COURT HOUSE – The Third Annual Conference on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), will be held Oct. 16-18, at the Cape May Convention Hall in Cape May, New Jersey. The 3-day conference will focus on drones and drone technology and their varied uses in today’s commercial and government environment. In addition to speakers, there will be technical exhibits, demonstrations, industry experts and innovators.
The Cape May County UAS Conference is considered the premier drone forum in the Northeast. This year, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce will co-host the event with the Cape May County Division of Economic Development. Keynote speakers include New Jersey Congressman Frank LoBiondo, a senior member of the House Congressional Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. LoBiondo also chairs the Aviation Subcommittee which oversees civil aviation policy, aviation labor, aviation commerce, safety and security, unmanned aircraft systems, and the majority of programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Major General Marke Gibson, USAF (Ret), is the second keynote speaker. Gibson is the Senior Advisor on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration (ADA-3), and reports directly to the Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. He is responsible for providing executive direction and high level leadership to the FAA, with responsibility for oversight of the work related to UAS.
Panel discussions will include, Counter UAS, UAS in First Response, Current Legal and Regulatory issues, Commercial Growth and Funding, and Rule 107 Waivers. Information presented at the Cape May County UAS Conference will focus on drone technology and highlight how it is changing the way business is conducted using high powered commercial drones for security, surveillance, data collection, mapping, weather reporting and more.
Under the direction of Freeholder Will Morey, Cape May County has taken the lead in bringing the growing drone industry to the area. The County has invested considerable time, energy and resources in developing business contacts and interest to drive new businesses and potential year round jobs to the County from emerging global industries and technology companies, particularly UAS. The partnership with the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce is proof of further commitment to diversifying the economy and developing new industry in the County.
Chamber President Vicki Clark explained, “The County and the Chamber are developing a strong partnership in spurring economic growth and development which previously focused almost solely on the tourism industry. We must now also work to proactively stimulate new, sustainable jobs and opportunities; that’s exactly what led to our joint effort in hosting this conference.”
The geography and location between the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean make Cape May County well suited for testing and drone technology related businesses. “Tech companies typically do not require a large footprint to settle their operations,” Morey noted. “They can work near water and wetlands, and most prefer to do their research and development near that environment.”
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, exhibit space and registration regarding the Third Annual Cape May County UAS Conference, visit the website at: www.uascmc.com
