the ticket price as low as possible -- probably in the $50-80 range, mainly to cover catering over the weekend. This low price should make it accessible to people all over the country, and ex-pats who may be after a trip back home for summer.

We need you!

Mark the dates in your calendars now -- tickets will be on sale in the coming months.

Help spread the word

SpaceUp NZ will be absolutely awesome if we get the word out, and get everyone with a burning interest in getting NZ into the space age to come along and join the discussion.

We need to help find those friends-of-friends who know a Kiwi working ESA, teachers with a secret space passion, students who seriously want to be astronauts, etc.