Houston, we are go for launch. The launch of XPONENTIAL 2025, that is.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, which is a massive conference for all things drones (as well as other types of robotics), kicks off today at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It runs through May 22. And if you’re there, expect more than just a big expo hall of booths plus some speakers on the show floor. This year’s conference includes multiple co-located events, which are add-on workshops specific to certain industries, like military or law.

You’ll even get to meet Chris Rocheleau, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration as he gives one of the featured keynotes. Other keynotes include one with Sue Gordon, Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence of the United States of America.

Whether you’re coming to learn, network or geek out over the latest in air, land, sea and space autonomy, XPONENTIAL 2025 is pretty much the ultimate place to do that, particularly if you’re in the enterprise drone realm. This is the event of the year for industries like defense, energy, logistics, public safety and environmental science.

Specific to AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, here’s your preview of what to look out for this week around the conference:

Must-see companies on the show floor

SkyWatch | Booth #4041

If you’re a drone operator, there’s one booth you can’t afford to skip: SkyWatch, the U.S. market leader in drone insurance with over 200,000 policies issued. Of course it’ll be educational to talk to them, but there’s one other reason to visit at Booth #4041. They’re offering a giveaway to win an FPV racing drone! Let’s hope you win.

SkyWatch offers flexible coverage for hourly, monthly, or annual flight needs—and they’ve built a reputation on nearly perfect 5-star reviews from UAV pilots across the country. Their intuitive platform makes it easy for operators to get the coverage they need, when they need it.

Additionally, Tyler, SkyWatch’s Head of Partnerships, will be giving a talk at the Innovation Theater on May 21 dubbed “Drone Insurance Made Easy.”

Amniscient | Booth #3433

Computer vision AI is quietly becoming one of the biggest disruptors in automation—and Amniscient is leading the charge. At XPONENTIAL 2025, they’re showcasing AmniSphere, a platform that helps businesses of all sizes unlock real-time operational insights using computer vision.

Meteomatics | Booth #2915

You know the forecast. Now meet the drone that made it.

Meteomatics, the company behind high-resolution forecasting for brands like Toyota and CVS Health, is bringing its Meteodrone to Houston. This autonomous drone flies up to 20,000 feet to gather weather data from the low-level atmosphere — where most commercial weather data systems don’t reach.

This translates into forecasts that are 9x more granular than government sources—a major boon for aviation, agriculture, energy, and logistics companies. At AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, you’ll be able to meet Brad Guay, Meteomatics’ Aerospace Lead.

What’s new and what’s next

XPONENTIAL 2025 has added some new features and given some upgrades to its programming tracks from past years. Some highlights to look forward to:

• Innovation Theater programming focused on oil, gas, and critical infrastructure
• A brand-new Technical Components, Materials, & Propulsion track
• Expanded cybersecurity and counter-UxS content
• Interactive workshops with more hands-on learning than ever
• Fresh debate-style formats that dig into the most pressing industry controversies

Personally, I’m most curious about that debate style format. I’m tired of panels of 6 people where everyone says something to the effect of, “to echo what so-and-so said,” or “I have to agree with so-and-so.” Don’t just repeat what was said! Give me a hot take! Share a new viewpoint! I love a good debate, and I love that XPONENTIAL 2025 will lean into it.

Co-located events at XPONENTIAL 2025

Law-Tech Connect Workshop

May 19 | 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM CST
Early Bird: $249 | Standard: $299
Includes XPO Hall Pass

Hosted by my friend Dawn Zoldi, this is my go-to event for legal minds, engineers and operators navigating the regulatory minefield of drones, AI and autonomy. Expect it to cover global drone laws, AAM policy, AI regulation, space tech and more.

DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Forum

May 19–22 | Various Times
Early Bird: $299 | Standard: $399
Free with Full Conference or VIP Pass

This four-day public safety powerhouse brings together fire, law enforcement, EMS and emergency managers from across the country. Expect focused education, live demos, and strategic networking.

AUVSI Defense

May 20–22 | Defense Theater
Open to Full Conference & VIP Pass holders + uniformed personnel with Hall Pass

This is where defense officials and prime contractors come together to align autonomy innovation with national security missions. Expect high-level speakers, program updates and classified insights into the future of uncrewed systems on the battlefield.

U.S.-Taiwan Autonomous Systems Cooperation Forum

May 20 | 10:45 AM – 1:00 PM CST
Free with special registration + Full Conference/VIP Pass

This restricted-access, closed-door session will focus on strengthening U.S.-Taiwan cooperation in autonomous tech and defense supply chains — crucial for U.S. industrial resilience and Indo-Pacific security strategy.

How to maximize XPONENTIAL 2025

Plan your floor walk, book your sessions early, and leave time for discovery. The future of autonomy is being built across booths and theaters. You never know which handshake or panel will shape your next business move. Have fun in Houston. Happy flying!

The post XPONENTIAL 2025 lands in Houston this week — here’s what not to miss appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Last week, we answered a reader question about buying drones in-person. That reader was looking for a place to buy a drone in Mississippi. But if you’re in New York City this summer, then there’s no better place to go than the BILD Expo 2025.

BILD Expo — the brainchild of New York retail giant B&H Photo — stands out as a rare success story in the world of in-person creative gatherings. Its part-conference, part-party, and it’s a place to get your hands on the latest gear. That’s because BILD Expo 2025 is set to return bigger than ever as a must-attend event for drone photographers.

BILD Expo 2025: why it’s a top event for drone photographers

Returning to New York City’s Javits Center on June 17–18, 2025, BILD Expo is poised to become the largest stateside event of its kind for photographers, filmmakers, drone pilots and social media content creators.

Launched in 2023 following a global pandemic and industry-wide event cancellations, BILD fills a void left behind by the shuttering of iconic expos. Photokina, once the crown jewel of photography events, officially canceled its future editions in 2020 after more than 70 years in operation. PhotoPlus, the long-running Manhattan photography convention, also quietly disappeared from the calendar.

By contrast, BILD has grown. Organizers expect an even larger turnout for the 2025 edition, buoyed by free registration, a packed schedule of speakers and support from more than 250 exhibiting brands ranging from camera manufacturers to drone innovators.

“BILD Expo is more than just an event, said Jeff Gerstel, Chief Marketing Officer at B&H Photo. “It’s an energetic gathering of like-minded creatives from all corners of the content world.”

While many traditional trade shows have struggled to reinvent themselves, B&H’s unique position as both retailer and cultural steward has helped BILD evolve beyond a gear showcase. B&H Photo famously operates a brick-and-mortar store just a few blocks from the Javit’s Center, where the BILD Expo 2025 will be held. But both the store (and BILD Expo) are far more than just a place to empty your wallet. Both serve as a hub for education, collaboration and community with strong in-person customer service and learning opportunities.

The rise of the drone content creator

The BILD Expo 2025 caters to photographers of all types, drone pilots are among those particularly well-positioned to benefit from BILD Expo’s multidisciplinary programming. After all, aerial imagery now saturates travel vlogs, brand campaigns, real estate listings and documentary films.

For these creators, BILD Expo offers a rare opportunity to engage with the larger creative technology ecosystem—from hands-on demos of drones and accessories to filmmaking workshops that cover sound, lighting, editing and more.

As platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram continue to evolve into full-fledged video-first arenas, drone operators — many of whom began with a camera in the sky — are increasingly expected to deliver full cinematic packages on the ground as well.

What to expect at BILD Expo 2025

The 2025 event is structured around three educational tracks: photography, content creation, and filmmaking. Attendees can expect:

• Live demos and hands-on access to the latest technology.
• Panel discussions and keynotes from top creators and industry leaders.
• Exclusive B&H show specials on gear and accessories.
• Evening photo walks and social events around New York City.
• Networking with fellow creatives, collaborators, and potential clients.

The speaker lineup is impressive, including a keynote Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier is a renowned conservationist and photographer, who trained as a marine biologist in Mexico and founded the International League of Conservation Photographers.

Other speakers that the drone community shouldn’t miss include Elena Buenrostro, founder and CEO of Women Who Drone, and Scott Kelby, co-founder of Photoshop User magazine.

Perhaps most importantly, the event remains free to attend, a rarity in the world of industry conventions where professional access often comes with a professional price tag.

A show rooted in a retailer’s legacy

That B&H is the driving force behind BILD is no small detail. As one of the world’s largest photo and video equipment retailers, the company has built a reputation over its 50-year history not only for its inventory, but for its dedication to serving the creative community at all levels.

The B&H SuperStore, located just blocks away from the Javits Center at 420 Ninth Avenue, remains a pilgrimage site for many photographers and filmmakers. It’s fitting, then, that BILD acts not just as a trade show, but as an extension of the community the store has cultivated for decades.

“I’m excited for BILD 2025. It’s going to be an industry game changer,” said filmmaker and viral creator Drex Lee in a prepared statement. “BOOM! See you in June.”

BILD Expo 2025
June 17–18, 2025
Javits Center, New York City
Free registration: bildexpo.com

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Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, 2025. That’s because the latest edition of the Federal Aviation Administration’s annual Drone Safety Day is back. Consider FAA Drone Safety Day 2025 to be your official excuse to think about drones all day long.

Drone Safety Day 2025, organized by the FAA, is part public service announcement and part fly-in celebration. Combined, it’s all about bringing the drone community together. While safety is the core message (the FAA puts safety at the forefront), this one-day, national campaign is just generally a fantastic opportunity for drone pilots to come together at in-person events.

This is the seventh annual Drone Safety Day, originally launched in 2019 as National Drone Safety Awareness Week. The FAA pared the event down to a single-day celebration starting in 2022 — and the streamlined version has stuck.

What is the FAA’s Drone Safety Day?

On the surface, Drone Safety Day is all about educating the public on safe drone practices. But in reality, it thrives because of the dozens of passionate companies, schools, and organizations that host events across the country. From hands-on flying demos to educational panels and STEM-focused family days, these events make the day feel more like a celebration than a lecture.

And if you’re an organization in the drone space? This day is a prime opportunity to showcase your expertise, connect with your community and flex your aerial marketing muscles.

FAA Drone Safety Day 2025: “Fly RIGHT”

As in years past, the FAA is rolling out its signature Fly RIGHT safety theme, a kind of goofy acronym. Its intent is to focus on five key principles:

• Register your drone and comply with Remote ID — visit the FAADroneZone.
• Interact with others — connect with the drone community.
• Gain and share knowledge — learn the rules, teach the rules.
• Have a safety plan — use tools like B4UFLY.
• TRUST and Train — take the FAA’s TRUST test or a Part 107 prep course.

What’s happening for Drone Safety Day 2025?

This year’s calendar for Drone Safety Day 2025 includes events in nearly every region of the U.S. — plus virtual options if you’d rather participate from home.

Here are just a few highlights:

• Drone Safety Day at Goldey-Beacom College in Delaware (April 26, 9 AM–4:30 PM)
• Drone Safety Day at Unique Photo in New Jersey with Michael Downey (April 26, 11 AM–2 PM)
• NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System & Drone Reports webinar (April 26, 10 AM PST)
• Family Fun Fest in Westminster, Maryland (April 26, 10 AM–2 PM)
• Bay Area Drone Safety Day & Field Expo on San Francisco’s Treasure Island (April 26, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM)
• “What’s Up With Drones?!” at Williamsburg Executive Airport in Virginia (May 3, 10 AM–4 PM)

More events are being added all the time, so check the FAA’s Drone Safety Day 2025 events calendar for the full list or to submit your own event.

And if you can’t find an event near you? Make your own! Whether you host a casual neighborhood fly-in, an educational meetup, or a classroom STEM activity, the FAA encourages everyone to get involved. You can even register your event on the FAA’s map to make it official.

See you out there (or up there)!

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