Hands-On Learning, Public Safety Take Center Stage at Commercial UAV Expo 2025

Partnerships with Pilot Institute and AIRT Bring Comprehensive Training for Drone Pilots and First Responders

The Commercial UAV Expo 2025 is set to deliver an unmatched educational experience for drone professionals. This year’s event, happening September 2–4 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, brings new partnerships and expanded programming for both commercial pilots and public safety personnel.

Pilot Institute Brings Practical Training to the Show Floor

For the first time, the Commercial UAV Expo is teaming up with Pilot Institute to provide hands-on education for drone pilots of all experience levels. The Pilot Institute will offer a variety of learning formats designed to improve pilot skills and support professional growth.

“Our partnership with Pilot Institute underscores our commitment to empowering drone pilots with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Lee Corkhill, Group Event Director, Commercial UAV Expo.

Pilot Institute’s program includes a full-day workshop, online-to-onsite courses, and in-person sessions at the Pilot Hub on the Exhibit Floor.

Key offerings include:

• Workshop: Cutting Edge Industry Insights: Essentials for Every Drone Pilot (Sept 2, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

• Online-to-Onsite Courses:

  • Drone Business Made Easy

  • Drone Mapping, Modeling & Surveying

• Pilot Hub Content (included with all passes):

  • Scaling in Small Markets

  • Composition, the Building Block of Great Photography

  • Mapping Mager: Workflows that Win Jobs

  • Using Heavy Lift UAS to Deliver Lifesaving Tools in Search and Rescue

  • Deep Dive into Part 108

• Live Drone Demonstration: Heavy Lift UAS Drone Rescue

“We’re proud to bring our proven training programs to Commercial UAV Expo, where the global drone community comes together,” said Greg Reverdiau, Co-Founder of Pilot Institute. “This partnership allows us to reach pilots on the ground with practical, hands-on education that helps them achieve their goals and elevate the entire industry.”

Some sessions require additional registration and include bonus access to the exhibit hall or discounts on full conference passes. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

DRONERESPONDERS Summit Focuses on Public Safety Applications

Also returning to this year’s expo is the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit, hosted by the Airborne International Response Team (AIRT). This two-day program, scheduled for September 3 and 4, will focus on how public safety agencies are using drones to improve emergency response.

“Bringing public safety and emergency services officers together with UAS experts and pilots increases the effectiveness of all stakeholders, and ultimately benefits communities nationwide,” said Christopher Todd, Executive Director, AIRT.

The Summit includes a wide range of sessions such as:

• Building a Public Safety UAS Program

• Shared Skies: How Public Safety and DOTs are Advancing UAS Integration

• Defending the Airspace: cUAS for First Responders

• Drones in Disasters – Lessons from the Front Lines

• Airspace Evolution: AAM and the Future of Emergency Response

• Unite the Mission: Public Safety UAS Training

Speakers will include Jason Day, DRONERESPONDERS Deputy Director of Training, and representatives from agencies including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Florida Highway Patrol, Virginia State Police, and Phoenix Fire Department.

“Partnering with AIRT and DRONERESPONDERS for the Public Safety Summit is a unique opportunity to connect public safety departments with the latest in drone applications and technology showcased at Commercial UAV Expo,” said Corkhill. “The Summit is designed to be accessible to first responders with all levels of experience, with the goal of advancing public safety UAS.”

Registration for the Public Safety Summit is $350. It includes access to keynote sessions, the Pilot Hub, networking events, and the full exhibit floor.

About the Organizers

Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the leading international trade show focused on commercial drone integration and operation. For more information or to register, visit www.expouav.com.

Pilot Institute has helped over 300,000 drone and airplane pilots across the U.S. through online and now in-person training. The organization is an FAA Safety Team Industry Partner and TRUST Test Administrator.

AIRT, the non-profit behind DRONERESPONDERS, supports public safety and emergency services through education, training, and real-world deployments of drones and other advanced aviation systems. For more, visit airt.ngo.

Read more:

• Commercial UAV Expo 2025 Keynotes: It’s All About the ROI
• Accelerating Commercial Viability and Market Demand: A Panel Discussion at Commercial UAV Expo