I hope this year is off to a great start for you! New beginnings bring an opportunity to take stock of where we are and chart a course for the future.

Since 1985, when the “SSP” added the “I” to its name, we have aspired to champion the professionals who make up our global industry. While we have made strides, we recognize there is more to do to ensure we truly represent our worldwide membership. One area under review is the location and format of our major events.

For example, the Better Satellite World Awards Dinner, co-sponsored by our UK Chapter, rightfully centers on the development of the UK space industry and has a natural home in the UK. But when it comes to the Hall of Fame Celebration, which honors the incredible range of achievement across our global industry, does it make sense that the event has always taken place in Washington, DC – or even solely in the United States? Similarly, how many young professionals are we not engaging or recognizing by hosting the Future Leaders Celebration exclusively in Mountain View, CA?

These are the kinds of questions I am exploring with the SSPI Board of Directors, alumni of our awards programs and all of you. As part of this important work, the 2025 Hall of Fame Celebration will be paused, allowing us the time and space to reimagine how we honor the brilliance and diversity of our industry in ways that reflect its global and evolving nature.

This is an exciting moment to think boldly about our future. I look forward to working with you to create events and initiatives that inspire, connect and celebrate the extraordinary people who drive our industry forward. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Sincerely,
Tamara Bond-Williams
Deputy Executive Director
SSPI