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6th Space Investment Summit to explore opportunities in entertainment and tourism industry

Orlando, Fla., May 20, 2009 -- Senior hospitality/tourism/entertainment industry executives and space industry leaders will come together May 27, 2009 at the Omni Orlando Resort in Champions Gate, Fla., for Space Investment Summit 6 (SIS-6) to engage in a full day of presentations and discussion relating to a variety of emerging business opportunities.

The summit will focus on rapidly expanding linkages between space and non-space factors. The program will include stimulating keynote and panel sessions, featuring the most respected and creative minds in relevant industries, addressing timely topics such as development of exciting simulation and virtual space experiences.

Former NASA astronaut and retired Navy Captain Jon A. McBride, Vice President of Strategic Development for Delaware North Companies, will deliver a keynote luncheon presentation sharing his own unique perspective on business opportunities involving space themes. An example of his creative approach involves creation of the 44,000-square-foot Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where visitors can strap in and "get vertical" for an all-too-real simulation of the sights, sounds and feelings of a space shuttle launch.

Summit panel sessions will focus on the following major subjects: financial issues in the synergy of space and hospitality, tourism and entertainment; space-themed physical attractions; the multimedia virtual experience of space; and lively discussion concerning business challenges and opportunities.

The summit is organized by the Space Investment Summit Coalition in collaboration with the University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, and hosted by the National Space Society (NSS), an active member of the Coalition. The event will be held immediately prior to the International Space Development Conference (ISDC) May 28-31, the annual conference of NSS.

“The summit has been carefully designed to stimulate dialogue among industry leaders, concerning market expansion created by the growing synergy of space, tourism, hospitality, and entertainment initiatives,” said Paul Eckert, summit coordinator and Boeing international and commercial strategist.

“This conference will bring together executives from the space and hospitality-tourism industries to discuss future joint ventures in the exciting, emerging world of space tourism,” said Dr. Abraham Pizam, dean of the Rosen College. “We are honored to support this event and assist in merging these great industries.”

The ongoing summit series helps stimulate private investment and business innovation, providing outstanding, twice-yearly venues for leaders to explore emerging space-related opportunities.

For more information, please visit www.spaceinvestmentsummit.com.

To register for ISDC, visit http://www.isdc2009.org or call (202) 429-1600.

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About the Space Investment Summit Coalition

The Space Investment Summit Coalition is a dynamic international group of companies and nonprofit organizations, organizing Space Investment Summits to educate entrepreneurs regarding how to attract seed and early-stage investment, while simultaneously informing investors about space-related business opportunities. Through an incremental process of improvement in business plan quality and increased investor support, the Coalition is working to encourage development of new space-related markets. For more information, please visit the websites noted immediately above.

About the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Located in the heart of the tourism and hospitality industry, the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management is dedicated to the values of professionalism, leadership and service. The Rosen College's mission is to develop future generations of global hospitality and tourism leaders representing all industry segments through innovative academic programs, cutting-edge research and strong industry and community partnerships. For more information, please visit http://www.hospitality.ucf.edu

About the National Space Society

The National Space Society (NSS) is an independent, grassroots organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. Founded in 1974, NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space. NSS counts thousands of members and over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The society also produces the annual International Space Development Conference. For more information on the society or the conference, please visit: http://www.nss.org

Media Contacts:

Susan Wells
Boeing Space Exploration
Susan.h.wells@boeing.com
(321) 264-8580
 
Jackie Toops
UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management
jtoops@mail.ucf.edu
(407) 903-8151
 
Ian Murphy
National Space Society
ian.murphy@nss.org
(310) 689-6397