Commercial UAV Forum, Europe’s newest destination for industrial drone innovation, has announced a partnership with the Joint European Drone Associations as Event Partner for its inaugural edition, taking place 22–23 April 2026 at RAI Amsterdam.
As the leading umbrella organisation representing national drone associations across Europe, JEDA will support the event’s mission to strengthen the commercial drone sector and foster collaboration across the European UAS ecosystem. Through its insight and network, JEDA will help ensure the event reflects the needs and priorities of the industry, from innovation and safety to sustainable growth and market development.
Founded in 2021, JEDA represents 24 national associations from 22 European countries and serves as a unified voice for Europe’s drone industry. The organisation works closely with the European Commission, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), and other aviation authorities to foster harmonised regulation and facilitate safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into European airspace.
Julie Garland, president of JEDA, stated that the organisation is proud to support Commercial UAV Forum as it brings together the diverse and growing community of professionals driving drone innovation across Europe. She characterised the Forum as offering a much-needed platform to connect industry, regulators, and end users, supporting progress and knowledge exchange across the European drone market with emphasis on industrial drone usage.
Lee Corkhill, group event director at Diversified, expressed honour at welcoming JEDA as event partner, stating that their participation underscores the event’s commitment to collaboration and industry advancement. He noted that with JEDA’s support, Commercial UAV Forum 2026 will provide valuable opportunities for learning, partnership, and discovery.
Taking place in Amsterdam, the Commercial UAV Forum will gather UAV professionals from across Europe for two days of education, networking, and technology discovery. The event will feature educational sessions and a dynamic exhibition showcasing innovations in UAS technology for construction, energy, utilities, public safety, transportation, surveying and mapping, port and maritime operations, and additional sectors.
The partnership between Commercial UAV Forum and JEDA addresses the European commercial drone sector’s need for platforms facilitating industry dialogue, regulatory engagement, and technology showcasing. As European drone regulations continue evolving through EASA’s framework and national implementation, forums enabling stakeholder interaction support industry development and regulatory harmonisation.
JEDA’s involvement brings credibility and industry connectivity to the inaugural event, with the organisation’s membership spanning national associations representing manufacturers, operators, service providers, and technology developers across European markets. This broad representation enables JEDA to provide insights into diverse market segments and regional priorities, informing event programming and stakeholder engagement.
The emphasis on industrial and commercial applications distinguishes Commercial UAV Forum from consumer-focused events, targeting professionals utilizing drones for business operations across sectors including infrastructure inspection, surveying, emergency services, logistics, and maritime operations. These applications represent substantial market growth opportunities as regulatory frameworks mature and technology capabilities advance.
Amsterdam’s selection as venue provides central European location with strong aviation heritage, well-developed infrastructure, and accessibility from major European cities. The Netherlands maintains an active drone industry with progressive regulatory approaches and technology clusters supporting UAS development and deployment.
The April 2026 timing positions the event after winter weather constraints affecting outdoor drone operations whilst preceding summer holiday periods, potentially optimising professional attendance. The two-day format balances comprehensive programming with manageable time commitments for attendees traveling internationally.
Educational sessions addressing technology, operations, regulations, and business models support professional development and knowledge transfer across the European UAS community. Exhibition components enable technology providers to demonstrate capabilities whilst facilitating buyer-seller connections supporting market development.
The partnership exemplifies collaboration between commercial event organisers and industry associations supporting sector development through knowledge sharing, networking, and stakeholder engagement platforms complementing regulatory processes and business activities driving European drone industry growth.
For more information visit www.forumuav.com
