The Biggest Drone Events of 2023
Are you as excited as I am for some of the biggest drone events of 2023?
Many people look to the New Year as a time to make resolutions. While I definitely need to lose a few pounds if I want to return to the shape I was in as a Marine, resolutions are not what I’ll think of as the clock strikes midnight and ends 2022.
Call me a drone nerd if you’d like, but for me, the New Year signifies the start a fascinating year full of drone industry events. As drones become more integrated into our lives, drone-related expos continue popping up worldwide.
These are incredible industry events, showcasing innovations, offering lectures & presentations from some of the industry’s brightest stars, and provide excellent networking opportunities.
If you’ve yet to attend one of these events, I highly recommend you check out at least one. The information you’ll learn and the connections you will develop are well worth the price of admission.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the biggest drone events of 2023 that you don’t want to miss.
CES 2023
January 5-8, Las Vegas, NV
The Consumer Electronics Show is the annual trade expo of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®.
As the largest show of its kind, everyone in the electronics industry is present. That said, the show is only open to professionals in the electronics industry.
Large drone manufacturers like Skydio and Autel Robotics will present, as well as industry organizations like Women and Drones.
The great thing about CES is the other technology sectors you’re exposed to that connect to drones. Artificial Intelligence, innovations in autonomy, and hardware advances are just a few major sectors worth checking out.
With such a wide range of presenters and exhibits, you’re bound to discover something new.
(For a detailed review of 2022’s CES event, check out: 2022 CES Review)
CONEXPO-CON/AGG
March 14-18, Las Vegas, NV
The largest construction industry event in existence is so big that it occurs only once every three years. And, in 2023, it’s here.
While this isn’t exactly specifically among the 2023 drone events, there are many you’ll want to attend if you’re in the drone industry.
That’s because the global construction drone market is estimated to have a CAGR of 15.4% from 2020 to 2027. And, if you want a piece of the action, this is one show you don’t want to skip.
From mapping to stockpile calculations and project management, drones are becoming widely accepted & utilized in construction.
While the expo will have some UAV exhibitors like DroneDeploy, it’s also a great chance to speak with construction professionals that can become customers for your business.
There are numerous network opportunities during the show, and with the next expo not happening until 2026, now is the time to take advantage of attending this event.
Amsterdam Drone Week
March 21-23, RAI Amsterdam
Historically one of the most attended UAV shows in Europe, Amsterdam Drone Week is one of the must-see drone events of 2023, especially for those in the EU or UK.
During the conference, key players in all facets of the drone industry gather to discuss the entirety of the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem. The event is designed to allow all stakeholders to create urban air solutions together.
This year, the show will focus on six content streams: vehicle development, urban air operations, integrated skies, policy & regulations, ground infrastructure, and use-case solutions. Key speakers at the event will include Patrick Ky (Executive Director, EASA), CEOs of numerous drone manufacturers, policy specialists, and more.
AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2023
May 8-11, Denver, CO
As the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems and robotics, the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is no stranger to the UAV industry.
Each year AUVSI hosts its annual trade show: XPONENTIAL.
The theme for 2023 is The Blueprint For Autonomy.
Keynote speakers reflect the theme and include Heidi Shyu Under Secretary of Defense for Research & Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), founder and CEO of DroneUp Tom Walker, Brian Wynne the President and CEO of AUVSI, plus speakers focusing on cybersecurity, robotics, and many more sectors.
Additionally, we’re excited to announce that Consortiq’s own Managing Director, Garf Beverley, will be speaking, as well!
Garf will present: Future Transport Zones – A Smart City Blueprint
Essentially, the UK government has set up several Future Transport Zone projects across the country, designed to grow emerging transport & logistics technologies, including drones.
One of the most important aims of the program is creating a drone delivery service for medical purposes, providing critical supplies in record time, even in remote locations.
As one of the first of its kind, this program will serve as a blueprint for any city in the world.
With Consortiq playing a key role in the creation of this project, Garf will cover some of the challenges Consortiq faced in creating a new service of this kind, including regulatory, transporting of medical supplies, and supply chain issues.
Commercial UAV Expo
September 5-7 Las Vegas, NV
The Commercial UAV Expo remains a personal favorite of mine, and one of the drone events of 2023 you’ll absolutely love.
The three-day event always begins with an outdoor flying demonstration.
Several of the largest UAV manufacturers take this opportunity to release their latest drones and showcase their newest software innovations.
You’ll sweat it out in the hot Las Vegas sun, but it’s absolutely worth it.
The remaining days of the show feature numerous exhibitors and seminars spread out across several breakout rooms and stages. There are also training sessions for those looking to acquire new skills, like understanding how to build 3D maps with drones.
And, of course, the show provides a large area for networking opportunities.
2022's Commercial UAV Expo
DroneX
September 26-27 ExCeL London
If you find yourself in London at the end of September, you’ll want to check out DroneX. Event organizers expect to see around 3,000 attendees and industry professionals in 2023.
With over 150 speakers, 100 seminars, and numerous exhibitors, it’s one of the key drone events of 2023 you can’t afford to miss – especially if you’re in the UK.
Speakers at this year’s event will include Mark Wharry from the Civil Air Authority, Andreas Perotti of EHang, Alan Hicks of Manna Drone Delivery, and Julia Jiggins of Thales, to name just a few.
And best of all, the tickets are free!
DJI AirWorks 2023
Date/Time yet to be determined
Every year DJI hosts AirWorks, the company’s commercial drone conference.
This year, the event was held in Las Vegas during the second week of October. However, it’s one of the drone events of 2023 that has yet to announce either the location or.
2022 was my first year attending the event, and it provided both an educational and rewarding experience.
In addition to exhibitors and live demonstrations of new DJI offerings, the event showcased excellent presentations and roundtable discussions. Topics included BVLOS rulemaking, the successful implementation of DJI drones worldwide, and humanitarian success stories.
As details on the 2023 event become clearer, we’ll be sure to keep you posted for any updates!
As the largest drone manufacturer in the world, DJI’s incredible breakthroughs and technology provide for a can’t-miss show.
Drone Events of 2023 Offer Something for Everyone
With so many drone events of 2023 to choose from, next year is set to be an excellent one for the UAV community.
Whether you reside in the US, UK, EU, or anywhere else, the variety of expos & conventions offer plenty of opportunities.
Drone industry events are fantastic chances to learn and connect with experts in the field, and an incredible way to expand your knowledge, network, and skill sets.
So, the only question is, which shows will you be attending?
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So, which drone is right for you? And, how do you get started? Do you hire out or bring your drone program in-house?
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David Daly - Contributing Author
David Daly, is an award-winning photographer/writer and licensed (FAA) Commercial sUAS pilot. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David is a former Marine Corps officer with a BS in Oceanography and has earned his MBA from the University of Redlands. David has worked for Fortune 100 companies and has a background in aerospace, construction, military/defense, real estate, and technology.
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