The Commercial UAV Expo 2026, widely regarded as the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference, has announced its Opening Keynote for the upcoming edition. Titled “The View From the Field: What Operators, Pilots, and Fleet Managers Are Saying About the Commercial Drone Industry,” the keynote will take place on September 1st, kicking off the event scheduled for September 1st–3rd at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
The session will highlight findings from a forthcoming industry-wide survey conducted by Commercial UAV News in collaboration with Pilot Institute. The State of the Industry Survey 2026 aims to capture insights from drone pilots, fleet managers, operations leaders, and regulatory compliance professionals actively working in commercial UAS operations.
The keynote will present a detailed and unfiltered view of the industry, focusing on current trends, operational challenges, and emerging opportunities. Matt Collins will introduce key findings from the research, followed by a discussion with Greg Reverdiau on the broader implications for the sector. Topics are expected to include regulatory developments, hardware procurement issues, workforce challenges, and the future trajectory of commercial drone operations.
According to Reverdiau, the session is designed to center the perspectives of UAV operators, emphasising the importance of real-world input as the industry navigates evolving regulations, supply chain shifts, and advancing technologies. Collins noted that the survey seeks to replace speculation with data-driven insights, helping stakeholders better understand both opportunities and barriers within the sector.
The survey, set to launch in the coming weeks, will address critical issues such as the FAA’s proposed Part 108 BVLOS framework, the impact of the FCC Covered List on procurement decisions, adoption of autonomous and AI-assisted systems, airspace access, workforce development, data security, and overall business outlook.
As part of the event, Pilot Institute will serve as an official partner and host “The Pilot Hub” on the show floor, featuring expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and guidance on certifications, waivers, and career pathways in the drone industry.
Registration for the event is now open, with additional details on the keynote and survey expected to be released ahead of the expo.
To learn more about the Opening Keynote, visit www.expouav.com/keynotes
Registration is now open; visit www.expouav.com to learn more and register.
