Key Takeaways:
- Commercial UAV Expo has announced its Opening Keynote for the 2026 event, titled “The View From the Field: What Operators, Pilots, and Fleet Managers Are Saying About the Commercial Drone Industry.”
- The keynote, scheduled for September 1, will draw on findings from the State of the Industry Survey 2026, conducted jointly by Commercial UAV News and Pilot Institute.
- The survey will target drone pilots, fleet managers, operations leads, and regulatory compliance professionals, covering topics including BVLOS regulations, fleet procurement, and AI adoption.
- Matt Collins of Commercial UAV News and Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder of Pilot Institute, will present and discuss the findings at the session.
- Commercial UAV Expo 2026 takes place September 1–3 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, with registration currently open.
Commercial UAV Expo Announces Opening Keynote Focused on Operator Perspectives
Commercial UAV Expo announced on 13 April 2026 that its Opening Keynote for the 2026 event will centre on findings from a forthcoming industry survey targeting working drone professionals. The session, titled “The View From the Field,” is scheduled for September 1 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the full event runs from September 1 to 3.
The keynote will draw on data gathered through the State of the Industry Survey 2026, a joint initiative by Commercial UAV News and Pilot Institute that has not yet launched at the time of this announcement.
About the State of the Industry Survey
The survey is designed to gather responses from drone pilots, fleet managers, operations leads, and regulatory compliance professionals working in commercial UAS. According to the organisers, the survey will cover a range of topics including the FAA's proposed Part 108 BVLOS framework, the impact of the FCC Covered List on fleet procurement decisions, adoption of autonomous and AI-assisted capabilities, airspace access, workforce development, data security, and the general business outlook for commercial drone operations.
The survey is described as still forthcoming, with a launch expected in the weeks following the announcement. Industry professionals can register at the event website to receive updates when it goes live.
How the Keynote Will Be Structured
Matt Collins, Content Manager at Commercial UAV News, will present highlights from the survey data before being joined by Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder of Pilot Institute, for a discussion of what the findings indicate about the direction of the commercial drone sector.
Reverdiau described the intent behind the session. “We want to hear directly from the people doing the work every day. Their perspective is invaluable as the industry navigates evolving regulations, shifting supply chains, and new technological capabilities,” he said, adding that he is encouraging pilots and operators to participate in the survey when it launches.
Collins framed the survey as a way to introduce verified data into broader industry discussions. “We want to understand where operators see opportunity, where they're hitting roadblocks, and what they believe needs to change,” he said.
Commercial UAV Expo's Role in the Session
Commercial UAV Expo is presenting the keynote as the opening session of the 2026 event. Pilot Institute is listed as an Event Partner for the show and will operate a dedicated space on the exhibition floor called The Pilot Hub, offering talks, community programming, and guidance on FAA certifications and career development.
Commercial UAV Expo 2026 Event Details and Registration
Commercial UAV Expo 2026 takes place September 1–3 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event is produced by Diversified's technology portfolio and presented by Commercial UAV News. Registration is currently open at www.expouav.com.
