When the Space Force’s most senior enlisted voice takes the stage in Orlando this December, the message will carry weight far beyond the conference floor. The Space Force Association’s flagship gathering is set to feature Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna as a keynote speaker—a moment that underscores the service’s focus on its people as much as its technology.
The Space Force’s senior enlisted leader will join Guardians, joint and allied partners, and industry in Orlando, December 8-10
ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Space Force Association (SFA) has confirmed that Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna will deliver remarks at Spacepower Conference (SPC26). The event is scheduled for December 8-10, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando, running under the banner “The Decisive Edge.”
Bentivegna, who holds the distinction of being only the second individual to serve as the Space Force’s senior enlisted leader, has occupied that post since September 2023. In this capacity, he stands as the highest-ranking enlisted advisor, offering direct counsel to both the Chief of Space Operations and the Secretary of the Air Force.
His military journey began in 1994 with the U.S. Air Force, and he made the transition to the Space Force in 2020. Over the course of his career, Bentivegna has built expertise in both maintenance and space operations, with past assignments including command chief roles at the 50th Space Wing, 14th Air Force and Combined Force Space Component Command, and Space Operations Command. He has also served as senior enlisted advisor to the Chief Operations Officer.
“Guardians are the backbone of American spacepower, and no one speaks for them like the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. We are proud to have CMSSF Bentivegna at Spacepower Conference to talk with the Guardians who make it real,” said Damon Feltman, CEO, Space Force Association.
Now marking its fourth year, Spacepower Conference is designed to bring together the full spacepower ecosystem: Guardians at every level, joint and allied warfighters, industry innovators and investors, and the next generation of space talent. This year’s agenda stretches across five stages, featuring senior leader keynotes, first-hand operator debriefs, and sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence, space nuclear power, in-space servicing and refueling, and the Golden Dome mandate. SPC26 also serves as a closing event for America’s 250th anniversary year.
About Spacepower Conference
Spacepower Conference (SPC26) is a gathering for the people securing, creating, and investing in America’s future in space. SPC26 will be held December 8-10, 2026, at the Hilton Orlando under the theme “The Decisive Edge.” For registration, hotel information, and the latest program updates, visit attendspacepower.org.
About the Space Force Association
The Space Force Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nationally recognized military association supporting the U.S. Space Force and its Guardians, and advocating for U.S.-led space security.
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Emily Honhart
Space Force Association
publicaffairs@ussfa.org
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Why it matters: With Bentivegna headlining, SPC26 signals that the Space Force is prioritizing the human element of its mission—retention, readiness, and leadership—alongside cutting-edge hardware and strategy. For industry partners and investors, his presence offers a direct line to the service’s operational priorities and the concerns of its enlisted ranks.
