
Rocket City Rising
Summit 2026
Agenda
MARCH 26, 2026
8:30-8:55 AM
Registration & Check-In
9:00-9:45 AM
Morning Welcome & Keynote
9:45-11:30 AM
Morning Panels
11:30-12:15 PM
Networking Lunch
12:15-12:50 PM
Midday Keynote
12:50-1:40 PM
Midday Panels
1:40-2:15 PM
Afternoon Keynote
2:15-3:45 PM
Afternoon Panels
3:45-5:00 PM
Networking Social

The Next Frontier of Geospatial, Space, and Artificial Intelligence
3/26/2026 | Huntsville Botanical Gardens | 9AM-5PM | Business Attire
Step into a one-day summit at the intersection of geospatial, space, and artificial intelligence, hosted in the heart of Rocket City. Connect with industry leaders, government partners, academic innovators, and students for forward-looking conversations on emerging technologies, workforce development, and real-world applications shaping what comes next.
Whether you’re building, deploying, researching, or investing in geospatial solutions, this is where insight turns into momentum.
Sponsorships are now available.

Lieutenant General Richard L. Zellmann
Morning Keynote Speaker

Lieutenant General (LTG) RICHARD L. ZELLMANN originally from Belle Plaine, MN, and was commissioned into the Ordnance Corps after graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1992. After completion of the Ordnance Corps Basic, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course, and the Technical Escort Course, LTG Zellmann began six years of service in the EOD career field.
After completing company command time, LTG Zellmann attended the University of Minnesota prior to serving in the United States Military Academy’s Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering where he was an instructor and assistant professor. LTG Zellmann attended the Space Operations Officer Qualification Course, and since 2004 has served in operational space assignments. As a space operations officer, LTG Zellmann commanded at the company, battalion, and brigade-level. He has had several tours at the Army Service Component Command level: Army Central and Space and Missile Defense Command. Following brigade command LTG Zellmann served as the Joint Force Space Component Command Future Operations Chief and worked on the establishment of U.S. Space Command. Following the establishment of U.S. Space Command, LTG Zellmann served first as the Deputy J5 and then later at the Deputy J3 before becoming the Deputy Commander Combined Joint Force Space Component. He is currently assigned as the Deputy Commander of U.S Space Command. His deployments include a deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom with a space company and two rotations to the ARCENT operational command post.
LTG Zellmann earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics from the United States Military Academy and the University of Minnesota, respectively. His military professional education includes the Ordnance Officer Basic Course, the Combined Logistics Officer Advanced Course, CAS3, Command and General Staff College, and the Air War College. LTG Zellmann’s space education includes the Space Operations Officer Qualification Course, Space 300, Advanced Orbital Mechanics, Advanced Navigation Operations, EMI Fundamentals and the Ground-based Midcourse Defense Staff Course.
LTG Zellmann’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He has also earned the Army Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, Parachutists Badge, and the Master Space Badge. LTG Zellmann is married, and he and his wife have two children and one grandchild.

The Venue
Huntsville Botanical Garden
4747 Bob Wallace Avenue
Huntsville, Alabama 35805
This year’s GEOHuntsville Summit takes place at the stunning Huntsville Botanical Garden, a 118-acre oasis of meadows, woodlands, and vibrant floral displays. The event will be hosted in the elegant Isenberg Grand Hall, featuring modern amenities and a scenic veranda overlooking the gardens. It’s the perfect setting to connect, learn, and be inspired in one of Huntsville’s most beautiful venues.
Registration, Sponsorships, and Students
Registration
Secure your spot at GEOHuntsville Summit 2026, a one-day event bringing together leaders across geospatial, space, and artificial intelligence. Registration is open to industry professionals, government partners, academics, and students, with discounted student rates available.
Registration Deadline: Tickets can be purchased up to the day of the event.
Sponsorships
Put your organization at the center of the conversation. Sponsorships offer visibility with decision-makers, technical experts, and emerging talent while directly supporting workforce development and innovation within the geospatial community.
Opportunities range from high-impact brand placement to meaningful engagement with attendees before, during, and after the Summit.
Sponsorship Deadline: March 12, 2026
Student Scholarship Application
Investing in the Next Generation of Geospatial Leaders
GEOHuntsville is proud to support emerging talent through our Student Scholarship Program, awarding three scholarships to high school seniors graduating in spring 2026 and current college students pursuing a degree in a geospatial-related field. Each selected recipient will receive a $1,000 one-time scholarship, issued directly to their accredited college or university.
Eligibility Highlights
Applicants must:
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Be a current high school senior or a college student enrolled at an accredited college or university as of spring 2026.
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Reside in Madison County or a neighboring county in northern Alabama.
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Complete all parts of the application, including a one-page essay.
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Submit one letter of recommendation from a professor along with the essay.
Completed applications should be emailed to Scholarship Director Sheila McFerran:
Application Deadline
March 16, 2026
Email all materials by Monday 3/16/26 at 11:00 PM
Notification of Award Recipient
March 20, 2026
Attend the Summit
March 26, 2026
Scholarship recipients are expected to attend GEOHuntsville Summit 2026: Rocket City Rising at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.



