Program

• 17:30-19:30 PDT

  Exhibit Hall Open

• 8:00–12:00 PDT

  From Drone Data to Survey Deliverable by Virtual Surveyor

  Room 401

  Drone surveying does not end with photogrammetry! Learn how to create CAD models, volumetric calculations and reports, or machine control files. Deliverables that are lightweight and client ready.

• 8:00-12:00 PDT

  Photogrammetric Mapping with UAS

  Room 405-406

  This workshop teaches the fundamentals of creating controlled map products and 3D models from UAS-mounted camera systems. Participants will learn to successfully design projects in accordance with ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards, including flight planning, ground control placement, camera calibration, block adjustment, product generation, quality control, and accuracy assessment.

• 9:00-14:00 PDT

  Cutting Edge Industry Insights: Essentials for Every Drone Pilot

  Room 309-311

  Join this workshop, featuring four master sessions and a Q&A with Pilot Institute subject experts on the critical topics you need to know, and then continue the conversations at the VIP networking lunch. Topics include the latest information about waivers, education, business development, and industry advances.

  Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder & Lead Instructor at the Pilot Institute
  Amy Wiegand, CEO & Founder of Earhart Alden & Associates
  Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder & Lead Instructor at the Pilot Institute
  Jared Janacek, Founder & President of Texas Drone Company
  Vic Moss, Owner of Moss Photography

• 10:00-17:00 PDT

  Pix4D For Construction, Inspection, Survey, and Cinema

  Unity Boardroom

  This course will include:

  • - Mission Planning, Execution, and Image Capture
  • - Using Nadir and Oblique flight for image capture
  • - Marking GPS way points and boundary points
  • - Creating image capture flight plans and multiple capture flight plans
  • - Working with flight parameters
  • - Importing Ground Control Points for accuracy and checkpoints
  • - Pix4D Desktop
  • - Loading data (photos, .las files)
  • - Creating a project and a high-precision project
  • - Splitting and merging projects
  • - Producing a 3D texture
  • - Producing a 3D PointCloud
  • - Uploading to the cloud
  • - Summary and Conclusion

• 12:00-14:30 PDT

  Lunch Concessions Available for Purchase

  Academy Ballroom

• 13:00-14:00 PDT

  Coffee Break

  Academy Ballroom

• 13:00-17:00 PDT

  End-to-End Workflow for Digital Twin Creation: Mission Planning, Data Capture, and Model Processing

  Room 401

  This workshop is designed to guide participants through the full lifecycle of digital twin creation using DJI’s enterprise ecosystem. From understanding mission goals to generating and refining detailed 3D models, attendees will gain a practical and strategic understanding of each phase of the process.

• 13:00–16:30 PDT

  Capturing Reality in 3D: LiDAR Tools and Techniques That Deliver

  Room 404

  Unlock the full potential of LiDAR with GeoCue in this hands-on, four-hour workshop at Commercial UAV Expo. Whether you’re scanning from the air, mapping from the road, or capturing complex spaces by hand, our complete ecosystem of TrueView LiDAR hardware, paired with the powerful LP360 software, equips you to manage every step of the mapping workflow.

• 13:00–17:00 PDT

  Lidar Mapping with UAS

  Room 405-406

  This workshop teaches the fundamentals of creating controlled map products and 3D models from UAS-mounted lidar systems. Participants will learn to successfully design projects in accordance with ASPRS Positional Accuracy Standards, including flight planning, ground control placement, lidar system calibration, point cloud processing, product generation, quality control, and accuracy assessment.

  David Spraggs, Geospatial Project Manager at McKim & Creed

• 13:00-17:00 PDT

  A Comprehensive, Practical Guide to Transforming UAVs into Real-World Mapping and Surveying Solutions

  Room 407-408

  This 4-hour workshop presents the design, operation, calibration, best practice, and achievable accuracy of uncrewed aerial LiDAR and Cameras. This workshop is intended for the UAV LiDAR/Camera user community, including mapping professionals, land surveyors, managers, engineers, and decision-makers to understand the underlying concepts of LiDAR/camera from the technical, operational, and business perspectives in the form of theory and practice using real data sets from around the world

• 14:15-17:30 PDT

  Exhibitor Showcase Presentations

  Room 312-315

  Technology and its capabilities are changing constantly with new features, products, and software designed to make work safer, faster, less expensive, and better performing. Hear from exhibiting organizations who will highlight the latest technologies available to you during the Exhibitor Showcase Presentations.

• 17:30-19:30 PDT

  Welcome Reception

  Exhibit Hall

  Time to party! Join friends and colleagues for the opening of the Exhibit Hall floor at the Welcome Reception! Check out the latest UAS solutions, chat with vendors, and make new connections at this ever-popular event.

• 17:30-19:30 PDT

  Public Safety Meet & Greet

  Pilot Hub

  Join colleagues from law enforcement, public safety, and related fields for a casual meet and greet, sponsored by DroneSense by Versaterm. At 6:00 PM, join us for a welcome and presentation from DroneSense by Versaterm.

• 17:30-19:30 PDT

  An Exclusive First Look at AIBOT’s Premiere Drones the AIBOT 500 & AIBOT X Series

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

• 17:30-18:30 PDT

  First-Time Attendee Meet Up

  Level Up Lounge

  Is it your first time attending Commercial UAV Expo? Stop by the Level Up Lounge during the Welcome Reception to network with other commercial drone professionals and members of the Commercial UAV Expo team – we’re here to help! Free career consultations from Global Air U will be available to help you make the most of your experience!

• 18:00-18:10 PDT

  Welcome and Presentation from DroneSense by Versaterm

  Pilot Hub

  David Spraggs, Manager of Customer Success at DroneSense by Versaterm

• 10:00-18:30 PDT

  Exhibit Hall Open

• 8:00-8:55 PDT

  Coffee & Light Bites

  Academy Ballroom

• 9:00-10:00 PDT

  Opening Keynotes

  Room 302-303

  What’s the Price of Standing Still? How Inaction on Drone Innovation Costs You

  Discover why there’s no perfect time for innovation and how procrastination can put you behind. Join us to better understand that it’s not just about what drones can do, but what you can do with the technology to make a difference that can redefine workflows and whole careers.

  Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO and Co-Founder at Buzz Solutions

  Unlocking ROI with UAVs: Proving the Value of Your Drone Program

  It’s easy to discuss how drones can make tasks faster, cheaper, and safer. But how do you quantify that value? How do you build a compelling ROI case for your drone initiatives that makes practical sense for project managers and bottom-line sense for organizational stakeholders? A leading utility company has cracked the code.

  Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO and Co-Founder at Buzz Solutions
  Thomas F. Butler, UAS Manager at Dominion Energy

  Capturing High-Definition Spatial Intelligibility in the Grand Canyon

  To conduct the first-ever drone operation within the Grand Canyon, the team at HDR had to carefully navigate a complex regulatory landscape involving the FAA, NPS, and multiple other federal stakeholders. Data captured by drones over the Grand Canyon extended context to provide a significant ROI across multiple dimensions, but what do those insights mean for you?

  Carlos Femmer, Data Acquisition Director at HDR
  Kerry Fleming, Senior Partner at UAS LLC
  P. Chad Maxwell, Senior Geomatics Manager at HDR

• 10:00-11:00 PDT

  Coffee Break

  Exhibit Hall

• 10:00-11:30 PDT

  Standard Test Methods for Platform Evaluation and Pilot Proficiency

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  These standard test methods provide a reproducible way to train and measure remote pilot proficiency for professionals and recreational pilots. Organizations can establish their own minimum proficiency requirements to improve operations while reducing risk to ground personnel and manned aircraft in the area.

• 10:15-12:15 PDT

  Online + Onsite Course: Drone Business Made Easy

  Pilot Hub

  In the evolving UAV industry, fostering diversity and engagement within the workforce is crucial for driving innovation and achieving success. The panel “Pathway to Leadership: Building a Diverse, Engaged Workforce” will discuss effective strategies for setting up the next generation of UAV professionals for success, broadening representation in UAV careers, and strategies for growing the workforce of the future.

  Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder & Lead Instructor at the Pilot Institute

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  The Best and Most Revealing Uses of Drone Technology in 2025

  Room 309-311

  Departments of Transportation and enterprise organizations are looking to deploy dock-based Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

  Shayne Gill, Program Director for Multimodal Transportation at AASHTO
  Timo Müller, VP Product and Co-Founder - Voliro
  Eileen Lockhart, Director of UAV Services - Acuren Inspection
  Lee Corbin, Chief Operating Officer - Linebird

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  UAS in Critical Infrastructure: A Critical Discussion on What Works and Why

  Summit Stage

  A panel of long term industry veterans from across energy, telecom, and other critical infrastructure segments come together for a guaranteed lively discussion on their biggest battle scars and wins over their years of pursuing UAS adoption at scale.

  Cynthia Huang, CEO - ACSL Inc.
  Will Wheeler, Principal, UAS - Southern Company
  Matt Gulsvig, Sr. Program Manager for Hardware Solutions and Chief Pilot for UAS Operations at American Tower Corporation
  Robert Ford, Sr. Manager for Remote Sensing and UAS at Southern California Edison
  James Pierce, Manager for UAS Operations and Inspection Services at Ameren

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  The BVLOS NPRM Has Been Released. What Now?

  Room 302-303

  In August, the drone industry received some much-anticipated news with the FAA’s release of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Now, the public is in the midst of a 60-day commenting period during which industry professionals and organizations can share with the FAA positives within the NPRM and what needs further consideration.

  Rob Knochenhauer, Director of Regulatory Affairs - Censys Technologies
  Vic Moss, Owner of Moss Photography
  Kerry Fleming, Senior Partner at UAS LLC
  Kenji Sugahara, Director of Oregon Department of Aviation

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  Building a Public Safety UAS Program

  Room 316-319

  Launch your agency’s UAS program with confidence. This session walks through the essential building blocks of a successful and sustainable public safety drone program, from mission planning and FAA compliance to training, equipment selection, and stakeholder engagement. Perfect for new adopters or those ready to formalize and scale their operations.

  Jason Day, Deputy Director, Training at DRONERESPONDERS
  Robert Dooley, Sergeant, UAS Program Coordinator - Florida Highway Patrol
  Lance Infanger, Sergeant, UAS Program Manager - Phoenix Police Department
  Matt Rowland, Officer, Air Support Unit UAS Pilot - Fort Wayne Police Department
  Steven Oscar, UAS Program Manager - Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

• 11:00-12:30 PDT

  Drone Project Management Strategies Across Industries

  Room 312-315

  This session is specifically designed for project managers seeking to leverage the transformative power of drone technology within their projects, regardless of industry.

  Erin Sewall, Content Specialist at Commercial UAV News
  Michael Lever, Technical Director at 24-7 Drone Force
  Ryan Smith, President - Titan Protection & Consulting
  Mark Hastings, CEO at Aero Velocity
  Barritt Lovelace, Vice President of UAS, AI and Digital Twins at Collins Engineers, Inc.
  Peter Keum, Drone Program Lead / GIS Analyst at King County Wastewater Treatment

• 11:00-12:30 PDT

  Scaling Your Drone Business

  Room 306-307

  Are you looking to take your drone service business to the next level? This roundtable discussion offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow drone service providers, share experiences, and gain actionable insights on the challenges and opportunities of scaling your operations.

  David Daly, Small Business Owner - Vigilante Drones & Consulting, Altitude University, High Stakes University
  Joe Stough, CEO & Executive Chairman at FlyGuys
  Jerimiah Contreras, Manager of Pilot Experience at FlyGuys
  Sam Scully, Founder and Principal / Dronist at Sam Scully Staffing
  Robert Hart, Owner of LIDAR Drone Services

• 11:30-12:30 PDT

  Creating High-Value Drone Services with Custom Solutions

  Summit Stage

  For organizations in critical commercial and industrial sectors, standard off-the-shelf drone solutions often fail to meet highly specialized operational requirements. This panel explores how drone development and integration services are revolutionizing industry-specific applications by significantly extending the capabilities of commercial drone platforms.

  Mike Pehel, CEO - UpStreem
  Godfrey Nolan, President at RIIS
  Andrew Wilkins, Co-Founder - Ascend Engineering

• 12:00-13:30 PDT

  Navigating BVLOS Operations

  Room 302-303

  This session will explore the evolving regulatory landscape, focusing on the key considerations and frameworks necessary for the safe and effective integration of BVLOS technology within urban and rural environments.

  12:00-12:40 – Beyond Visual Line of Sight in Mode C Veil: Achieving Safe and Scalable Drone Delivery with ADS-B

  As drone delivery services expand, the ability to safely operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) in controlled airspace is a critical hurdle to widespread adoption. This discussion will explore how uAvionix and Wing are successfully collaborating to achieve BVLOS flights in the Mode C Veil, leveraging ADS-B technology for enhanced airspace awareness and electronic conspicuity.

  Jon Damush, CEO at uAvionix
  Dallas Brooks, Aviation Outreach & Standards Lead at Wing

  12:40-1:30 – BVLOS Drone Operations: Training, Waivers, and the Future of Complex Missions

  What does it mean to enable success in this evolving UAS landscape? Experts from Cyberhawk, Skydio, and Censys will answer those questions as they discuss regulations and permissions, BVLOS waivers and operations, and the future of complex drone missions.

  Rob Knochenhauer, Director of Regulatory Affairs - Censys Technologies
  Scott Lashmit, US Aviation Manager - Cyberhawk
  Jenn Player, VP, Global Aviation Regulatory Affairs - Skydio
  Mike Ralich, Chief Pilot - UPS Flight Forward

• 12:00-13:30 PDT

  Shared Skies: How Public Safety and DOTs Are Advancing UAS Integration

  Room 316-319

  As drones become indispensable tools for emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and traffic management, public safety agencies and Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are forging new paths in collaborative airspace use. This panel explores how these sectors are working together to integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into daily operations, safely, strategically, and at scale.

  Sergio Roman, Director of Emerging Aviation Technology at Texas Department of Transportation
  Anthony Ramon, Training Coordinator / Master K9 Instructor & Trainer / UAV Coordinator at Reeves County Sheriff Office
  Daniel Cheatham, Deputy Chief, UAS Program Manager at Phoenix Fire Department
  Aaron Fritch, Captain, UAS Operations at Texas Department of Public Safety

• 12:00-14:30 PDT

  Lunch

  Academy Ballroom

• 12:30-13:00 PDT

  Using the Skydio X2 for Pix4D Datasets

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  Virtually any UAS may be used for photogrammetry, and in this demo, the pilot will manually fly the Skydio 2 for data capture and input to Pix4DMatic. While survey and construction require GNSS datapoints for precision and accuracy, accurate models may be created without access to GNSS data (indoor flight).

• 13:00-14:30 PDT

  Drone Workflow Implementation and Integration

  Room 306-307

  This interactive roundtable discussion offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow project managers, share real-world experiences, and gain actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of drone workflow implementation. Through dynamic, rotating small group discussions, you’ll tackle specific integration challenges and leave with practical solutions to optimize your projects.

  Garret Hultgren, Sergeant - Longmont Police Department
  Steffanie Rivers, Drone Pilot and Proprietor - TCB Drones, LLC
  Thomas Haun, President - Turner Staffing Group

• 13:00-14:00 PDT

  Transforming Survey Workflows with Drone Technology

  Room 312-315

  Designed for surveying professionals eager to leverage the power of drone technology, this session contains a variety of presentations that outline what it means for drone technology to create value. Presenters will explore and detail practical strategies for seamlessly integrating drones into existing workflows.

  Mastering Infrared Inspections: Aerial & Ground-Based Thermography for Precision Diagnostics

  Mastering infrared spectral scanning, AI-driven analysis, and drone-based data collection can enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs, and improve infrastructure sustainability. This presentation is designed to equip drone pilots and industry professionals with the insights they need to perform high-value thermal inspections across multiple sectors.

  Drew Thacker, Principal - DFW ASTM PROS

  Overview of the Results of Combining Aerial and Terrestrial Scan Data

  In August of 2024, the team at Tran Texas Surveying conducted an ALTA boundary survey to determine the utility of combining aerial and terrestrial lidar with point cloud data from the LEICA RTC360. They also wanted to assess the potential of TopoDot and Carlson Point Clouds software for automatic or manual extraction.

  Robert Young, RPLS - OWNER at Trans Texas Surveying and Mapping

  Lessons Learned: Massive Site Survey and Progress Tracking

  At the start of 2025, ASN Constructors reached the halfway point in constructing a $4+ billion flood mitigation project in Fargo, ND. This massive effort includes a 30-mile diversion channel, 19 bridges, and 2 aqueducts. As a result, the team needs to manage approximately 10,000 acres of flight area, which they must survey, process, and analyze at least once a month.

  Anthony Herman, Drone Program Manager - ASN Constructors

  PRISM Team Completes World Record-Breaking 350,000 Acre Drone Lidar Survey

  The PRISM team, in collaboration with industry partners Harris Aerial and Phoenix LiDAR, successfully completed the world’s largest contiguous drone lidar data collection. They mapped 350,000 acres using high-density lidar and high-resolution imagery, requiring over 500 flight hours over three years.

  Raymond Akol, Regional Sales Manager at Phoenix LiDAR Systems
  Eben Broadbent, Associate Professor at University of Florida

• 13:00-14:00 PDT

  Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly

  Summit Stage

  The session provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the critical drone regulations that every commercial drone service provider and pilot must understand before taking to the skies.

  Uncrewed Aviation Operational Safety in the New Reality of Diminished Commercial Aviation Safety

  Since its inception in our lives in 2012, uncrewed aviation, or drones, have existed in an environment in which commercial airliners crossed the skies with an enviable safety record of no multi-fatality accidents for over a decade.

  Juan Plaza, CEO - Plaza Aerospace Corp.

  Global Approaches to Standardizing BVLOS Operations and Maintenance Training

  The absence of standardized regulations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations presents significant challenges for safety and risk management with the integration of drones and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the global airspace.

  Josh Olds, President, CEO, and Co-Founder at Unmanned Safety Institute

  Updates and Developments in Drone Law

  Drone law is evolving almost as rapidly as the technology. In addition to developing FAA and federal regulations, state and local regulations are undergoing significant development and revision.

  Tyler Hazen, Drone Law Attorney and Author - Angulo McGhee APC

  The Hidden Costs of UAV Incidents: Lessons from Insurance Claims

  This session will explore real-world UAV-related insurance claims, uncovering the hidden risks and financial impacts that operators often overlook.

  Alistair Blundy, CEO & Lead Underwriter | Advanced Technologies at ATA Insurance

• 13:00-13:40 PDT

  Bringing Aviation Safety Culture to UAS

  Pilot Hub

  Communication, decision-making, and teamwork are pillars of safe missions, especially as the industry scales. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to mistakes, learn about the aviation safety standards and culture that are easily transferable to UAS from Kyle Nordfors, career Airline Pilot, Weber County Search and Rescue team, and Mountain Rescue Chairman.

  Kyle Nordfors, UAS Chairman at Mountain Rescue Association

• 13:00-13:30 PDT

  Manual Capture with the Autel Evo for Cinema, AEC, and Inspection

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  Virtually any UAS may be used to create compelling, high quality models in Pix4DMatic. Georeferencing is not required for game development, cinema, or inspection, and in this demonstration, we’ll see how manual capture best functions for these kinds of projects and missions.

• 13:30-14:30 PDT

  From Blueprint to Perimeter: Scaling DJI Dock Across Construction and Security

  Room 309-311

  In this session, we’ll review the DJI Dock 3 platform and explore how its remote deployment capabilities, all weather resilience, and integration with leading software tools are transforming operations across industries.

  Grant Hosticka, Head of Solutions Engineering NA - DJI Enterprise
  Antoine Tissier, VDC Drone Operations Manager - Clayco
  Ryan Smith, President - Titan Protection & Consulting
  Austin Lay, Sr. VDC Manager, RCT - Layton Construction

• 13:30-14:00 PDT

  The Next Generation Multi-Payload Drone

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  Discover the power and versatility of the X500 UAV at our live indoor demonstration during Commercial UAV EXPO 2025. Built for both precision and adaptability, the X500 is an advanced drone platform designed to meet the needs of professionals across multiple industries – from geospatial surveying and infrastructure inspection to public safety, emergency response, and industrial monitoring.

• 13:40-14:20 PDT

  Composition, the Building Blocks of Great Photography

  Pilot Hub

  Join Vic as he teaches you something you didn’t know that you already knew. Vic will deep dive into the compositional elements of great photography (much of the same elements for videography as well). Once you have the basics of composition down, the quality of your imagery will increase exponentially. Your revisualization will become your post production masterpiece.

  Vic Moss, Owner of Moss Photography

• 14:00-15:00 PDT

  Navigating the Future of the Drone Industry: Autonomy, AI, Innovation, and Beyond

  Room 302-303

  The drone industry is experiencing a fundamental shift in operator roles as artificial intelligence and autonomy mature. Advances with autonomy, AI capabilities, and flight time have simplified the adoption process while amplifying the capabilities of the technology. While piloting skills once dominated the field, today’s operations increasingly require system management, data interpretation, and strategic oversight capabilities.

  Kaitlyn Albertoli, CEO and Co-Founder - Buzz Solutions
  Bill Irby, CEO - AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc.
  Adrien Briod, Co-Founder and CTO - Flyability
  Nitin Gupta, Founder & CEO - FlytBase
  Armin Ambuehl, CTO - Wingtra
  James Pierce, Manager for UAS Operations and Inspection Services - Ameren

• 14:00-14:30 PDT

  From Sensing to Acting – The Next Step in Aerial Robotics

  Summit Stage

  In this session, we will explore how UAVs are evolving to perform tasks such as grabbing, drilling, grinding, and localized repairs—fundamentally changing the role of drones in industrial operations.

  Timo Müller, VP Product and Co-Founder at Voliro

• 14:20-15:00 PDT

  Mapping Mastery: Workflows That Win Jobs

  Pilot Hub

  You know the basics, it’s time to sharpen your process. In this session, we’ll cover real-world workflows, data accuracy tips, and deliverables that set you apart. Learn how to map smarter, not harder — and build confidence in your value as a professional.

  Jared Janacek, Founder at Texas Drone Company

• 14:30-16:00 PDT

  Where and How are Drones Creating Value?

  Room 312-315

  Whether you’re a surveyor seeking enhanced data and efficiency, a project manager aiming for better oversight and cost savings, or a drone pilot looking to identify the most lucrative applications, this session will provide you with actionable insights and real-world examples.

  Inspecting Walters Dam: A Hybrid Data Capture and Digital Twin Approach for a Historic Structure

  Situated on difficult terrain and an environmentally and culturally sensitive area in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Walters Hydroelectric Dam presented a significant challenge for survey and inspection professionals. This presentation will discuss how, in conjunction with a reservoir drawdown, a combination of drone data collection, terrestrial lidar mapping and survey were used to successfully document as-is conditions of the upstream and downstream face of this North Carolina Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

  Carlos Femmer, Data Acquisition Director - HDR

  The 3X Value Proposition of Drone Adoption and Integration

  This presentation will detail how integrating drone technology can help an organization achieve a 3:1 return on investment, meaning you’ll gain or save $3 for every dollar spent. This presentation will highlight specific applications that generate tangible financial benefits, including substantial cost reductions and new revenue streams.

  Calvin Rieb, Global, Remotely Operated Systems - Leader at Cargill

  Leveraging Drones for Mapping, Monitoring, and Facility Assessment Across 127,000+ Acres

  Virginia’s state parks offer a broad canvas for implementing a drone program. The Virginia State Parks Natural Resource Manager/UAV Coordinator will showcase how he’s used drones for controlled burn overwatch, disaster response, mapping, fire effects monitoring, search and rescue, facility assessment, and invasive species and wildlife surveys.

  Al Cire, District Resource Specialist - Virginia State Parks

  First Responder & UAV Application in Protecting the West of Pecos Oil & Gas Industry

  This presentation will advise drone pilots on the day-to-day application of protecting, preventing, and deterring criminal activity in the oil and gas industry. Attendees will understand the roles and responsibilities of UAV drone pilots in emergency response to safety of accidents or natural disasters.

  Anthony Ramon, Training Coordinator / Master K9 Instructor & Trainer / UAV Coordinator at Reeves County Sheriff Office

  Practical Applications and Seamless Data Integration

  This presentation will focus on the practical applications of drone technology within modern surveying workflows. It will highlight the crucial aspect of seamlessly integrating drone-acquired data—including high-resolution orthomosaics, accurate 3D point clouds from photogrammetry and LiDAR, and thermal imagery—directly into existing platforms.

  Austin Lay, Sr. VDC Manager, RCT at Layton Construction

• 14:30-15:30 PDT

  Defending the Airspace: cUAS for First Responders

  Room 316-319

  As drone technology advances, so do the threats they can pose. This session explores the evolving landscape of counter-UAS (cUAS) in the public safety arena—highlighting legal constraints, detection tools, response strategies, and real-world use cases.

  DJ Smith, Unmanned Aerial & CUAS Systems Program Coordinator at Virginia State Police
  Aaron Fritch, Captain, UAS Operations at Texas Department of Public Safety
  Brian Hon, Sergeant, UAS Supervisor at Arizona Department of Public Safety
  Matt Rowland, Officer, Air Support Unit UAS Pilot at Fort Wayne Police Department

• 14:30-15:15 PDT

  The $15 Billion-Dollar Sky – How Agri-Drones are Powering America’s Next Tech Boom

  Summit Stage

  Agri-drones are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the next wave of technological growth in the United States. With the potential to unlock a $15 billion market in the coming years, this sector combines advanced robotics, AI, and precision agriculture to address critical challenges in food production, labor, and sustainability.

  Valerii Iakovenko, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at DroneUA and Futurology
  Iurii Pederii, CEO at AeroDrone
  Vladimir Gaplik, Сo-Founder and COO at FarmFleet
  Ashley Hanson, Unmanned Aviation Systems Manager at John Deere Aviation

• 15:00-16:30 PDT

  Drone Surveying Best Practices

  Room 306-307

  This interactive roundtable discussion offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow surveying professionals, share invaluable experiences, and gain actionable insights into the latest and most effective drone surveying best practices.

  Mohamed Mostafa, Lead Technical Authority, Mobile Mapping at Trimble Applanix
  Larry Donelson, Co-Founder and CEO at InTerra Inc.
  Juan Plaza, CEO at Plaza Aerospace Corp.
  Eric Andelin, Vice President, Strategic Market Development, US at Pointerra

• 15:00-15:30 PDT

  The Ultimate Aerial NDT Platform

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  Join us for a live flight demonstration of the Voliro T – the world’s most advanced flying robot for contact-based inspection of industrial assets. Witness how the Voliro T performs precision-controlled inspections on vertical, inclined, and overhead surfaces using its innovative tiltable rotor design.

• 15:30-17:00 PDT

  Defining Drone Program Success

  Room 302-303

  This session is designed for project managers who are either implementing drone technology within their projects or overseeing broader organizational drone programs.

  3:30pm-4:15pm – Use of UAV’s for Energy Infrastructure Monitoring and Engineering Decision Making in the Alaskan Arctic

  Since 2019, Coastal Frontiers (CFC) and Frontiers Surveys (FS) have collaborated with Hilcorp Alaska, Inc. (HAK) to provide unique, solutions-based UAV programs to aid in the monitoring of energy infrastructure in the Alaskan Artic.

  Antoine Tissier, VDC Drone Operations Manager at Clayco
  Brady Richmond, Associate Principal Engineer at Coastal Frontiers Corporation
  Shane Stragier, Surveyor at Frontier Surveys

  4:15pm-5:00pm – Elevating Decision Making: Capturing High-Definition Spatial Intelligibility in the Grand Canyon

  This presentation will detail a compelling case study from a major utilities project in Grand Canyon National Park to fully explore the first-ever commercial drone operations permitted within the rim of the Grand Canyon, and how the imagery captured was used to inform a critical water infrastructure project.

  Carlos Femmer, Data Acquisition Director at HDR
  P. Chad Maxwell, Senior Geomatics Manager at HDR
  Kerry Fleming, Senior Partner at UAS LLC

• 15:30-16:30 PDT

  Drone Law and Airspace Access

  Room 309-311

  Navigating the evolving landscape of commercial drone operation is complex, especially in restricted airspace. This session will detail the latest shifts in drone law and explore how developments with state UAS laws and privacy concerns should be addressed.

  Updates and Developments in Drone Law

  Drone law is evolving almost as rapidly as the technology. In addition to developing FAA and federal regulations, state and local regulations are undergoing significant development and revision. State and local regulations can be inconsistent, making it difficult to implement a consistent policy across markets.

  Tyler Hazen, Drone Law Attorney and Author at Angulo McGhee APC
  Zaida McGhee, Founding Partner and Author at Angulo McGhee APC

  UAS Authorizations and Access Requests to Restricted Areas

  Operating drones near sensitive infrastructure or in restricted airspace—such as near airports, military zones, or federal lands—requires a clear understanding of FAA regulations and company protocols.

  Thomas Reese, Chief Pilot at Crown Castle

• 15:30-16:30 PDT

  Pitch the Press

  Summit Stage

  This session is open to all Commercial UAV attendees, allowing you to hear the questions press members have about the top 15 products and solutions on display across the Exhibit Hall. By attending, you’ll also get a look at the products and solutions that will be highlighted by our team as part of the news coverage at the event.

• 15:30-16:30 PDT

  Mastering Commercial Drone Operations and Business Success

  Pilot Hub

  This series of presentations offers an in-depth exploration of what it truly takes to succeed as a commercial drone pilot, covering both operational details and business strategies.

  Land High Ticket Commercial Contracts

  Erik Schultz, a pioneer in drone services, will unveil what most manufacturers overlook: the strategic business system essential for success. He’ll dissect key elements including effective business models, program development, and team building strategies, culminating in practical advice on how to secure high-ticket commercial contracts.

  Erik Schultz, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Aero Velocity

  The Key to Scaling Your Drone Business

  As drone operators, simply having the latest gear or top-notch flying skills isn’t enough. Your business’s long-term growth hinges on your ability to understand and adapt to your clients’ evolving needs. This presentation will equip you with actionable strategies for building robust client relationships, effectively navigating common industry challenges, and scaling your drone business with confidence.

  Tony Marino, Drone Business Expansion Strategist, Drone Pilot at Aerial Northwest

  From Start to Finish – Best Practices for Survey, Mapping, Inspection and Public Safety Drone Operations

  Join an experienced commercial drone operator as they pull back the curtain on life in the field. This talk dives deep into the daily realities, offering practical insights into mission planning, robust safety management practices, and efficient field operations.

  Daniel McGreevy, Sales Executive at Multicopter Warehouse

• 15:30-16:30 PDT

  Coffee Break

  Exhibit Hall

• 16:00-17:30 PDT

  Eyes Above the Ash: Drone-Driven Hotspot Detection After Wildfires

  Room 316-319

  Join industry leaders from top hydrogen aircraft companies as they showcase advancements in hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. Discover how these innovations are driving sustainable aviation practices and shaping the future of air travel. Learn how technology from adjacent industries an be applied to aviation.

  Grant Hosticka, Head of Solutions Engineering NA at DJI Enterprise
  Daniel Cheatham, Deputy Chief, UAS Program Manager at Phoenix Fire Department
  Sean Ameche, Training Captain / UAS Program Manager at Ventura County Fire Dept.
  Frank Granados, Fire Captain - Drone Program Manager at Orange County Fire Authority
  Hans Christian, Fire Captain at Los Angeles County Fire Department
  Chase Mendenhall, UAS Pilot and Instructor at Los Angeles City Fire Department

• 16:00-16:30 PDT

  Heavy Lift UAS Drone Rescue Demonstration

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  See firsthand how heavy lift drones can deliver life-saving equipment, improving rapid response times and ultimately saving lives. Kyle Nordfors of Mountain Rescue Association and Weber County Search and Rescue will demonstrate how UAS technologies can enhance SAR and Public Safety missions.

• 16:30-17:30 PDT

  Balancing Price, Platform, and Performance

  Room 312-315

  This session will outline what those specifics can look like by providing strategic insights and practical frameworks to master this delicate balance while ensuring profitability, client satisfaction, and long-term business success.

  Juan Plaza, CEO at Plaza Aerospace Corp.

  Exploring Drone Integration for Smarter City Services

  This session will explore the ongoing efforts in Smart cities to integrate drone technology into public sector services such as activity promotions, security, traffic monitoring, and illegal waste detection. The presentation will walk through early-stage conversations with vendors, collaboration with internal teams and external partners, and the ideas that emerged during the planning process.

  Marko Mahmet, IT Consultant for Systems Integration at City Administration of the City of Zagreb

  How to Scale Your Drone Business

  Commercial drone pilots are often unknowingly entrepreneurs. This session will ignite your ambition to scale, providing a roadmap to business growth in today’s golden age. Discover how understanding the backend of Large Language Models (LLMs) and mastering prompt engineering can provide you with an unprecedented advantage.

  Tim Handley, CIO / Chief Test Pilot at Modovolo

  Escape the Price War: How Drone Operators Are Commanding 245% Higher Contract Values

  In today’s drone industry, basic service providers are facing a critical challenge: declining margins in an increasingly commoditized market. Yet, a select group of operators has discovered how to break free from the price war, transforming their businesses from basic service providers into premium solution partners.

  Jason San Souci, GISP, CMS-UAS, Drone Scientist & Do You Know Drones? Podcast

• 16:30-17:30 PDT

  Navigating the Future of Airspace Management

  Room 312-315

  This session is set to detail the present and future of the airspace, providing attendees with the context to develop informed policies and strategies. Discover what it means to strike the right balance between fostering innovation and ensuring that the skies remain a safe place for everyone.

  BVLOS in Healthcare: Unlocking a New Era of Medical Logistics

  As Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations gain regulatory approval worldwide, the healthcare industry stands to benefit from faster, more reliable, and cost-effective transportation of critical medical supplies. This presentation will explore how BVLOS drones are revolutionizing medical logistics by overcoming traditional transportation challenges.

  David Rovira, Chief Business Officer - Rigi Technologies SA

  Developing a Flexible Scalable Nodal UAS Healthcare Network in New York

  This presentation will detail the key learnings and insights gained from developing approved deconfliction solutions, automating processes, and integrating with existing healthcare infrastructure.

  Paul Rossi, Director of Development & Safety at Causey Aviation Unmanned

  Unlocking the Power of Maritime Drones

  IWith 1.72 billion people residing near coastlines, the demand for maritime solutions is immense. While unmanned surface and underwater vehicles are gaining traction, the potential of drones in the maritime sector remains largely unaddressed. This presentation will showcase innovative programs and projects that are set to revolutionize maritime operations from the air.

  Erdem Kazaki, Managing Director and Co-Founder - Speeder Systems BV

• 16:30-17:30 PDT

  What Advice Would I Give My Younger Self as a Drone Pilot?

  Pilot Hub

  Join our panel of experienced drone pilots as they share the invaluable wisdom gained from years in the sky. Panelists will look back and offer the hard-earned advice they wish they knew when they first started their journey and provide practical insights on everything from mastering flight operations and navigating evolving regulations to building a thriving drone business and avoiding common pitfalls.

  Desiree Ekstein, Founder - On The Go Video.biz
  Jerimiah Contreras, Manager of Pilot Experience at FlyGuys
  Jeremy Wallace, Co-Founder / Part 107 Certified Drone Pilot - So What Do You Do Now LLC
  Chris Tinard, Founder - Arizona Drone Film Festival

• 17:30-17:45 PDT

  UAV Empower Scholarship Winners

  Pilot Hub

  This brief session will introduce the scholarship winners—passionate university students committed to utilizing drones for good. Come meet and celebrate these scholars who represent the next generation of leaders in the commercial drone community.

  Nina Shack, Aero Velocity
  Belle Christianson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  Luxary Crisostomo, Grossmont College
  Jesca Gamuchirai, Zimbabwe Open University
  Shahrukh Vasaya, George Mason University

• 17:30-18:30 PDT

  Networking Happy Hour

  Exhibit Hall

  Join us in the Exhibit Hall to “cheers” a successful day of networking! Reconnect with friendly faces and make new connections during this happy hour.

• 10:00-15:00 PDT

  Exhibit Hall Open

• 8:00-8:55 PDT

  Coffee & Light Bites

  Academy Ballroom

• 9:00-10:00 PDT

  Thursday Keynote – Breaking Silos, Building Skies: The Power of Collaboration in UAS

  Room 302-303

  9:00 AM – 9:50 AM

  This keynote explores how collaboration across the ecosystem can cut through the complexity and lead to more efficient, scalable, and valuable drone operations. Featuring service providers and industry specialists, this keynote will share strategies to untangle and uncomplicate drone operations.

  Chris Fleming, CEO at Cyberhawk
  Scott Lashmit, US Aviation Manager - Cyberhawk
  Nitin Gupta, Founder & CEO - FlyBase
  Michelle Duquette, Founder & CEO - 3 MAD Air

  9:50 AM – 10:00 AM

  We will conclude the Keynote with the annual Officer Eric Talley Memorial Award, presented by the DRONERESPONDERS/AIRT team.

• 10:00-11:00 PDT

  How Real-World Efficiencies Are Being Enabled by Drone-in-a-Box Solutions

  Summit Stage

  “Drone-in-a-Box” (DIB) solutions represent a significant leap forward in autonomous data acquisition and project monitoring. This session will feature a variety of case studies that provide an overview of how these systems work, as well as the value they create.

  The Evolution from Drone-as-a-Service to Docked Drone-as-a-Service Models

  This presentation examines how the emergence of docking systems is completely redefining drone service delivery, enabling a shift to the Docked Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model that promises greater efficiency, reduced costs, and expanded operational capabilities.

  Achal Negi, Leadership Team - FlytBase

  Overcoming Challenges in the Development of DRONEPORT for Autonomous Infrastructure Inspections

  Learn how a fully automated drone-in-a-box system was developed as a cost-effective, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to helicopter inspections of critical infrastructure. This presentation covers the journey of creating an autonomous drone system focused on flight safety and EU regulatory compliance for robust, repeated use.

  Julian Ederleh, Marketing & Sales - Exabotix GmbH

  Nonstop Infrastructure Oversight with Multi-Use Drone Dock Network

  Learn how the world’s first multi-use drone dock network is expanding the reach of drone-borne services by simultaneously conducting autonomous patrol of 1,800 square kilometers and assisting first responders with search and rescue, while supporting the delivery of on-demand retail orders and medical deliveries.

  Aaron Zhang, Founder and CEO - A2Z Drone Delivery

• 10:00-11:30 PDT

  Standard Test Methods for Platform Evaluation and Pilot Proficiency

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  These standard test methods provide a reproducible way to train and measure remote pilot proficiency for professionals and recreational pilots. Organizations can establish their own minimum proficiency requirements to improve operations while reducing risk to ground personnel and manned aircraft in the area.

• 10:00-11:00 PDT

  Coffee Break sponsored by Drone Pilots Media

  Exhibit Hall

• 10:15-12:15 PDT

  Online + Onsite Course: Drone Mapping, Modeling and Surveying

  Pilot Hub

  Drone mapping has higher paying jobs and less competition. Learn how to deliver profitable mapping services from an expert who has completed over 5000 missions with Drone Mapping, Modeling & Survey Bundle from Pilot Institute.

  Jared Janacek, Founder of Texas Drone Company

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  Democratizing Cooperation and Collaboration Across the Airspace

  Room 302-303

  We will explore strategies to democratize access and ensure equitable and safe utilization of the airspace for the benefit of all.

  Mack Kowalski, Co-Founder of Lidaholics
  Adam Carp, Senior Solutions Engineer at DroneDeploy
  Brandon Hughes, Survey Manager at Skanska USA Civil
  Antoine Tissier, VDC Drone Operations Manager at Clayco

  State/AAM Frameworks and Future Planning Governance

  This discussion will feature key stakeholders, including representatives from GrandSky, State Aviation Directors, Federal Policy Advisors, Industry partners, and more.

  Trevor Woods, Executive Director at Northern Plains UAS Test Site
  Nick Flom, UAS Account & Portfolio Director at Thales USA
  Michelle Duquette, Founder & CEO at 3 MAD Air

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  UAS Workforce: The Next Generation

  Room 306-307

  This interactive roundtable discussion brings together university contacts and enterprise leaders to collaboratively explore the evolving needs of the drone industry and strategize on developing the next generation of drone professionals.

  Dewey Compton, CTE Drone and Video Production Instructor at West High School
  Dave McCreary, President, CTE Educator at New Age Aerial
  Nickolas Macchiarella, Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
  Jay Seidel, Professor / Director at Fullerton College
  Paul Rossi, Director of Development & Safety at Causey Aviation Unmanned

• 10:30-11:30 PDT

  Drones in Disasters – Lessons from the Front Lines

  Room 316-319

  TDiscover how unmanned aircraft systems are transforming disaster response. This course explores real-world applications of drones during large-scale emergencies—drawing from firsthand lessons learned in Texas flood operations and Florida hurricane deployments.

  Brian Hon, Sergeant, UAS Supervisor at Arizona Department of Public Safety
  Aaron Fritch, Captain, UAS Operations at Texas Department of Public Safety
  Robert Dooley, Sergeant, UAS Program Coordinator at Florida Highway Patrol
  Daniel Cheatham, Deputy Chief, UAS Program Manager at Phoenix Fire Department

• 11:00-12:00 PDT

  Best Practices and Lessons Learned from Drone Survey Implementation

  Room 312-315

  Designed for surveying professionals looking to optimize their drone-based workflows and maximize the profitability of their operations, speakers will explore practical best practices and invaluable lessons learned from surveyors who are successfully integrating drone technology into their daily work.

  Beyond the Buzz: Real-World AI Applications in Drone Industry and What It Means for You

  This session cuts through the noise to define what AI truly means in the context of drone-based inspections, offering a real-world perspective from those operationalizing AI today.

  Vik Chaudhry, Co-Founder, COO & CTO at Buzz Solutions

  Organizing Disorder: Building Structure from Chaos

  Developing a drone program or creating a new operational structure for existing UAVs within a large corporation can be complex, especially if drones have been used without any supporting organizational structure. Companies often underestimate the intricacies of launching and scaling these initiatives, leading to wasted resources, compliance challenges, disappointing results, and exposure to civil and criminal liability.

  David McVey, Director of Global UAV Operations at Sedgwick Claims Management

• 11:00-11:15 PDT

  Developing a Regional BVLOS Ecosystem: A Tulsa, OK Case Study

  Summit Stage

  This presentation will give an overview of where that project is at and will walk through the concepts and design decisions that have been made. The ideal audience for this 15 minute presentation will be state, city, and municipal leaders that want to take in lessons learned from the Tulsa SAFE-T project as well as commercial operators that are curious how they can operate and take advantage of regional BVLOS supporting infrastructure.

  Andrew Carter, Co-Founder and CEO at ResilienX

• 11:30-13:00 PDT

  Part 108 Proposed Rule

  Room 306-307

  This roundtable session, which follows from Wednesday’s Part 108-focused session, will include rotating small groups, giving attendees the opportunity to connect on specific topics and collaborate on commenting with industry colleagues.

  Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder at Pilot Institute
  Josh Olds, President, CEO, and Co-Founder at Unmanned Safety Institute
  Zaida McGhee, Founding Partner and Author at Angulo McGhee APC
  Ryan Smith, President - Titan Protection & Consulting

• 11:30-12:30 PDT

  Lessons from Ukraine Define the Future of Commercial Drone and Counter-Drone Innovations

  Summit Stage

  This session will showcase Ukraine’s unique experience in navigating the complex and rapidly evolving drone and counter-drone ecosystem. The technology’s varied uses offer critical lessons for global security, and we’ll explore multiple perspectives around these insights, all of which go beyond what you might assume from recent headlines.

  Valerii Iakovenko, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at DroneUA and Futurology 
  Dmytro Kushneruk, Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco
  Dmytro Shymkiv, Investor at AeroDrone
  Fevzi Ametov, Deputy Head of the Division of Organization and Application of UAVs at Aviation Security Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
  Maksym Prasolov, CGO at Bavovna

• 12:00-14:30 PDT

  Lunch

  Academy Ballroom

• 12:00-14:30 PDT

  Multi-Use Drone Strategies for Service Providers

  Room 302-303

  Developing a Remote Sensing Program Using UAS/Drones for Power and Utilities Data Collection

  This panel will delve into a comprehensive program designed to enhance data accuracy, reduce operational costs, and improve safety by utilizing high-resolution imagery and real-time data processing.

  Eric Martin,Emerging Technology Lead, Sr Advisor at Southern California EdisonRob Knochenhauer,Director of Regulatory Affairs at Censys Technologies

  First 30 Days: Startup Tactics for UAV Program Success

  Learn the critical first 30-day steps to successfully roll out drone deliverables on your construction project. This session provides a practical roadmap, covering everything from securing stakeholder buy-in to delivering actionable insights.

  Alex Rayis, Sr. VDC Manager at Gilbane Building Company
  Joe Good, Sr. VDC Manager at Gilbane Building Company
  Brett Bolden, Sr. VDC Manager at Gilbane Building Company

• 12:15-12:45 PDT

  Heavy Lift UAS Drone Rescue Demonstration

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  See firsthand how heavy lift drones can deliver life-saving equipment, improving rapid response times and ultimately saving lives. Kyle Nordfors of Mountain Rescue Association and Weber County Search and Rescue will demonstrate how UAS technologies can enhance SAR and Public Safety missions.

• 12:30-14:00 PDT

  Creating a Drone Integration Roadmap

  Room 312-315

  This session showcases multiple case studies that present a practical framework for developing a clear and actionable drone integration roadmap. These frameworks are distinct depending on the need and industry, but they’ve enabled project managers and stakeholders of all types to strategically incorporate drone technology into their projects for enhanced efficiency, data-driven insights, and improved outcomes.

  Lessons Learned from 7 Years of Construction Site Drone Captures

  Drawing on extensive experience managing thousands of drone missions across diverse construction projects—from residential builds to major tech campuses—this session offers critical insights into optimizing drone flight schedules.

  Stan Khlevner, COO at Remote Optix

  Mitigating Rail Risks with Autonomous Drone Operations

  This presentation will detail their journey from concept to deployment of docked drone systems across multiple rail yards, highlighting the technical innovations that enable the detection of minute defects (as small as 1/8 inch from 100 feet), the precision of autonomous flight control, and the power of machine learning algorithms in automatically identifying critical rail issues.

  Dhiraj Dhule, Director of Products at FlytBase

  AI-Powered Monitoring and Inspection for Highway Infrastructure

  This presentation will detail their integrated system, which strategically combines autonomously operating dock drone stations with centralized remote piloting capabilities and cutting-edge AI analytics.

  Baisali Ghosh, Marketing & Communications Manager at FlytBase

  Building a Solar UAV Program from the Ground Up

  his session offers firsthand experience and insights on the challenges and opportunities of establishing a new drone program.

  Nathan Hardy, Senior Manager of UAV Programs at Qcells

• 12:30-13:30 PDT

  Airspace Evolution: AAM and the Future of Emergency Response

  Room 316-319

  As Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies move from concept to reality, public safety agencies are facing new challenges—and opportunities. This panel brings together leaders from law enforcement, fire/rescue, emergency management, and aviation policy to explore how AAM will reshape emergency response, airspace coordination, and community safety.

  Jason Day, Deputy Director, Training at DRONERESPONDERS
  Gita Hodell, Research Aerospace Technician, Human/Machine Systems at NASA Ames Research Center
  Sergio Roman, Director of Emerging Aviation Technology at Texas Department of Transportation

• 12:45-13:45 PDT

  Using Heavy Lift UAS to Deliver Lifesaving Tools in Search and Rescue

  Pilot Hub

  Join Kyle Nordfors, UAS Chairman for the Mountain Rescue Association and sUAS Team Coordinator for Weber County Search and Rescue, to learn how heavy lift drones can be leveraged to expedite public safety missions.

  Kyle Nordfors, UAS Chairman at Mountain Rescue Association

• 13:00-14:30 PDT

  University & Education

  Room 306-307

  This interactive roundtable is open to anyone involved in an academic role who wanted to discuss and learn from others on topics such as: program & curriculum development, preparing students for the workforce, liability & insurance, qualifications for instructors, and student recruitment & assessment.

  Will Austin, President and Chief Pilot at WarrenUAS (Warren Community College)
  Jay Seidel, Professor / Director at Fullerton College

• 13:00-14:00 PDT

  Understanding the UAS Ecosystem – How to Fail Despite Really Trying

  Summit Stage

  The session will address critical issues such as achieving product-market fit, navigating the regulatory landscape, common pitfalls in funding and investment, and the challenges of scaling technology in a highly competitive, rapidly evolving market.

  Bill Daggett, Managing Director of Delta Advisory Group
  Daniel Fuller, President of Clarify Consulting, LLC
  Nathan Ernst, President of The Tactien Group
  Bobby Sakaki, CEO at UAS Nexus

• 13:30-14:00 PDT

  NIST Flights with Mavic Mini (W&D)

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  The NIST course is a standardized course for pilot and UAS/payload evaluation and testing. During this session, the pilot will fly the NIST “bucket” course to demonstrate flight method, technique, and goals in this setup.

• 13:45-14:45 PDT

  Deep Dive into Part 108

  Pilot Hub

  Get up to speed on what you need to know about Part 108 and ask your burning questions during this interactive panel featuring Pilot Institute co-founder Greg Reverdiau and DSPA CEO and co-founder Vic Moss.

  Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder of Pilot Institute
  Vic Moss, Owner of Moss Photography

• 14:00-15:00 PDT

  From Drone Concept to Commercial Reality

  Room 302-303

  Industry leaders will provide attendees with critical insights they need to move beyond the concept and deploy scalable, mission-ready drone ecosystems in complex real-world environments.

  Miriam McNabbh, Editor in Chief - Dronelife
  Amy Wiegand, Founder / CEO - Earhart Alden & Associates
  Lamar Ellis, President of Drone Education Services
  Jon McBride, DFR Specialist at Flock Safety
  Paul Rossi, Director of Development & Safety at Causey Aviation Unmanned
  Eric Jameson, Business Development Manager - Drone Solutions at Almo

• 14:00-15:30 PDT

  UNITE the Mission: Public Safety UAS Training

  Room 316-319

  This foundational course aligns with the IGNITE phase of our leadership progression, where learners build core knowledge in program development, FAA compliance, tactical applications, and interagency coordination.

  Jason Day, Deputy Director, Training at DRONERESPONDERS
  Aaron Fritch, Captain, UAS Operations at Texas Department of Public Safety
  Robert Dooley, Sergeant, UAS Program Coordinator at Florida Highway Patrol
  DJ Smith, Unmanned Aerial & CUAS Systems Program Coordinator at Virginia State Police

• 14:00-14:30 PDT

  Standard Test Methods for Platform Evaluation and Pilot Proficiency

  Indoor Airspace Demo Area

  These standard test methods provide a reproducible way to train and measure remote pilot proficiency for professionals and recreational pilots. Organizations can establish their own minimum proficiency requirements to improve operations while reducing risk to ground personnel and manned aircraft in the area.

• 14:30-22:30 PDT

  Night UAV Flight Workshop (Theory + Field)

  Unity Boardroom

  This one-of-a-kind training session will provide information that will allow pilots to understand the safety issues and physical challenges presented when flying UAVs at night. This course will ensure a best-practice process to sidestep these challenges, while properly assessing and managing the risks associated with night flight (as waived per Part 107.29).

• 14:30-15:00 PDT

  Last Call in the Hall

  Exhibit Hall

  Join colleagues for a final toast to CUAV 2025 as we celebrate this year’s event and get excited for next year’s!