Glasgow Set for Space Invasion
Glasgow is set for a space invasion later this summer when the biggest space meeting in the world comes to the city.
Glasgow will become Space City from September 29 to October 3 when more than 2,000 experts - including astronauts, space agencies, scientists, engineers and technology specialists – touch down for the International Astronautical Congress.
In the run-up to the congress, the city will host a truly out-of-this-world event – a live link-up to astronauts on-board the International Space Station orbiting 220 miles above the planet.
Plans are being finalised to allowed dignitaries – including Glasgow Lord Provost Bob Winter - schoolchildren, students and members of the public the chance to speak to the astronauts through a live video link-up from the Old Fruitmarket on September 16.
Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, which is helping promote the conference, is hoping businesses will take full advantage of the meeting to hold space themed events and promotions before, during and after the event.
During the Congress at the Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC), there is a full programme of exciting public events - including lectures by top space scientists and a space technology exhibition. The organisers are also arranging special space-related activities for students and schoolchildren.
The space exhibition at the SECC will be open to the public on Wednesday (October 1) between 4-6pm, all day on Thursday, and on Friday morning until noon. For more information on the conference, visit www.iac2008.co.uk
Cllr Steven Purcell, chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “Glasgow will become Space City – the space capital of the world - for a week in what promises to be one of the most spectacular events the city has hosted in years.
“The conference itself, and the weeks running up to the event, are a tremendous opportunity for businesses to hold space themed promotions and events.
“Our schools, colleges and universities can also look forward to a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about the cutting edge of space exploration right here in their home city.
“The live space link-up will be an extraordinary event for Glasgow and I know Glaswegians will respond enthusiastically to the chance to speak to astronauts.”
John Harlow, President of the British Interplanetary Society and a member of the conference organising committee, said: “We are working very closely with the European Space Agency and NASA and we are very excited to be able to bring this unique live space link-up to Glasgow.
“This is a great opportunity for people in Scotland to get involved in space by seeing astronauts live in orbit and talking to them.”
Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, SECC says:
“We are delighted that the International Astronautical Congress has chosen the SECC and Glasgow for its 2008 conference. This major event will have universal appeal to all ages and will be a real talking point. We look forward to welcoming them to the SECC.”
ENDS
Issued by and further information from:
Clive Simpson, Simcomm Europe
Tel: +44 (0)1775 711558; Email: clive@simcomm.co.uk
(or)
Stephen Breen, Convention Bureau PR - Glasgow City Marketing Bureau
Tel: +44 (0)141 566 0833; Email: stephen.breen@seeglasgow.com
Notes to editors
1. Details of ticket allocations for the live link-up from the Old Fruitmarket are still being finalised. Visit Glasgow City Marketing Bureau’s website, www.seeglasgow.com for details nearer the time.
2. Details of how the media can register for the live link-up will be issued in due course.
3. The crew on-board the International Space Station for the link-up will be Russian cosmonauts Sergei Volkov and Oleg Konoenko and NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff.
4. Media requiring to register for the International Astronautical Congress can do so by visiting www.iac2008.co.uk
5. For further information about the British Interplanetary Society, please visit www.bis-spaceflight.com