​🚀 What’s Space Got to Do With It?

​Seattle Tech Week 2026 | Portal Space Systems & Ashurst Perkins Coie US LLP

​Space has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in technology, yet it’s still missing from many conversations about the future of innovation.

​Whether it’s AI, communications, GPS, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, defense, robotics, or logistics, the technologies shaping tomorrow increasingly depend on what’s happening in orbit. At the same time, the Pacific Northwest has quietly become one of the world’s fastest-growing commercial space ecosystems, making Seattle one of the best places to explore where this industry is headed.

​Join us for an afternoon of conversation exploring why space matters far beyond the aerospace industry and why so many of today’s most interesting technical problems, and career opportunities, are being solved there.

​🛰️ Panel 1

​If Space Shut Off Tomorrow, What Tech Breaks First?

​How dependent is modern technology on space? More than most people realize. We’ll explore the invisible infrastructure powering everything from GPS and communications to finance, weather, AI, and national security, and discuss why resilient space systems are becoming increasingly critical to the global economy.

​👩‍🚀 Panel 2

​How the Heck Did YOU End Up in Space? (And How Can I?)

​Think space companies only hire aerospace engineers? Think again. Hear from engineers, builders, operators, and technical leaders who found unexpected paths into the space industry, and learn why modern spacecraft are built by multidisciplinary teams solving some of today’s hardest engineering challenges.

​Networking Reception

​Stick around after the panels to meet fellow attendees and connect with leaders from across Seattle’s growing commercial space ecosystem.

​Who Should Attend?

• ​Engineers and technical professionals

• ​Founders and startup teams

• ​Software, AI, robotics, manufacturing, and hardware professionals

• ​Investors and operators

• ​Students and early-career engineers

• ​Anyone curious about where the future of technology is headed

​Event Schedule

​3:30 – 4:00 PM | Check-in & Networking
4:00 – 4:15 PM | Welcome Remarks
4:15 – 5:00 PM | If Space Shut Off Tomorrow, What Tech Breaks First?
5:15 – 6:00 PM | How the Heck Did YOU End Up in Space? (And How Can I?)
6:00 – 7:00 PM | Networking Reception

​Panelists will be announced soon. We’re bringing together leaders from across technology, aerospace, government, and industry to make this one of Seattle Tech Week’s most engaging conversations about the future of technology.