[SatNews] “In the coming year, members and sponsors will see their funds put to work in projects that benefit the sector and our professional membership.”
At the closing of its fiscal year, the Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) announced the financial results of the industry’s biggest fundraising event, the SSPI Gala, which took place on the opening night of the SATELLITE 2014 conference and exhibition. Gala 2014 raised more than $195,000 net of all costs from ticket sales, sponsorship and donations to benefit the broad range of the Society’s service projects and professional connection activities.
Executive Director Robert Bell
“We are grateful to the companies, individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the 2014 Gala,” said executive director Robert Bell. “In the coming year, members and sponsors will see their funds put to work in projects that benefit the sector and our professional membership.”
SSPI projects for 2014 include:
- The first workforce study for the satellite industry;
- The ‘Making the Case’ campaign to communicate the extraordinary contributions of the satellite industry to human welfare, the economy, business and government;
- Furthering alliances with international student organizations to attract young people to professions in the satellite sector;
- College-level scholarship funding from SSPI’s Education Fund and local chapters and affiliates; and
- Global networking and professional recognition programs, such as the SSPI Hall of Fame and Industry Innovator Awards.
SSPI Chair Dianne VanBeber thanked Access Intelligence, organizer of SATELLITE, for supporting the success of the Gala, as well as space sector corporations providing on-going financial and in-kind support to SSPI. “SSPI is focused on providing its corporate and individual members with materials that will progress the sector—from regulatory initiatives to career development. Many thanks to our members for their support and participation in these projects and their on-going commitment as we continue to implement the SSPI mission.”
In November, SSPI will host the Future Leaders Dinner (www.satfuture.com) in New York City on the night before the SATCON/CCW conference and exhibition. This fundraiser honors three satellite professionals under the age of 35 for extraordinary contributions to their employers, as well as highlighting a mentor who helps nurture the careers of the industry’s young talent. In addition to creating awareness for the vital importance of talent to the industry, the Future Leaders Dinner benefits the SSPI’s Educational Fund.
The Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) is a professional development society that;
- promotes the growth of the industry by educating the public and end-users about the indispensable contributions of satellites to business,government and human welfare,
- and by connecting satellite professionals worldwide through education, knowledge-sharing and fostering professional relationships.
