DRONERESPONDERS moves 2027 public safety drone conference to Richmond

DRONERESPONDERS will hold its 2027 National Public Safety UAS Conference on March 16-17 at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia, a new site chosen to expand the event and bring it closer to Washington, D.C. The update adds more space for exhibitors, federal participants and targeted sessions on public safety drone policy, operations and emerging airspace technologies.

Why it matters: - NACON 2027 is expected to be the largest gathering of public safety advanced aviation leaders in the world. - The move to Richmond gives the conference more room for exhibitors, sponsors and program sessions. - The location is closer to Washington, D.C., which should make it easier for federal regulators and other stakeholders to attend. - The event is designed to support public safety agencies using drones for emergency response, law enforcement, fire service, search and rescue and disaster operations.

What happened: - DRONERESPONDERS announced that the National Public Safety UAS Conference will take place March 16-17, 2027, at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. - The venue is a National Historic Landmark built in 1901 in downtown Richmond. - DRONERESPONDERS said the conference can accommodate up to 1,000 participants and more than 100 vendor and sponsor partners. - Registration is open now at DRONERESPONDERS.org/NACON.

The details: - The 2027 event marks the biggest change in NACON’s history. - DRONERESPONDERS plans to expand both the content program and the exhibit area. - The updated education program will focus on public safety UAS policymaking, regulations, strategy and program management. - The larger venue is intended to support targeted breakout conversations on UAS program management, Counter-UAS operations, Drone as a First Responder, advanced air mobility and related topics. - The conference will include enhanced conversations, new case studies, increased exhibit space and more networking opportunities. - More than 100 exhibit opportunities are available, nearly double any previous year. - Vendors are being invited to show UAS, Counter-UAS, sensor, software, training and public safety technology products. - Sponsorship options will support the conference, receptions and DRONERESPONDERS’ year-round training and advocacy work. - The event is opening a call for session proposals from agency leaders, program managers, regulators, researchers and industry innovators. - Speaker topics include program development, Drone as a First Responder, Counter-UAS, advanced air mobility and public safety airspace integration.

Between the lines: - The conference shift reflects a maturing public safety drone market that is moving beyond broad introductions and toward more specialized operational discussions. - The proximity to Washington, D.C. suggests DRONERESPONDERS wants deeper engagement from federal policymakers and regulators. - The emphasis on breakout sessions and case studies points to a community that is looking for practical guidance, not just product demos. - Christopher Todd, executive director of AIRT, said the community is ready for more targeted conversations about how to manage and evolve public safety drone operations.

What’s next: - DRONERESPONDERS is encouraging agencies, companies and individuals to submit exhibit, sponsorship and speaking interest early. - Space is expected to fill quickly because the conference has sold out in past years. - Additional information is available on the conference website.

The bottom line: - NACON 2027 is being repositioned as a larger, more policy-focused event with more room for exhibitors, more federal participation and a stronger focus on how public safety drone programs are evolving.