The third annual Zero Gravity Summit is scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City on October 28–29, 2026, at the Salt Palace Convention Center. According to a report published October 27, the summit is expected to attract up to 3,000 attendees, including executives from the national security, aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity sectors.
The summit serves as the anchor for Utah's inaugural Hard Tech Week, a series of industry events running from Monday, October 26, through Friday, October 30, 2026. This weeklong celebration focuses on hardware and software products developed in Utah that support multiple sectors of the state's economy.
Key presenters scheduled for the summit include Tom O’Leary, CEO and Co-Founder of JetZero, who will deliver a keynote address on Thursday regarding reshaping aviation. JetZero is currently developing blended-wing-body aircraft and holds a U.S. Air Force development agreement valued at up to approximately $235 million.
Other scheduled speakers include Alexi Stershic, Director of Advanced Expeditionary Defense at Lockheed Martin, who will participate in a Wednesday fireside chat regarding missile-defense architecture. Delian Asparouhov, President and Co-Founder of Varda Space Industries, is also scheduled to participate in a technology demonstration and a discussion regarding contested space operations.
The summit's agenda covers several technical fields including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, advanced aviation, and space operations. The sessions aim to address commercialization, leadership, and the strengthening of the national security industrial base.
To close the event on Thursday, actor Ty Burrell will participate in a discussion with three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. The presentation is titled Built to Win: Performing at the Highest Level.
The event is expected to feature 150 exhibit tables. This follows the previous year's summit, which attracted 2,200 attendees. The summit is described as a venue for connecting industry executives, entrepreneurs, and government leaders to facilitate potential future contracts and investments.
