Florida’s Drone Event That Can’t Be Missed
Images courtesy Seth Ford, used with permission.
The Kovens Conference Center at Florida International University buzzed with the sound of rotors during the ElevateUAV 2024 Conference, hosted by Drone Nerds.
Originally scheduled for October, the event had to be moved to November due to Hurricane Milton. This gathering brought together nearly 400 people from fields like construction, government, and agriculture, all eager to explore the latest in drone technology. Attendees were excited to see demonstrations of the newest gadgets and chat about how drones can help in areas like public safety.
Inside, vendors showed off new tech while law enforcement officers discussed customized solutions directly with experts. This led to new partnerships and ideas, especially around Drones as First Responders (DFR) programs. The concept has grown since its start in Chula Vista, CA, in 2018, becoming a key part of public safety with faster FAA responses and better integration into traffic systems.
It’s pretty cool how people come together at events like this to share ideas and learn from each other.
Officers from Hollywood, FL, and Casper, WY, shared their experiences with DFR programs, building positive connections. Despite the rescheduling, most vendors returned, and attendance was high, which pleased organizers. Major players like DJI and Teledyne FLIR filled the vendor halls, with international interest shown by Czech company Dronetag and new American manufacturer Anzu Robotics showcasing competitive designs.
Looking ahead, ElevateUAV2024’s success means it’s likely returning to South Florida in February 2026, possibly needing a bigger space for more attendees and vendors. There’s a focus on important topics like where drones come from, supply chain issues, and political changes. Speakers warned of upcoming challenges, but with change being the norm, North American stakeholders are ready to tackle what’s next in drone innovation.
