CAST 2026
The Human Advantage
"Better Together"
COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA, USA
August 3 - 5, 2026
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CAST 2026 Landing on COCOA BEACH, FL USA
Where rocket launches light up the sky, world-champion surfers were raised, and the American space program rewrote what's possible. This August, CAST 2026 lands on Florida's Space Coast.
SMALL TOWN. BIG LEGACY
Cocoa Beach is a barrier-island community of roughly 11,400 residents that punches astronomically above its weight. Established in 1925, the town went from 49 residents in the late 1930s to a 1,000% population increase during the 1960s Space Race. Today it sits 15 miles south of Kennedy Space Center, where SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA, and ULA launch missions on a near-weekly basis, and you can watch them right from the beach!
LAUNCH CAPITAL OF AMERICA
The Space Coast hosted a record-breaking 109 rocket launches in 2025, shattering the previous record of 93. Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station sit just north of town. During CAST week, there's a strong chance attendees will witness a launch. Major players including SpaceX, Blue Origin, ULA, and NASA all operate from this corridor.
SURFING CAPITAL OF THE EAST COAST
Cocoa Beach earned this title through decades of consistent Atlantic swells and a homegrown surf culture that produced Kelly Slater, 11-time World Surf League champion and arguably the greatest competitive surfer in history. Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world's largest surf shop at 52,000 sq ft, has been open 24/7 since 1963. The annual Easter Surf Festival has run since 1964.
NATURE & WILDLIFE
The Space Coast encompasses 190,000 acres of wetlands and waterways with habitat found nowhere else on Earth. The Banana River and Indian River Lagoon light up with bioluminescence during summer months. Sea turtles nest May through October. Manatees, dolphins, and migratory birds are common sights. The Thousand Islands mangrove tunnels offer world-class kayaking.
TECH & AEROSPACE EPICENTER
Brevard County is home to L3Harris Technologies (HQ), Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Collins Aerospace, Embraer, and Leonardo DRS. The region holds the largest share of STEM-related jobs in Florida. SpaceX alone is investing a minimum of $1.8 billion to bring Starship operations to the Space Coast.
Wake up to Atlantic Ocean views on Cocoa Beach. 10 minutes from Port Canaveral and 30 minutes from Kennedy Space Center, where rockets launch on a near-weekly basis. Between CAST 2026 sessions, recharge at the oceanfront pool deck, grab a meal by the water, or walk straight onto the beach. Scenic bike rides, surfing lessons, beach volleyball, and chair rentals are all available on-site... all the space you need to connect and collaborate on your favorite tech topics.
Airport Info
CAST Accomodation Discount
We have secured discounted rates for rooms right onsite at the venue! Utilize the link to reserve your room today.
GROUP CODE: AST26
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) ~50 miles | ~55–70 minutes
Take the North exit from the airport and follow signs for the Beachline Expressway (SR 528) East toward Cocoa Beach / Kennedy Space Center.
Stay on SR 528 the entire way — it's a straight shot east to the coast. The road passes through two toll plazas (expect $5–$10 total one-way; cash lanes on the far right, or use SunPass/E-PASS).
After you pass exits for I-95 and US-1, the expressway ends near Port Canaveral and curves south, becoming A1A (Astronaut Blvd).
Continue south on A1A approximately one mile. The Hilton is on the left (ocean side) at 1550 N. Atlantic Ave.
Rideshare & shuttles from MCO: Uber/Lyft runs approximately $50–$80 one-way depending on demand. Private shuttle services (Cocoa Beach Shuttle, Ace Luxury Transportation) typically run $45–$85 per person and can be booked in advance. A rental car gives you the most flexibility once you're on the Space Coast.
PRO TIPS:
- They run radar along the stretch of SR 528 after US-1. Watch your speed.
- Want to skip tolls? Take SR 50 East to I-95 South, then SR 528 East to the coast. Adds roughly 25 minutes but avoids toll plazas entirely.
From Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) ~20 miles | ~30–35 minutes
Take Airport Blvd south to New Haven Avenue (US 192) and head east. Continue east on US 192 to A1A, then turn north on A1A. Follow A1A north approximately 10 miles along the coast. The Hilton is on the right (ocean side) at 1550 N. Atlantic Ave.
This is the shorter, simpler, toll-free drive — and MLB is a smaller airport with less congestion. Worth considering if your airline serves it.
Rideshare from MLB: Uber/Lyft runs approximately $30–$50 one-way. Taxi services are also available at the terminal.
General Tips
Rental car counters are available at both airports. If you're flying into MCO and plan to stay at the Hilton for the full conference, a rental car is helpful but not essential. The hotel is walkable to beach restaurants and Ron Jon Surf Shop, and rideshare is reliable in the area. On-site parking at the Hilton is available for a fee.
The Cocoa Beach Loop trolley/bus runs seven days a week along A1A if you want to get around without a car once you're settled.
Join Us at CAST 2026!
Don't miss out on this sure to sell out event! Secure your seat at CAST 2026 today!