Industries are often discussed in terms of the human lifecycle, with new sectors being described as “in their infancy,” and then adolescence, teenage years, adulthood, etc., being used as descriptors for later portions of their evolution. For the commercial drone industry, you will hear many talking about the transition currently being perceived, moving away from infancy into some other, next phase. Exactly where the industry is today compared to its ultimate potential will differ depending on who you’re talking to and the vertical in which they work, but generally speaking there is broad agreement that the industry is no longer just about the new and the cool; it’s about the tangible value this technology can bring to businesses across the globe and across verticals.

This is exactly the viewpoint we are keeping in the front of our mind as we put together the conference program for Commercial UAV Expo 2026. Our attendees are no longer satisfied with cool new technologies. This industry is yearning for real-world lessons and tangible insights that can be taken back to businesses and careers to move into adulthood and full maturity. 

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely experienced the real value that drones can bring to organizations around the world, and the steps it took from idea to execution to drive that value. If this describes you, we want you on stage at Commercial UAV Expo 2026, and we want you to submit a presentation through our Call for Speakers, which is open until February 20.

As alluded to above, our main focus – above specific verticals, above particular technologies, above certain corners of the globe – is actionable insights. What we want to hear are sessions built on real-world experience, with takeaways that attendees can walk right out the door and apply in their own operations. Whether you’re flying complex missions in energy infrastructure, enhancing safety on construction sites, streamlining operations in agriculture, or navigating complex regulatory environments to drive business, your lessons learned have value.

Here’s what makes a session truly stand out:

  • Tangible takeaways that practitioners can use.
  • Case studies anchored in real challenges, with honest talk about what worked, and just as importantly, what didn’t.
  • Actionable strategies that empower others to improve their day-to-day work, whether for their own business or as they look to build their career.
  • Insights into emerging trends that aren’t just interesting, but relevant to the future of operations.

We all know this industry moves fast. What was cutting-edge a year ago could be table stakes today, and what’s innovative now could be ubiquitous by next fall. That pace means our community needs clarity and perspective that is grounded in real-world experience. That’s where speakers make the biggest impact.

There’s room for a variety of formats on the program, each tailored to how you like to communicate:

  • Presentations: Tell the story of a noteworthy project and show others exactly how you achieved results, and how others might be able to take a similar path.
  • Panel Discussions: Join other thought leaders and peers for a dynamic conversation that unpacks challenges and solutions from multiple angles.
  • Roundtable Discussions: Facilitate peer-to-peer conversations among industry colleagues to talk about how everyone navigates similar issues, to ultimately learn from one another and push everyone forward.

Whatever format you choose, the goal is the same: give attendees something they can act on.

If you have any questions at all about what might make a good submission, or whether your idea fits our conference, or what format might work best for you, or anything else, please feel free to reach out. I'm always available on LinkedIn, and you can reach out to [email protected] as well. I'm happy to set up a call and make sure that this year's program delivers on what the industry needs.

So if you've been sitting on a case study, a hard-earned set of lessons, or a workflow that's moving the needle, now's the time to share it. The deadline for submissions is February 20, 2026.

The industry is leaving infancy behind and heading into adolescence with its eyes set on full maturity. We can't wait to see what you bring to the stage to help get us there.

Submit Today