The 7th Annual EMER-GEN® program will ask young professionals and students to come up with innovative solutions to real-world challenges faced by the evolving global space industry. The program, aimed at fostering the next generation of space professionals, is held on Maui September 15-17 and kicks off August 28 with a series of three pre-event webinars.
EMER-GEN was co-founded in 2018 by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB, host of the AMOS Conference) in affiliation with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC). The program provides young professionals and students with opportunities to engage with experts in the space industry, develop leadership skills, and collaborate on projects that address current and future challenges in space exploration and technology.
Participants engage in workshops, interactive table-top exercises, and mentorship sessions conducted by industry experts, gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies, policy frameworks, and entrepreneurship in the space sector. These interactions not only nurture their technical skills but also equip them with the leadership and teamwork abilities required to thrive in their careers.
“The program encourages participants to think creatively, collaborate in teams and develop innovative solutions at both a technological and policy level,” said Annette Lynch, Director of Communications with MEDB. “The diverse range of activities and speakers helps participants enhance both their technical expertise and leadership capabilities.”
A core element of the program is the mentorship provided by experienced professionals. These mentors offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and provide insights into career development opportunities. Such mentorship is invaluable in encouraging participants to pursue their aspirations in the space sector with confidence.
The specific challenges and topics within the program are shaped each year with the help of three young professionals on the planning committee including two representatives nominated by SGAC. Ulrike Nostitz, who is finishing up a fellowship with the International Space University’s (ISU) Space Studies Program (SSP) 2024 in Houston, is excited to be on the committee stating, “My involvement in planning allows me to contribute to the program’s content, enhance my organizational skills, and build connections with industry professionals. As a delegate, I get to network with international peers and experts, and explore career opportunities. This dual role lets me gain some really great insights into the latest industry trends, learn and expand my knowledge, and advocate for the next generation of space professionals, all while contributing to the program’s success and expanding my network, and of course….having lots of fun!”
Nostitz is joined on the committee by fellow SGAC representative, Christopher Capon, CEO of Nominal Systems, an Australian based startup; and Matthew Lugo, an EMER-GEN Alum and Maui resident who works with Privateer Space, located in the Lipoa Maui Community in Kihei.
Lugo, who attended the EMER-GEN Program in 2022, commented, “EMER-GEN was an excellent and rare opportunity to receive career advice from some of the most experienced and talented people in the industry. As a member of the EMER-GEN 2024 planning committee, I hope to facilitate networking opportunities for up-and-coming talent in the SSA/SDA community and make a meaningful impact on both my industry and my local community of Hawaii.”
Through its structured approach and hands-on experiences, EMER-GEN paves the way for a new generation of space leaders who will shape the future of sustainable use of space.
“I highly recommend the EMER-GEN program to all attendees seeking early career advice and development,” Lugo concluded, “… as well as those looking to network with a standout cohort of peers.”
Learn more about the program and schedule at http://www.emer-gen.com.
The Space Generation Advisory Council is a global non-governmental, non-profit (US 501(c)3) organization and network which aims to represent university students and young space professionals ages 18 to 35 to the United Nations, space agencies, industry, and academia. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the SGAC network of members, volunteers and alumni has grown to more than 13,000 members representing more than 150 countries.
The annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference, a program of the Maui Economic Development Board, is the premier technical conference in the nation devoted to space domain awareness. The cross section of military, contractor, and academic participation fuels important dialogue and collaboration on a national and international scale.
EMER-GEN Delegates benefit from networking in social events as well as in structured sessions.
EMER-GEN Delegates work in teams to come up with innovate solutions to technical and policy challenges
Industry experts are eager to support the next generation of space professionals