Commercial UAV Expo 2025 Highlights: BVLOS Rulemaking and Drone Industry Insights
World’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference hosted 230 exhibitors and 3,400 professionals, featured landmark product launches, and offered hands-on training and demonstrations
Portland, Maine – USA, September 8, 2025 — Commercial drone professionals from around the world gathered last week for the 11th edition of Commercial UAV Expo, held September 2–4, 2025, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The event drew 3,393 verified professionals from all 50 U.S. states and 62 countries, out of 3,920 total registrants, and featured 230 exhibitors from 28 countries, reinforcing its position as the world’s leading international trade show and conference focused on the integration and operation of commercial UAS.
“This year’s Commercial UAV Expo carried extraordinary weight, as it was the first major gathering of the drone industry since the FAA released its long-awaited Part 108 BVLOS NPRM,” said Lee Corkhill, Group Event Director at Diversified, organizer of Commercial UAV Expo. “Professionals knew they needed to be in Las Vegas to understand what the proposed rule means for their operations, ask questions, and engage in dialogue that will help shape the future of the drone industry. Add to that the product launches, networking, and demonstrations, and it was a can’t-miss event.”
Program Highlights
The conference program delivered practical, actionable education from more than 140 speakers, with sessions focused on regulatory updates, BVLOS operations, autonomy, AI, and real-world case studies.
The opening keynote, led by Buzz Solutions CEO Kaitlyn Albertoli and Dominion Energy’s Thomas F. Butler, underscored the importance of proving ROI and avoiding the pitfalls of inaction in drone adoption. A subsequent presentation highlighted HDR’s groundbreaking project as the first to conduct drone-based surveying in the Grand Canyon.
Throughout the week, panels tackled the FAA’s proposed Part 108 BVLOS regulations, with spirited discussion on opportunities and challenges for operators. Additional sessions explored AI and autonomy, the future of advanced air mobility, and case studies from industries including energy, telecom, construction, and public safety.
Keynotes on the final day emphasized collaboration across industry and government and concluded with the presentation of the Eric Talley Memorial Award to Officer Matt Rowland, honoring outstanding leadership in public safety UAS.
Exhibitor Innovations
The exhibit hall showcased 230 companies unveiling cutting-edge drone solutions spanning hardware, software, sensors, and services.
Among the most notable product launches:
- AIBOT debuted its T500 tiltwing aircraft alongside the new X Series UAV family, marking a milestone in high-speed, heavy-lift autonomous flight.
- GeoCue introduced the TrueView 539 LiDAR system, delivering engineering-grade accuracy in a lightweight, accessible package.
- Centinus unveiled its BOLO AI platform, enabling drones to move beyond passive surveillance to proactive investigative tools through real-time AI-driven object detection.
Other exhibitors, including ACSL, A2Z Drone Delivery, Phoenix LiDAR, FlyGuys, and more, also announced significant new offerings, further underscoring the event’s role as the global launchpad for drone innovation.
The always-popular Pitch the Press competition returned, with DefendEye, Pants for Birds, and Skyline Nav AI named as winners by a panel of UAV industry journalists.
Special Features
This year’s event introduced several exciting features designed to deliver hands-on value:
- Pilot Institute Partnership – For the first time, Commercial UAV Expo partnered with Pilot Institute to offer exclusive workshops and hybrid online-to-onsite courses, including Drone Business Made Easy and Drone Mapping, Modeling & Surveying. Pilot Institute also curated multiple sessions in the Pilot Hub.
- Indoor Airspace Demonstration Area – A dedicated zone on the exhibit hall floor where attendees experienced UAV hardware and software in action.
- Pilot Hub – A gathering place for drone pilots at all levels to gain insights into operations, training, and career advancement.
- DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit – Two full days of programming offering case studies and best practices for public safety UAS professionals.
Looking Ahead
If you couldn’t make it to Las Vegas, event organizers encourage commercial UAV industry professionals join the inaugural Commercial UAV Forum, taking place 22–23, April 2026 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The next edition of Commercial UAV Expo returns to Las Vegas September 1–3, 2026, once again at Caesars Forum.
For ongoing coverage, visit Commercial UAV News, which provides in-depth reporting on the sessions, product launches, and announcements made during the event.
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About Commercial UAV Expo
Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is an international conference and expo exclusively focused on commercial UAS integration and operation. The next edition will take place September 1-3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV. For more information, visit www.expouav.com.
Commercial UAV Expo is produced by Diversified’s technology portfolio, which also includes Commercial UAV News, Commercial UAV Forum, Geo Week, Geo Week Newsletter, Geo Business (UK), and Digital Construction Week (UK).
For more information about exhibiting at Commercial UAV Expo, visit the exhibitor information page or contact Carmella Perrone, Sales Manager, at cperrone@divcom.com or +1-207-842-5646. For information on attending, visit www.expouav.com or email info@expouav.com.
Media Contact:
Jason Lavigne
Marketing Manager, Commercial UAV Expo jlavigne@divcom.com
