Commercial UAV Expo has announced that Daniel K. Elwell, the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Michael Perry, the Managing Director of North America for DJI, will be two of the keynote speakers for the education program taking place October 1-3 at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas. These industry experts will cover crucial topics related to commercial drones, including the vision both FAA and DJI have for the future of this industry.
Daniel K. Elwell is the Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this capacity, he is responsible for the safety and efficiency of the largest aerospace system in the world — a system that operates more than 50,000 flights per day. He oversees a $16.4 billion-dollar budget, more than 47,000 employees, and is focused on ensuring the agency and its employees are the best prepared and trained professionals to meet the growing demands and requirements of the industry. Mr. Elwell also oversees the FAA’s multibillion-dollar NextGen air traffic control modernization program as the U.S. shifts from ground-based radar to state-of-the-art satellite technology.
Michael Perry is the Managing Director of North America for DJI. Since joining DJI in early 2014, he has helped engage industry leaders across multiple sectors, top tier global media and international government partners to understand the potential of unmanned aerial technology. His work also includes identifying and engaging partners to help expand the capabilities of unmanned aerial systems through new hardware or software solutions, investment and technical collaboration.
“We are thrilled to have two industry leaders, one focused on regulations and the other on technology advancement, as keynote speakers of our conference,” said Lisa Murray, Group Director of Diversified Communications, organizer of Commercial UAV Expo. “Who better to share what’s coming next for commercial UAS than the nation’s top drone regulator and the North American MD of the global drone industry leader? Our attendees have come accustomed to us bringing the best and brightest minds in the industry to share important perspectives on the commercial drone industry and share their insights and knowledge. Daniel and Michael are joining an exciting line up of speakers who will present during this 4th annual event, which has become a must attend event for commercial drone users.”
“Robust hardware, open software standards and the flexibility to innovate are core to our mission of enabling businesses in using DJI products,” said Michael Perry, Managing Director of North America at DJI. “We are excited to address the growing ecosystem of companies and individuals assembled at Commercial UAV Expo who are making significant advancements for our industry, and look forward to sharing DJI’s vision for empowering a new generation of work using drone technology.”
During the three-day event, attendees will also hear experts from CNN, California Department of Transportation, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Hogan Lovells & Commercial Drone Alliance, Los Angeles Fire Department, US Bureau of Reclamation US Department of the Interior, San Diego Homeland Security, AT&T, Menlo Park Fire District, Queens University, Renton Police Department and many more.
Commercial UAV Expo will offer multiple keynote presentations, six plenary sessions, eight deep dive vertical industry workshops and Exhibitor Education Theaters as well as robust exhibit hall and several networking events. Qualified asset or infrastructure owners and operators with assets valued at $5 million or more and are involved in the purchase and/or utilization of UAS technology for business purposes can qualify for a free full conference pass to Commercial UAV Expo as a “UAVIP.” This includes energy companies, transportation infrastructure, mining companies, large agriculture operations, telecommunications companies, law enforcement agencies. The event also offers free exhibit hall passes to qualified commercial users that don’t meet the UAVIP requirements. Registration is open for the 4th Annual Commercial UAV Expo.