Widely Attended Gatherings (WAGs) and Determinations - NASA: The Crème de la Crème of Space Policy and Business Meetups
The space industry's high society gathered at numerous events in 2025, showcasing the who's who of policymakers, business leaders, astronauts, and other influential figures. From the prestigious Space Foundation Reception to the MSBR STEM Gala, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of networking opportunities, keynotes, and, of course, cocktails.
The year kicked off with high-profile events like the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in September, where NASA officials met with international partners to discuss space exploration strategies. The event was followed by the 2025 Paris Airshow, which drew top industry players for a day of networking and deal-making.
In October, notable gatherings included the Space Foundation Reception, Evening with the Stars, MSBR Rooftop Reception, AIAA Dinner, STScI Event, and Rocket Lab Event. These events provided ideal settings for astronauts to mingle with dignitaries and business leaders, fostering collaboration and partnerships.
The spring season saw an array of high-profile events, including the 2025 von Braun Memorial Dinner, Space Foundation Reception, and MSBR Lunch. The Axiom Space X-4 Event, Mission 2 Moon Landing, H2M Conference and Events, Planetary Society, American Rocketry Challenge Reception, and Rockets on the Hill Reception all drew prominent attendees.
In April, the NASA Awards Dinner took center stage, followed by the AIAA Awards Gala and NASA Awards Dinner. The 2025 Space Heroes and Legends Gala also celebrated exceptional achievements in space exploration.
Throughout the year, numerous WAGs were held at esteemed institutions like the Goddard Memorial Dinner, SPI GWU Dinner, AIA Congress Space Reception, and MSBR Lunch. These events not only brought together influential individuals but also promoted STEM education and awareness.
Other notable gatherings included the Blue Ghost Viewing Event, ServiceNow Forum, MSBR Luncheon, and 2025 Monthly NSCFL Luncheon, each offering unique opportunities for networking and professional development.
As 2024 came to a close, WAGs continued unabated, with events like the MeriTalk Reception, Aero Club Award Dinner, Rocket Lab Event, Space Foundation Event, Umbra Lab Inc., and Commercial Space Federation Joint Event taking place. The 2024 H2M Summit and MSBR STEM Gala were among the many notable events that brought together industry leaders and thought leaders.
In 2023, WAGs experienced a resurgence in popularity, with events like the 2023 Astrobotic PM1 PreLaunch Reception, Aero Club Awards Dinner, KSC NSC Celebrate Space, AGI Ansys Reception, and KSC Astronaut Hall of Fame Event showcasing the industry's resilience and commitment to excellence.
The year also saw numerous high-profile WAGs at esteemed institutions like the Boeing Orbital Flight Test Launch Events, Virgin Space Reception, SEA Summit, Wright Memorial Dinner, Analytical Graphics AGI Reception, Ball Reception, MSBR Lunch, Plant Reception, JSC Spacecom Conference VIP Reception, JSC Spacecom Conference Reception, SAIC BSU STEM Roundtable, and Apollo UK Productions Ltd.
In 2020, WAGs continued to thrive despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Events like the United Launch Alliance Satellite 2020 Reception, SpaceX Reception, U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2020 Aviation Summit, Maryland Space Business Roundtable Lunch, SLS Orion Suppliers Conference, and NASA Awards Dinner provided a platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate.
As the space industry continues to evolve, it is clear that WAGs will remain an essential component of its ecosystem, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence among its most influential members.
The space industry's high society gathered at numerous events in 2025, showcasing the who's who of policymakers, business leaders, astronauts, and other influential figures. From the prestigious Space Foundation Reception to the MSBR STEM Gala, attendees were treated to a spectacular display of networking opportunities, keynotes, and, of course, cocktails.
The year kicked off with high-profile events like the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in September, where NASA officials met with international partners to discuss space exploration strategies. The event was followed by the 2025 Paris Airshow, which drew top industry players for a day of networking and deal-making.
In October, notable gatherings included the Space Foundation Reception, Evening with the Stars, MSBR Rooftop Reception, AIAA Dinner, STScI Event, and Rocket Lab Event. These events provided ideal settings for astronauts to mingle with dignitaries and business leaders, fostering collaboration and partnerships.
The spring season saw an array of high-profile events, including the 2025 von Braun Memorial Dinner, Space Foundation Reception, and MSBR Lunch. The Axiom Space X-4 Event, Mission 2 Moon Landing, H2M Conference and Events, Planetary Society, American Rocketry Challenge Reception, and Rockets on the Hill Reception all drew prominent attendees.
In April, the NASA Awards Dinner took center stage, followed by the AIAA Awards Gala and NASA Awards Dinner. The 2025 Space Heroes and Legends Gala also celebrated exceptional achievements in space exploration.
Throughout the year, numerous WAGs were held at esteemed institutions like the Goddard Memorial Dinner, SPI GWU Dinner, AIA Congress Space Reception, and MSBR Lunch. These events not only brought together influential individuals but also promoted STEM education and awareness.
Other notable gatherings included the Blue Ghost Viewing Event, ServiceNow Forum, MSBR Luncheon, and 2025 Monthly NSCFL Luncheon, each offering unique opportunities for networking and professional development.
As 2024 came to a close, WAGs continued unabated, with events like the MeriTalk Reception, Aero Club Award Dinner, Rocket Lab Event, Space Foundation Event, Umbra Lab Inc., and Commercial Space Federation Joint Event taking place. The 2024 H2M Summit and MSBR STEM Gala were among the many notable events that brought together industry leaders and thought leaders.
In 2023, WAGs experienced a resurgence in popularity, with events like the 2023 Astrobotic PM1 PreLaunch Reception, Aero Club Awards Dinner, KSC NSC Celebrate Space, AGI Ansys Reception, and KSC Astronaut Hall of Fame Event showcasing the industry's resilience and commitment to excellence.
The year also saw numerous high-profile WAGs at esteemed institutions like the Boeing Orbital Flight Test Launch Events, Virgin Space Reception, SEA Summit, Wright Memorial Dinner, Analytical Graphics AGI Reception, Ball Reception, MSBR Lunch, Plant Reception, JSC Spacecom Conference VIP Reception, JSC Spacecom Conference Reception, SAIC BSU STEM Roundtable, and Apollo UK Productions Ltd.
In 2020, WAGs continued to thrive despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Events like the United Launch Alliance Satellite 2020 Reception, SpaceX Reception, U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2020 Aviation Summit, Maryland Space Business Roundtable Lunch, SLS Orion Suppliers Conference, and NASA Awards Dinner provided a platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate.
As the space industry continues to evolve, it is clear that WAGs will remain an essential component of its ecosystem, fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence among its most influential members.
I'm just mind blown by how much stuff went down in 2025 
. Like, seriously, who else gets to attend space policy meetings over champagne cocktails? 
And can we talk about the caliber of attendees? Astronauts, business leaders, policymakers... it's like a Who's Who of space cool kids 
. I'm not surprised there were so many events, though - WAGs have always been the OG networking party 
. But seriously, it's amazing to see how these gatherings bring people together and facilitate collaboration. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to attend an event called the "Space Foundation Reception"? 
I mean, I get it, they're for the big shots in the industry, but can't we just have a casual meetup at a coffee shop like normal people? 
Can't we focus on actual progress in space exploration instead of just schmoozing and taking selfies? 
. and i love that they're bringing together all these different stakeholders to collaborate on big projects 
. like, are we really just celebrating the best of the best in space policy and business, or is there some level of exclusivity going on? 
Was it the Artemis mission or something else entirely? 
? Seriously though, if we're gonna invest so much in space exploration, shouldn't we be focusing on making sure everyone has access to STEM education and resources?
. Still, I guess if it brings people together and inspires some innovation, then I'm all for it 
. Can't wait to see what 2026 brings!
. And don't even get me started on the astronauts - they must be being groomed for something bigger, or have their careers been bought off by the space elite 
. I'm not saying it's all bad, of course... but someone needs to keep an eye on these WAGs and make sure no nefarious activities are going down 
.
. And let's be real, some of these attendees are basically just buying their way into the space industry 
.
I'm literally still reeling from the list of events they had - Space Foundation Reception, MSBR STEM Gala, AIAA Dinner... it's like who gets to attend these things?! 
It's not every day you see Elon Musk shaking hands with a NASA official. 
. Still, gotta give 'em credit for making STEM education and awareness shine bright 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is that there are events like the Axiom Space X-4 Event and Mission 2 Moon Landing? 
And can we talk about how epic it is to have events like the Space Foundation Reception and MSBR STEM Gala? Those sound like some serious networking opportunities 
I'm all for promoting STEM education and awareness too! STEM for all 
