

SynBioBeta Speaker
George Whitesides
Congressman
CA-27
George has spent his career solving problems. Over the past 20 years, he has helped lead NASA to new heights, created hundreds of quality jobs in the Antelope Valley, and supported front-line responders and public health through his work on the wildfire crisis. Former Chief of Staff, NASAGeorge worked on President Obama’s transition team in 2008, and then served as Chief of Staff for NASA for the Obama administration. George was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the agency’s highest honor. George led reform of NASA to enable current U.S. space leadership. Former CEO, Virgin GalacticGeorge was the first CEO of Virgin Galactic, the human spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson. He grew the company over a decade from a small team to the global aerospace firm it is today, creating 700 jobs in the Antelope Valley and flying the first woman to space on a commercial space vehicle.Combating Our Wildfire CrisisGeorge co-founded Megafire Action, the first organization dedicated to solving our nation’s megafire crisis. He also initiated Caltech’s Keck Institute workshop on “Detecting and Tracking Fires that Matter” in 2021 and is an advisor to several philanthropic efforts working to make wildfire a manageable challenge through innovation and science policy. Leader In Our Community George co-chaired the Antelope Valley Covid-19 Task Force, an ad hoc group that brought together NASA, industry, local government and the Antelope Valley College to support front line nurses and doctors, for which George received NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal. George serves as a board member of the Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE), working to grow jobs and businesses in the AV. George was awarded the Partners in Educational Excellence Award by the Antelope Valley Union High School District for his work supporting underprivileged students.
All Categories
SynBioBeta 2026 Tickets are Live
Confirmed Speakers
Expo Pass
$495
USD
Access to Main Stage Streaming Content
Event App Access
Exhibit Hall Cocktail Hours
New Attendee & Welcome Reception
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Expo Pass
$495
USD
Access to Main Stage Streaming Content
Event App Access
Exhibit Hall Cocktail Hours
New Attendee & Welcome Reception
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Expo Pass
$495
USD
Access to Main Stage Streaming Content
Event App Access
Exhibit Hall Cocktail Hours
New Attendee & Welcome Reception
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Conference Pass
1,495
USD
Access to all 120+ Sessions
Attendee Directory
Networking Reception
1:1 Partnering App
1:1 Meeting Space
Meals & Refreshments
Post Event Video Access
Before Midnight Fri, Oct 31
Regular Rate
$1,995
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Conference Pass
1,495
USD
Access to all 120+ Sessions
Attendee Directory
Networking Reception
1:1 Partnering App
1:1 Meeting Space
Meals & Refreshments
Post Event Video Access
Before Midnight Fri, Oct 31
Regular Rate
$1,995
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Conference Pass
1,495
USD
Access to all 120+ Sessions
Attendee Directory
Networking Reception
1:1 Partnering App
1:1 Meeting Space
Meals & Refreshments
Post Event Video Access
Before Midnight Fri, Oct 31
Regular Rate
$1,995
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Startup, Academic, Non-Profit or student? Join Our Next Gen Program.
Premium Pass
9,995
USD
Conference Pass +
VIP Dinner
VIP Reception
Concierge Intros
Conference Content
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Premium Pass
9,995
USD
Conference Pass +
VIP Dinner
VIP Reception
Concierge Intros
Conference Content
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Premium Pass
9,995
USD
Conference Pass +
VIP Dinner
VIP Reception
Concierge Intros
Conference Content
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Conference Pass
1,495
USD
Access to all 120+ Sessions
Attendee Directory
Networking Reception
1:1 Partnering App
1:1 Meeting Space
Meals & Refreshments
Post Event Video Access
Before Midnight Fri, Oct 31
Regular Rate
$1,995
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Startup, Academic, Non-Profit or student? Join Our Next Gen Program.
Expo Pass
$495
USD
Access to Main Stage Streaming Content
Event App Access
Exhibit Hall Cocktail Hours
New Attendee & Welcome Reception
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Premium Pass
9,995
USD
Conference Pass +
VIP Dinner
VIP Reception
Concierge Intros
Conference Content
Purchase Pass
Purchase Pass
Free cancelation through 2 weeks before the event, if you book before October 31st.
Previous Speakers Include

Join for the latest
SynBioBeta event updates.













































































































