Business-focused conference will bring together drone pilots, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and technology professionals October 28–30, 2026 at Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida
ORLAND, Florida. — September 10, 2026 — The Drone Forum 2026, a business development conference focused on the rapidly expanding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry, will be held October 28–30, 2026, bringing together drone professionals, entrepreneurs, service providers and industry leaders for three days of education, networking and business development.
As part of its commitment to fostering business development within the drone industry, The Drone Forum has announced that a limited number of registration scholarships are available for individuals who are starting out in the drone industry or working to establish and grow a drone-related business.
The scholarships are intended to help remove the financial barrier for emerging professionals who could benefit from access to experienced industry leaders, educational sessions and networking opportunities.
“The drone industry offers tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs, but owning a drone and obtaining a Part 107 certificate is only the beginning,” said Colin Jones, President of Red Hills Drone Services and organizer of The Drone Forum. “Building a successful business requires understanding how to find customers, market services, manage risk, price work, navigate regulations and develop a sustainable business model. We want these scholarships to help the next generation of drone professionals gain access to those resources and relationships.”
More Than a Drone Technology Conference
The Drone Forum is designed with a strong emphasis on the business side of the drone industry. Programming will address topics important to both new and established drone professionals, including business development, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, artificial intelligence, safety, regulation, policy and emerging commercial applications.
Attendees will also have opportunities to meet and learn from drone business owners, pilots, service providers, technology companies and other professionals actively working within the UAS industry.
The opening program will feature a panel discussion with drone industry entrepreneurs and business leaders sharing their experiences building businesses in the industry, including lessons learned, challenges encountered and opportunities they see ahead.
Who Should Attend?
The Drone Forum is particularly relevant for FAA Part 107 pilots, independent drone operators, entrepreneurs, startup companies, established drone service providers, public safety and government UAS professionals, engineering and environmental professionals, construction and infrastructure companies, real estate and media professionals, educators, students, technology providers and organizations considering the use of drones in their operations.
For individuals considering turning their drone skills into a business, the Forum provides an opportunity to learn directly from professionals who have already traveled that path.
Limited Scholarships Available
Individuals who are new to the drone industry, launching a drone business, or who otherwise may have difficulty attending because of registration costs are encouraged to apply for one of the available scholarships.
Scholarship availability is limited and interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The goal of the scholarship program is simple: Fostering Business Development by helping promising drone professionals gain access to the knowledge, contacts and opportunities needed to build successful businesses.
Register and Learn More
The Drone Forum 2026 will be held October 28–30, 2026.
Registration, scholarship information, sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities, and the latest conference program are available at TheDroneForum.org.
Businesses and organizations interested in reaching the growing commercial drone market are also encouraged to explore sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities.
About The Drone Forum
The Drone Forum is a business development conference created to connect the people, technology and opportunities driving the commercial drone industry. The Forum combines education, networking and industry expertise with a particular focus on helping drone professionals and entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses and identify new commercial opportunities.
Media Contact:
Gene Jones
The Drone Forum
TheDroneForum.org
Email: gene@eicmllc.com