Do you have to be in the aerospace industry to attend?

Of course not!  The best part of SpaceUp is the variety of backgrounds of its attendees.  SpaceUp attracts all space enthusiasts – artists, teachers, businesspeople, students, writers, scientists, and engineers.  If you have an interest in Space and technology, this is the unconference for you!

Do I have to stay both days?

You’re welcome to come and go as you please over the course of the weekend, but you never know what you’ll miss out on if you don’t stay the whole time.  You are free to spend one of two days at SpaceUp (note: you must still pay the registration fee for the entire event, however).  Saturday will tend to have more “special events” (such as the T-5 talks), Sunday will tend to have more participant sessions.

Can I bring my kids?

Of course!  Kids have enjoyed SpaceUp as much as adults thanks to special events and the museum, which is open both days exclusively for attendees to tour as part of their registration.  The Space Center has tons of games, VEX robots, simulators, legos etc for kids and adults alike to play with!  And don’t forgot about the Mission Control simulator! Kids attend at a highly reduced rate.

How can I volunteer?

We’ve had a great response from students looking to volunteer, and at this point we are pretty well covered for both days of the event.  There are still great ways to contribute, however:  we are looking to borrow equipment (what we call “crowdsourcing”)  such as audio/visual equipment (DV cameras, microphones, laptops), whiteboards and easels, and similar equipment to improve both the event and the live webcast.  If you have any equipment we’d be able to use, please contact us!  Also, we need help getting the word out about SpaceUp — tell your friends, tweet about it, or hang our poster in your school or office.

What type of food will be served?

Meals will be buffet-style and “social” in nature.  The exact food choice hasn’t been determined yet, but think pizza/salad type food for lunch, and build-your-own tacos (or similar) for dinner.  There will be plenty of vegetarian/vegan options but we can not take special requests.  Snacks and drinks will also be provided during the entirety of the event.

Can I bring a laptop to present a video/demo?

Yes!  Projectors and microphones will be available for your use in Sessions and during the T-5 talks.  You may bring laptops or a flash drive with your presentations.  Note that high-speed internet access from the museum will be allocated to the live video streaming of the event only!  There is good 3G coverage in the museum if you have tethering service.

What if I’m from out of town?

We’ve set up a Google Doc spreadsheet for coordinating rideshares.  We have a lot of people interested in coming from San Francisco, San Diego, Mojave, and elsewhere.  Check out the spreadsheet and throw your info in, and make it happen! We want you to be able to make it!

Any local hotel discounts for SpaceUp attendees?

At this time, The Downey Studio Inn & Suites which is right next to our venue is providing a discount to SpaceUp LA attendees.  Call for more information (562) 923-5511 and provide the dates (August 5-7) and the keyword “Columbia” for rates (should be around $70).  Please check their website online which also provides discounts.