NewSpace | Trade fairs and congresses
Trade fairs and congresses
Participation in international trade fairs and conferences is key to boosting the visibility of Catalonia’s NewSpace sector and creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth for companies and organizations in the region.
The IEEC, through the Catalonia Space Sector Promotion Area (APEC), carries out a series of services aimed at supporting the growth of the space sector in Catalonia. One of these services is the promotion of the NewSpace ecosystem and its internationalization, coordinating actions such as participation in international fairs and congresses in the space sector, and organizing events.
This service is carried out within the framework of the NewSpace Strategy of Catalonia, driven by the Government of Catalonia, and in collaboration with other key ecosystem actors such as the Digital Catalonia Alliance (DCA), ACCIÓ (Agency for Business Competitiveness), the Department of European Union and Foreign Action of the Government of Catalonia, and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, among others.
The IEEC, together with the aforementioned entities, coordinates efforts to maximize the impact of initiatives from both the digital and space sectors, generating benefits for the growth of the Catalan NewSpace sector.
Main trade fairs and congresses:
NewSpace Economy Congress
The NewSpace Economy Congress (NSEC) is an international congress organized by the Government of Catalonia and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the IEEC, the i2CAT Foundation, and the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC), along with other local stakeholders.
This annual event has contributed to raising awareness of the Catalan NewSpace ecosystem among key international players, opening cutting-edge debates about the future of NewSpace technologies and applications, and fostering interaction between solution providers and end users.
International Astronautical Congress
The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is the world’s leading space sector event. Catalonia’s presence at this congress allows showcasing both its academic and research capacities and the value chain of its industrial ecosystem.
The IAC serves as an international facilitator for local companies, promoting networking, business-to-business (B2B) connections, and collaboration opportunities with major global players. The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) organizes the congress.
Space Tech Expo Europe
Space Tech Expo Europe is the largest B2B event for the space industry in Europe, held annually in Bremen, Germany. It features a wide range of space sector technologies used in manufacturing processes.
It is the main showcase for space manufacturing and testing services; components and systems engineering for spacecraft; launch vehicles; and satellite programs. Attendees recognize it as a key event in the space industry calendar, offering a unique platform for networking and business synergies.
European Space Conference
The European Space Conference (ESC) is a unique platform to address the most pressing issues and challenges facing the European space ecosystem.
Held in Brussels since its inception, the 2025 edition will mark its 17th year. It gathers political leaders, industry representatives, and space agencies from across Europe.
European Space Forum
Held annually in Brussels each June, the European Space Forum brings together top industry leaders, policymakers, and experts for two full days of in-person debate. Discussions focus on sustainability and its interplay with other strategic pillars such as competitiveness, innovation, security, and connectivity.
The sessions are interactive and dialogue-driven, encouraging participants to share ideas and proposals. This forum is another example of European efforts to unlock the vast potential of space to drive progress and improve the well-being of people and communities globally.
EU Space Days
Formerly known as EU Space Week, EU Space Days is the most important event organized by the European Commission in the areas of space policy, commercialization, innovation, and program development.
It brings together policymakers, space industry actors, and entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge and experiences on how businesses, governments, and society benefit from the EU Space Programme and its components such as Galileo, EGNOS, and Copernicus, as well as GOVSATCOM and IRIS2.
4S Symposium
The Small Satellites Systems and Services Symposium (4S Symposium) is a reference event focused on small satellite technologies. It gathers experts, engineers, and industry leaders to discuss innovations, challenges, and developments.
The event includes technical sessions, workshops, and exhibitions, covering topics like satellite design, mission operations, data applications, and emerging trends in the small satellite sector. It offers a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration.
ESA Industry Space Days
Organized by ESA’s SME Office to support SMEs collaborating with the agency, the ESA Industry Space Days facilitate networking and the creation of new business contacts.
They include pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, exhibitions showcasing the innovations and expertise of selected SMEs, informational sessions on business opportunities with large groups and institutional organizations, as well as conferences on space outlooks and market trends.
SmallSat Europe
SmallSat Europe is becoming established as an essential meeting point for space sector professionals in Europe, offering a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the development of new opportunities in the field of small satellites.
Mobile World Congress
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the most important global events dedicated to mobile technology and communications. Held annually in Barcelona, it brings together companies, professionals, and industry innovators to showcase new technologies, services, and solutions.
MWC includes conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities, with a strong focus on areas such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. It is a key event for professionals and companies looking to explore the latest mobile technology and its global applications.
Smart City Expo World Congress
The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC) is an international event dedicated to urban innovation and the creation of more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive cities. Held annually in Barcelona, it gathers global leaders, governments, businesses, and experts to share solutions and ideas on how technology can transform the cities of the future.
The congress includes conferences, exhibitions, and networking activities focused on smart mobility, renewable energy, data management, and environmental sustainability. It is a key platform for those interested in smart and connected city development.
Paris Space Week
Paris Space Week is a flagship B2B event for the space industry, bringing together professionals from around the world—including manufacturers, suppliers, and startups—to foster innovation, networking, and business opportunities. It features conferences, workshops, and one-on-one meetings covering a wide range of topics such as satellite technologies, launch services, data applications, and space exploration.
Designed for both established and emerging players, Paris Space Week serves as a platform for collaboration and alliances in a rapidly evolving space sector.
IAF International Meeting for Ministers and Members of Parliaments
Since 2009, the International Astronautical Federation has offered this platform for parliamentarians from around the world to engage in global dialogue with the traditional space community (governments, agencies, industry, engineers, and scientists).
Catalonia participated for the first time in the 2024 edition, with representation from the Government of Catalonia and the IEEC.
EXPANDEO
EXPANDEO is the annual event of the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC). It is a key platform where Earth Observation market actors gather.
It provides space for European EO companies, institutional actors, and stakeholders to interact, network, learn about current policies and their impact on the industry, and reflect on challenges while exploring new opportunities and horizons.
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