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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Leaders in space and technology gathered at the Broadmoor Hotel this week for the 27th National Space Symposium.

The symposium is an annual gathering of the global space community and features exhibits and programs on the latest space technology.

Around 9,000 people were estimated to be a part of this year's symposium.

Participants said not only is the symposium a great way to get exposure, but it's also a great way to stay on top of the latest technology.

"From a competitive perspective it is very important to stay on the leading edge of technology," Bill Hodgkins, Boeing Senior Executive of the Colorado Region, said. "A company like Boeing works hard to do that and to keep ourselves in that position, and to be competitive. In this business if you're not on the leading edge, you're way behind."

Participants use the symposium for exposure, a way to build partnerships, and an opportunity to get feed back on potential projects.

Boeing showed off a 3D demonstration built to show the importance of satellite communications.

"We kind of set up a scenario where there's an outpost under attack, and you kind of see what that means to the war fighter on the ground, and then you can select what satellite you have in place, and then the battle plays out depending on what you picked," Ben Renkoski, Boeing Astronomic Engineer, said.

Hodgkins said by staying on top of technology, everyone can benefit, including U.S. troops.

"On the defense side of Boeing most of what we do is in direct support of the war fighter," Hodgkins said. "Whether it be space-based systems that are providing communications, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, it really is of direct importance to the war fighter."

Officials said this year's symposium is the biggest yet and even includes some outdoor exhibits, giving visitors plenty to look at.

Not only does the space symposium benefit the space community but also Colorado Springs.

The symposium is estimated to bring $25 million to the community each year, and officials said this year they expect that number to be even higher.

The symposium runs through Thursday night.