Commercial UAV Expo 2026: Regulation Focus
The Commercial UAV Expo returns to Las Vegas from September 1-3, 2026, as major regulatory shifts impact the U.S. drone industry.
The Commercial UAV Expo returns to Las Vegas from September 1 to 3, 2026. It will bring more than 3,700 commercial drone professionals and over 240 exhibitors to Caesars Forum.
This year's event occurs during a period of significant change for the industry. The FAA is developing a new framework for routine beyond visual line of sight, or BVLOS, operations. Other factors like the FCC Covered List, NDAA requirements, tariffs, and supply chain policies are also altering the landscape for manufacturers and operators.
For the DRONELIFE team, the expo is a key opportunity to hear from regulators, operators, and manufacturers. DRONELIFE Editor Miriam McNabb will also speak at the event to discuss gaps and opportunities in the U.S. commercial drone market.
Regulation Takes Center Stage
Regulation will be a major theme across the three-day program. Discussions will cover Part 108, Part 146, the FCC Covered List, NDAA compliance, and BVLOS operations.
Three sessions are highlighted by the source. The schedule details are as follows:
| Session Title | Date & Time | Location | Speakers/Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparing for the Next Era of Advanced Aviation Technologies | Wednesday, September 2, 3:00-3:30 p.m. PDT | Forum Theater | FAA's Jessica Jones and Ben Supko |
| Two Skies, One Conversation: Comparing FAA and EASA Approaches to BVLOS Drone Operations | Thursday, September 3, 9:00-10:00 a.m. PDT | Room 401-404 | FAA's Robert Reckert, EASA's Daan Dousi, moderator Julie Garland |
| Seizing the Moment: Finding Opportunity in the Commercial Drone Market’s Gaps | Thursday, September 3, 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. PDT | Forum Theater | DRONELIFE Editor Miriam McNabb |
The closing keynote on September 3 will feature U.S. and European regulators comparing BVLOS approaches. FAA Flight Standards Service Acting Deputy Director Robert Reckert will join EASA Certification Directorate Head of Innovative Air Mobility Daan Dousi. Avtrain CEO Julie Garland will moderate.
Exhibitors and Partners to Visit
The expo is also a showcase for new technology. DRONELIFE lists several friends and partners attendees can visit on the show floor.
AirData UAV will be at Booth 914 with drone fleet management solutions. Appelix will be on the floor showcasing US-manufactured spray drones and seeking US battery partners. Public safety specialist BRINC is at Booth 845.
DeTect, Inc. (Booth 1925) focuses on radar and airspace awareness. Drone Nerds (Booth 831) offers commercial platforms and enterprise solutions. Drone Rescue Systems (Booth 908) provides automatic parachute safety systems.
The FAA itself will have a presence at Booth 2135. Flyability (Booth 1837) specializes in indoor inspection drones. HP (Booth 431) will display additive manufacturing for drones, and Doug Nicklin from HP will join a panel on September 3.
Inspired Flight Technologies (Booth 447) manufactures UAS for commercial and government use. The Korean Pavilion at Booth 409 will feature Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and KIAST.
Other notable exhibitors include Micantis, focusing on battery supply chain software, RIIS (Booth 855) for software engineering, SimActive (Booth 1024) with photogrammetry software, and Warren Community College (Booth 1807) for UAS training.
DRONERESPONDERS will also be present, offering training for the public safety drone community. The event offers a chance to see new aircraft, sensors, software, and services in one place. Attendees will hear directly from regulators as market conditions evolve.
The DRONELIFE team sees it as an opportunity to reconnect with the people moving the industry forward. The Commercial UAV Expo 2026 takes place September 1 to 3 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
