Next week, AUVSI will host the largest drone and robotics industry trade show in Atlanta, GA. XPONENTIAL 2021 will convene the top minds and industry leaders in unmanned systems while providing valuable opportunities for learning, networking, and viewing cutting-edge tech showcases. The annual conference invites. Industry changemakers and end users will reconvene in-person for the annual conference, which provides opportunities to solve real world problems across domains, commercial and defense sectors, and industry verticals.

Organizations involved with AUVSI’s existing advocacy efforts or those who want to learn more about getting involved, as well as individuals working in government, policy, regulatory, and communications roles are encouraged to attend two key sessions during the conference:
 

POLICY LEADING TO TRUSTED INTEGRATION

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Stephen Dickson will deliver keynote remarks and participate in a question-and-answer session with AUVSI President and CEO, Brian Wynne, on Tuesday, August 17.

Dickson was sworn in as FAA administrator for a five-year term on August 12, 2019, after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. At the FAA, Administrator Dickson has been a staunch advocate for safety, global leadership, and operational excellence.

During the recent UAS Symposium hosted by FAA and AUVSI, Administrator Dickson recently delivered keynote remarks and announced the formation of the agency’s new beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) aviation rulemaking committee (ARC). He also shared his vision for the next phase of drone integration into the national airspace, including routine delivery and inspections. He is expected to continue his discussion on these topics during his keynote remarks at XPONENTIAL 2021.
 

IMPROVING INTEGRATION THROUGH STATE ADVOCACY EFFORTS

As unmanned systems grow and scale, AUVSI has been working with coalition partners in state capitols around the country to educate legislators about the value of unmanned systems and address regulatory hurdles. Local support is critical in our efforts to advocate for reasonable regulation, provide educational resources to lawmakers, and promote a culture of safety among the industry.

On Wednesday August 18, Mike Smitsky, Director of Government Affairs, will moderate a panel discussion on AUVSI’s state legislative advocacy efforts. Panelists include Josh Turner, Partner at Wiley Rein LLP; Dr. Patrick Bresnahan, Geographic Information Officer for Richland County, South Carolina and a member of the National Association of Counties; and Florida state Senator Jeff Brandes.

Join them for a discussion on the importance of effective advocacy at the state and local levels across all three domains – air, ground, and maritime. Panelists will first review priority issues and educational gaps and then describe the current unmanned systems political landscape across the country.

Session time and location details are available here.
 

AUVSI GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY NETWORK - DEEP DIVE

Grassroots advocacy refers to broad coalitions of people directly affected by a problem taking action and pushing for change. The unmanned systems industry has a strong network of individuals who can carry advocacy messages to their friends, communities, and legislators. AUVSI grassroots advocates are those people who either work in the unmanned sector, engage with unmanned systems as a hobbyist, or deeply believe in the technology’s promise.

On Thursday August 19, Jackie Beckwith, Manager of Government Relations and Advocacy, will moderate a panel discussion on AUVSI’s Grassroots Advocacy Network. Panelists include Craig Baerwaldt, Business Development Manager at Sigma Design, Product Design, and Engineering; Michael Wigginton, Community Engagement Director at Americans for Prosperity; Savanna Horan, Senior Robotics Engineer at Fenix Group, Inc; and the Honorable Frank LoBiondo, former U.S. Congressman, member of AUVSI’s Board of Directors, and CEO of LoBo Strategies.

Join them for a discussion, audience Q&A, and a series of small-group workshops on what grassroots advocacy is, why it is important for propelling the unmanned systems industry forward, and how you can lend your voice to moving the needle on regulations in your own community. Session time and location details are available here.
 

REGISTER TODAY

XPONENTIAL 2021 will adhere to a health and hygiene plan designed to enhance safety and minimize risk for attendees by meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements and the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and federal, state, and local governments. All XPONENTIAL participants can expect to see heightened levels of cleanliness and onsite accommodations and are encouraged to take common-sense precautions following CDC guidelines.
Learn more about what to expect and register here.