By: Chloe Morrissey, 27 News, Jun 26, 2024

MADISON (WKOW) — Protesters took to the Monona Terrace to protest the National Space & Missile Materials Symposium (NSMMS), claiming the City of Madison should not host an event like that.

The event is a joint symposium with Commercial and Government Responsive Access (CRASTE).

Weapons and arms manufacturing companies like Boeing, Lockheed-Martin and Northrop Grumman attended the convention. Protesters claim that the companies profit off of the war in Gaza. 

Phil Trachtenberg is a member of World Beyond War and Jewish Voice for Peace, some of the many groups present at Wednesday night’s protest.

“These companies, especially Boeing Lockheed and Northrop Grumman, are actively and openly having a conference where they’re talking about weapons and the bombs that we can see right now on our phones being dropped in Gaza,” Trachtenberg said. “Any company that profits off of war like this and off of death should not be allowed here, and that’s what we’re here to say.”

Protesters said that The City has supported Palestine in the past. In December of 2023, the Common Council passed a ceasefire resolution.

Kristen Durst, Community and Public Relations Manager for the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center told 27 News:

“Monona Terrace hosts over 500 events each year. Event space is rentable to any person, business, or organization that can fulfill the terms of our lease. The content at events and views and opinions of clients who rent space at Monona Terrace is their own.” 

In another statement, City of Madison Spokesperson Dylan Brogan added: 

“The City has a long history of supporting the right to peacefully protest. This situation is no different.”

 The convention is set to wrap up on Thursday.