ZALA’s Lancet-E unmanned aerial system was displayed at the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024 international arms exhibition in Hanoi. ZALA presented the export analogue of the well-known Lancet series guided munitions carrier for the first time in Southeast Asia, attracting considerable interest. The ZALA exposition was visited by Pham Minh Tinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist […]
As the drone industry continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year packed with must-attend events for drone enthusiasts, professionals, and innovators. Whether you’re looking to network with industry leaders, discover the latest technology or simply bask in a breathtaking drone show, these events are worth adding to your calendar.
Since many of the 2025 drone events haven’t yet locked in their dates, we’ll continuously update this list as we get official dates, locations and times. Bookmark this page for ongoing updates of more 2025 drone events to come.
Date: January 7-10, 2025 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Why Attend: CES is a global stage for innovation, and drones always take the spotlight. Expect groundbreaking announcements from major brands like DJI, Autel Robotics, and Skydio, alongside startups unveiling game-changing technology. Live demos and hands-on experiences make this a must-attend event.
Date: Feb. 1, 2025 Location: Miami, Florida Why Attend: The DRL U.S. Air Force Miami Invitational is a massive drone race held at LoanDepot Park, which is most famously known as the home of the Miami Marlins.
Tickets are on sale now, coming in at $25 per adult. Discounted tickets are available to children and seniors. And if you buy for a group of adults (that’s five or more), you can get tickets for just $20 each.
AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025
Date: May 19-22, 2025 Location: George Bush Convention Center in Houston, Texas Why Attend: The world’s largest event for autonomous and unmanned systems, AUVSI XPONENTIAL is perfect for professionals seeking insights into the latest drone applications. Expect exhibits, keynote speeches, and discussions on emerging regulations and trends.
Date: May 19, 2025 Location: George Bush Convention Center in Houston, Texas Why Attend: Besides the main XPONENTIAL event, there are a few co-located events, meaning you can make one trip and double-dip on the learning and networking.
One of the top co-located events is the one-day Law-Tech Connect Workshop, which typically devolves into a standing room-only crowd of people seeking the latest updates on global drone regulations and advanced air mobility, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and UTM, threat lessons from current conflicts and more.
Date: June 18-19, 2025 Location: Odense, Denmark Why Attend: This is one of the top-tier, professional drone events held in Europe. It’s hosted by Odense Robotics and the UAS Denmark International Test Center, which is the site of key testing facilities and BVLOS flights. It draws more than 500 people each year, which is a manageable size contained to serious drone users.
Date: August 7-17, 2025 Location: Chengdu, China Why Attend: The World Games, organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA), is the second largest multi-sport event in the world after the Olympic Games. But unlike the Olympics, this massive sporting event includes drone racing.
The Drone Racing event will happen in a stadium at Dong’an Lake Sports Park, located in Chengdu’s Longquanyi District. Held as a mixed gender event, it’ll feature 32 racers who battle in an elimination round style competition.
Need a last-minute Christmas vacation idea this year? Drone fans should consider the Orlando World Center Marriott, which is offering an entirely new hotel amenity that we can get behind.
From Dec. 25 to Dec. 30, 2024 the world’s largest Marriott hotel will debut its first-ever holiday-themed drone show, designed by Sky Elements, which was a finalist on America’s Got Talent and America’s largest drone show company. The show will feature 200 synchronized drones lighting up the night sky above the resort’s Falls Pool.
A holiday themed drone show from Sky Elements. (Photo courtesy of Sky Elements)
But the Orlando World Center Marriott is blazing a trail as the first hotel in Orlando to offer such a holiday experience.
“At Orlando World Center Marriott, we want to help our guests experience the magic of the holiday season whether they are at the theme parks or looking to make memories with their family on-property,” said Robert Bray, General Manager at Orlando World Center Marriott.. “We invested in our holiday programming to introduce the best winter experience we have ever created and build new traditions for our guests.”
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Orlando World Center Marriott and experience its unique drone show offering:
When and where to watch the Orlando World Center Marriott drone show
A Christmas themed drone show from Sky Elements. (Photo courtesy of Sky Elements)
The Orlando World Center Marriott drone show begins nightly at 8:30 p.m., and each evening presents a unique theme — but all with intricate formations, vibrant colors and holiday cheer.
As far as the best place to watch? The best free-to-watch spot is the Falls Pool area (though you need a wristband to enter, which you get by booking a room at the hotel). Or, if you want a more private experience, book a Holiday Drone View Room. These rooms offer a private balcony vantage point.
Otherwise, non-hotel guests can still find a way in by dining on property. Those folks should do dinner and a show at either the Lobby Bar Terrace or Mikado’s viewing deck.
What drones are used?
Sky Elements uses drones from UVify, which famously makes the IFO drone. IFO drones cost $1,585 a piece, which means this drone show will likely have more than $300,000 worth of gear in the sky.
As it turns out, you can buy one for yourself. Though these drones aren’t sold at traditional electronics retailers, you can get your hands on your own light show fleet by emailing UVify’s sales team. And if you, drop my name. It benefits you! Give them coupon code DGIFO in your email for a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
Other winter festivities at the Orlando World Center Marriott
The Stockroom bar at the Orlando World Center Marriott. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)
The drone show is certainly the highlight, but that’s far from the only winter festivities happening at this over-the-top hotel. Other activities happening at the hotel this Christmas include:
Silent Night Disco Bash: A festive silent disco party.
Secret Ugly Sweater Bar: Hidden in the resort’s speakeasy, it’s a quirky holiday treat.
Cookie and Gingerbread Decorating: Family-friendly, hands-on fun.
Mermaid & Glow Party: A signature poolside event held on 12/28.
How to save on a stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott
The River Falls pool at the Orlando World Center Marriott. (Photo courtesy of Marriott)
Special booking packages: The property is running a few special offers, including the “Getaway in Our World” package which includes a $50 nightly resort credit and free self-parking. For fans of free hotel breakfast, the “Breakfast Before You Explore” package includes breakfast for two adults and two children.
Cyber Sales: There’s also an early Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale that runs through Travel Tuesday) where you can save 25% on weekend stays through Jan. 20. The deal is even available during Christmas week.
What to know about booking the Orlando World Center Marriott
The days between Christmas and New Year’s are typically bustling at the Orlando World Center Marriott. That’s unsurprising given the hype around the drone show and the fact that many snowbird families flock to enjoy the holiday season somewhere warm. Booking early is advised to secure your spot in the center of the action.
And if you don’t make it this year, have hope. The Orlando World Center Marriott resort said it intends to host more drone shows in the future.
Happy November, dronies! Yes, it’s already that time to think about Christmas gifts — or whatever other winter holidays you’re shopping for! And if you have a drone lover in your life you are shopping for this holiday season, look no further, The Drone Girl’s got you covered with our 2024 Holiday Drone Gift Guide.
From essential accessories to nerdy must-haves, we have something for every drone pilot on your list. Even if they do not need another drone (or if a drone isn’t within your budget), you’ll discover there are a ton of fantastic holiday gift options out there.
I’ve broken down the gifts by budget, so no matter what your budget or the drone pilot’s interests, we have the perfect gift for them. I’ve curated a selection of potential Holiday 2024 Drone Gift Ideas to help you find the ideal present for the drone pilot in your life.
So with that, here’s your 2024 holiday drone gift guide:
2024 holiday drone gifts under $20
Personalized Puzzles($10.99): The drone photographers in our lives take beautiful shots and they deserve to be shown off. Why not take one of their photos and turn it into a puzzle for everyone to enjoy? Of course, you could make a personalized puzzle with any of your photos, but one of your aerial drone shots (or a shot taken by the gift recipient themselves) would be really special.
Drone Symbol Baseball Cap ($18.99): This baseball hat with the simple drone design is an understated accessory to add to any drone lover’s closet.
Tablet Holder for DJI Series ($19.99): It can be tricky for drone pilots to capture the perfect shot on the small screen, attaching a tablet to the controller can help the pilot view all the fine details. Before purchasing, check out your drone pilot’s type of drone and tablet and ensure they are compatible.
STARTRC Drone Landing Pad Pro($19.99): A landing pad is a must-have for any drone pilot, it helps protect drones from damage when landing. This durable pad is easy to fold and unfold, making it portable and convenient.
Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament ($19.99): I mean…drones would be much more efficient than reindeer anyway, which makes this super cute Santa ornament a perfect gift for Christmas.
LEGO Marvel Spider-Man’s Drone Duel Building Kit ($19.99): Superheroes and drones? It’s an excellent combination for any holiday gift. If your drone lover loves Legos, but superheroes aren’t their speed, there are plenty of other Lego kits that feature drones. Check out tons of other LEGO drone options here.
MicroSD cards (price varies): This is the perfect gift for any drone photographer because you can never have enough memory cards! A broken, lost, corrupted, full, or forgotten memory card will ruin any drone shot. One of our current favorite memory cards is the Samsung PRO Ultimate Micro SD and it is currently on sale for $36.99 (that’s a 27% discount).
Drone Books (price varies): If your drone lover is also a book nerd, there are many excellent drone books on the market. You can check out our best drone children’s books here or a selection of excellent drone books here.
2024 holiday drone gifts under $50
Drone Dojo Subscription ($27…sort of): If the drone lover in your life also loves building and creating, look into a Drone Dojo subscription. $27 gets you a Blue Belt Membership, which gives you access to Drone Dojo courses, projects, and more. The courses teach you a range of drone skills including how to build a drone from scratch, and how to program a drone to make it truly autonomous. Exact prices range based on how many months you want to subscribe for.
This is also a great gift as it won’t take up any space — and doesn’t require you to pack and ship it, either.
Holy Stone Mini Drone($35.99): Perhaps the drone lover in your life isn’t ready for the real thing, or is new to the hobby, this toy drone is a great place to start. This indoor toy drone is easy to fly and sure to bring joy to the youngest of drone lovers.
DJI Mini 4 Pro 360 Propeller Guard ($35.99): If the drone lover in your life purchased the newest DJI Mini line drone to hit the market, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, then these propeller guards are a great gift — particularly because the kit sold by DJI rather annoyingly does not include propeller guards (no, not even the upgraded Fly More Combo).
But because the Mini 4 Pro is a top pick for beginners, having propeller guards is critical in giving any drone pilot even more peace of mind knowing their propellers are protected when they fly their prize possession.
Drone Case (price varies): Most likely, the most important thing in your drone pilot’s life is their drone, so give them a gift that keeps their drone and its accessories safe from damage, dust, and moisture.
The case and price will vary depending on the type of drone you are purchasing the case for. INSYOO makes high-quality cases for most DJI drones. The INSYOO case made for the DJI Mini 2 begins at $25.99.
Drone Lens Filter (price varies): Maybe you want to help your beloved drone pilot take even better photos, then get them a lens filter. Filters can help reduce the amount of light in bright conditions, increase the color concentration, and more. Different filters serve various situations (and are fitted to specific drones), so research the drone and what type of condition they are often flying in. Generally speaking though, filters tend to cost under $50.
For example, the Globact ND Lens Filter Set comes with 6 types of filters and is compatible with DJI Mavic Mini, Mavic Mini 2, and Mini 2S. The 6 set of filters is $36.77.
The underside of the DJI Neo drone, where you plug in the battery. (Photo by Sally French)
The DJI Neo ($199): We have to recommend DJI’s new, selfie drone that’s ridiculously affordable. It’s just $200, and it’s a perfect entry-level drone. It’s great for kids. It’s great for indoor flying. It’s great for situations where you don’t want a huge drone buzzing around.
In some ways, it functions more like a toy drone with a relatively short battery life (18 minutes max) and minimal strength in wind. But given the price point, this is definitely a great gift for a newer or younger pilot.
The DroneMask 2 ($179): The DroneMask2 is a mask that gives any drone pilot a seamless, immersive experience when flying their camera drone. This innovative product allows you to turn any drone into an FPV drone. The mask works with all camera drones and smartphones, so no need to worry about what type of drone they have. This gift is sure to please and surprise any drone lover. We recently reviewed the DroneMask 2, check it out here.
Spare drone batteries (price varies): You won’t have to worry about this gift being returned, as you can guarantee this gift will be welcomed and used. Every drone pilot should fly with spare batteries nearby, in case of emergency, making it perfect for the ultra-practical folks.
Battery costs differ depending on the drone model and are rarely interchangeable, so double check you are purchasing the right battery for your drone pilot’s specific drone.
DJI Mini 2 SE ($339, on sale for $298): If you are looking for an inexpensive drone with still high-quality features look no further than another drone in the DJI Mini line, the DJI Mini 2 SE.
Hands down, there is no better drone under $400 than the DJI Mini 2 SE. And during the Black Friday sale, you can get that drone for under $300. The DJI Mini 2 SE is currently on sale for $298.
Drone Adventurer Masterclass+ ($300): Taught by Belgium-based aerial photographer Johan Vandenhecke, this is a start-to-finish guide on using drones to take photos and cinematic videos–and how to make money while doing it. A perfect gift for any drone pilot trying to master their craft.
Drone Pilot Ground School ($299-$525): If the drone pilot in your life hasn’t taken the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test yet, chances are they will need to take that soon (if they are planning on turning their hobby into a business). Passing the test is a requirement to fly drones commercially under Part 107.
The Drone Pilot Ground School is by far the biggest of all the Part 107 test prep programs and the one we would recommend if you want an established player. But there are many other options if you are looking for something different.
HoverAir X1 ($445, but on sale for $379): This flying camera is a great gift for anyone who wants a beginner drone that records sound and flies indoors. Don’t expect a DJI-quality drone, when you purchase the HoverAir X1. However, it’s a great little companion for someone who is looking to record mostly human subjects rather than big aerial scenes. Read our full review on HoverAir X1 here.
The HoverAir X1 is currently on sale for Black Friday deals for $379, saving you $66. Purchase the HoverAir X1 on Amazon.
DJI Mini 3 (starting at $467): This is the perfect starter drone, as it offers a high-quality camera, but still strips down the fanciest features to keep costs under control. Its camera is slightly lesser when compared to other DJI drones and it doesn’t have the full obstacle avoidance features. But, it’s DJI’s best drone under $500 (though that price point assumes you don’t need the controller, which a new pilot would.) If you want to explore other DJI drones for under $500, check out our guide to the best drones under $500.
The DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is currently on sale for $654 (saving you $143.64). The Fly More combo comes with a Mini 3, an RC controller, a shoulder bag, intelligent flight batteries, and several other accessories, basically the perfect drone starter kit.
2024 holiday drone gifts under $1,000
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 ($519): If the drone-lover in your life is always looking for the latest technology, then the Osmo Pocket 3 camera is perfect for them. It’s DJI’s latest compact and versatile handheld action camera. With major upgraded camera sensors, enhanced color modes, robust stabilization, and audio capabilities, it’s a versatile tool that caters to the demands of both amateur and professional content creators. Check out our full review.
DJI Mini 4 Pro ($959): This drone just hit the market in late September and it is the best drone for beginners, hands down. DJI added omnidirectional sensing to this model, making it particularly crashproof. If you have been wanting to purchase a first-time drone for someone in your life, this is the drone to get!
The drone has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera sensor and is incredibly small and compact (weighing under 249 grams). I can’t recommend this drone enough.
The Russian unmanned aerial vehicle Supercam S350, developed and manufactured by the Unmanned Systems Group, was presented during the Securex Uzbekistan 2024 expo, held in Tashkent from November 5 to 7. The company is offering the combat-tested drone for a wide of missions. Supercam unmanned aerial vehicle systems can be useful for Uzbekistan to protect […]
At the Milipol Qatar Summit, China’s ZIYAN, alongside local partner MANNAI Corp, highlighted emerging security trends and unveiled an intelligent, cost-effective UAS platform tailored to evolving industry needs. ZIYAN participated in the Milipol Qatar Summit & Exhibition 2024, one of the foremost worldwide stages for security technology and solutions. Concentrated on delivering heightened capabilities for […]
– Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions. Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Armaments, backs the program. Sky Sphere has undergone initial test flights without a live […]
The Twin-tailed Scorpion B drone, receiving improvements in terms of short-range takeoff capability and high-altitude flight performance compared with other products in its family, is set to make its debut alongside two large transport drones at the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province from November 12 to 17, 2024, according to the […]
At the Saha Expo, held in Istanbul from 22-26 October 2024, Turkey’s Aselsan launched a range of counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) systems, including the Korkut 25 mm remote-controlled weapon system and unmanned turret (Korkut 25), the Bukalemun GNSS spoofing system, the Kangal-FPV jamming system and the Seda 100-cUAV acoustic detection system integrated into the İhtar […]
The Skywolf family of unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) munitions developed by Turkish defense startup Astech is set to strengthen Turkey’s defense capabilities by joining the nation’s growing roster of UCAV munitions, a key export category in the Turkish defense industry. Astech will unveil the Skywolf Ground Attack Munitions (GAM) family for the first time […]
ZALA’s Lancet-E unmanned aerial system was displayed at the Vietnam Defence Expo 2024 international arms exhibition in Hanoi. ZALA presented the export analogue of the well-known Lancet series guided munitions carrier for the first time in Southeast Asia, attracting considerable interest. The ZALA exposition was visited by Pham Minh Tinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist […]
