BECOME AN EXHIBITOR

Put Drone Technology in Front of the People It Can Impact Most

The Appalachian Drone & Aviation Expo is bringing together businesses, government agencies, educators, public safety organizations, aviation professionals, and technology leaders to show Appalachia how drones are being used in the real world today.

If your company or organization uses unmanned aircraft systems, aviation technology, robotics, mapping, imaging, inspection equipment, or related technology, we want you at Boggs Field.

September 11–13, 2026
Boggs Field – KUSW | Spencer, West Virginia

Drone Exhibitor participation is FREE.

Bring your technology. Bring your people. And help introduce students, families, businesses, and community leaders to the future of flight.

[BECOME AN EXHIBITOR]

MORE THAN A TRADE SHOW

Show People What Your Technology Can Actually Do

The Appalachian Drone & Aviation Expo is built around education, demonstration, and real-world applications.

Rather than simply displaying products behind a table, exhibitors are encouraged to show visitors how drone technology is being used in everyday operations—from agriculture and emergency response to infrastructure inspection, public safety, mapping, photography, education, and Advanced Air Mobility.

Organizations may participate with:

★ Drone and UAV equipment displays

★ Live flight demonstrations

★ Video demonstrations and presentations

★ Interactive exhibits

★ Drone simulators

★ Mapping and imaging technology

★ Educational and career information

★ Training and certification resources

★ Public safety technology

★ Advanced Air Mobility technology

★ Related aviation and emerging technologies

A designated demonstration area will be available for approved drone flight demonstrations.

WHO SHOULD EXHIBIT?

We welcome public agencies, private companies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, technology providers, aviation organizations, and professionals using drone technology in real-world applications.

Public Safety & Emergency Response

Fire departments, law enforcement agencies, EMS organizations, emergency management teams, search-and-rescue organizations, and other first responders can demonstrate how drones assist with aerial reconnaissance, incident response, missing-person searches, scene assessment, and disaster response.

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Show how unmanned aircraft are changing crop scouting, livestock monitoring, precision agriculture, forestry, land management, environmental monitoring, and wildlife management.

Infrastructure & Inspection

Companies and agencies involved in power lines, utilities, telecommunications, construction, roofing, bridges, pipelines, towers, transportation, and industrial inspection can demonstrate how drones help reach difficult or dangerous locations.

Mapping, Imaging & Photography

Surveyors, photographers, videographers, GIS professionals, real estate professionals, and mapping companies can showcase aerial imaging, photogrammetry, 3D mapping, surveying, and data collection.

Education & Workforce Development

Colleges, universities, technical schools, aviation programs, drone academies, STEM organizations, and workforce-development programs can connect students directly with education, certification, and career opportunities.

Drone Manufacturers & Technology Providers

Manufacturers, software companies, equipment suppliers, sensor manufacturers, robotics companies, communications providers, and emerging technology companies are invited to demonstrate their products and capabilities.

Advanced Air Mobility

Organizations working in Advanced Air Mobility, autonomous flight, drone infrastructure, airspace management, communications, logistics, and future transportation systems are encouraged to participate.

WHAT EXHIBITORS RECEIVE

There Is No Exhibitor Fee for Drone Organizations

Participating Drone Exhibitors receive:

★ Complimentary exhibitor space

★ Participation opportunities across all three days

★ Direct interaction with students, families, businesses, community leaders, and the general public

★ Opportunities to demonstrate real-world drone applications

★ Space for equipment, informational materials, monitors, laptops, and displays

★ Tables, chairs, and basic setup support

★ Opportunities for live or simulated demonstrations

★ Inclusion in event promotion and on-site recognition as available

★ Access to a regional audience interested in aviation, technology, education, and workforce development

You do not have to participate all three days. Organizations may coordinate participation based on staff availability and event needs.

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Exhibitors are encouraged to create an engaging experience rather than simply handing out brochures.

Consider bringing:

★ A drone or related equipment for display

★ Equipment used in your day-to-day operations

★ A laptop or monitor showing videos of your technology in action

★ Before-and-after imagery, maps, inspection footage, thermal imaging, or aerial photography

★ Interactive demonstrations

★ Drone simulators or educational activities

★ Career and workforce information

★ Training or certification materials

★ Company literature and informational handouts

Most importantly, bring knowledgeable representatives who can talk with visitors about how your organization uses the technology.

LIVE DRONE DEMONSTRATIONS

Take Your Exhibit Into the Air

One of the most important elements of ADAE is giving visitors an opportunity to see drone technology working—not just sitting on a table.

A designated flight demonstration area is planned for approved exhibitors.

Demonstrations may showcase applications such as:

★ Search and rescue

★ Public safety and emergency response

★ Agricultural monitoring

★ Aerial mapping

★ Inspection technology

★ Photography and videography

★ Specialized sensors and cameras

★ Training and flight operations

★ Other approved commercial or public-sector applications

Organizations interested in conducting a live demonstration should indicate that when registering so event organizers can coordinate flight activities and safety requirements.

CONNECT WITH THE NEXT GENERATION

Friday, September 11 | Student Education Day

Friday is dedicated to approximately 2,000 students from Roane County Schools, Faith Christian Academy, and area homeschool programs.

Drone Exhibitors will have a unique opportunity to introduce young people to technologies and careers many of them may never have experienced firsthand.

This is your opportunity to show students that careers in drones, aviation, robotics, engineering, public safety, agriculture, mapping, technology, and Advanced Air Mobility are not something decades away.

They are happening now.

MEET THE PUBLIC

Saturday, September 12

Following the morning EAA Chapter 1336 Young Eagles program, the public expo opens from:

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Drone Exhibitors, aviation displays, interactive technology, demonstrations, food vendors, and family activities will welcome visitors from across the region.

DEMONSTRATE. COMPETE. INSPIRE.

Sunday, September 13

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday continues the public expo with Drone Exhibitor displays, drone competitions, interactive activities, simulators, obstacle-course experiences, and other demonstrations.

It is another opportunity to connect directly with families, students, industry professionals, and potential future drone operators.

INDUSTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS WE WANT TO REPRESENT

ADAE is actively building a diverse exhibitor lineup representing the many ways unmanned aircraft and aviation technology can serve Appalachian communities.

Targeted areas include:

★ Natural resources and wildlife management

★ Agriculture

★ Fire and emergency response

★ Law enforcement

★ EMS and medical response

★ Emergency management

★ Search and rescue

★ Military and National Guard applications

★ Aerial photography and videography

★ Surveying and mapping

★ Construction

★ Utility and infrastructure inspection

★ Telecommunications

★ Education and universities

★ Drone pilot training

★ FAA safety and regulatory education

★ Advanced Air Mobility

★ Drone software and hardware

★ Robotics and autonomous systems

★ Workforce development

★ Aviation and aerospace organizations

If your organization is doing something innovative with drones, aviation, or related technology, we want to hear from you.

AIRCRAFT DISPLAY PARTICIPANTS

Help Us Tell the Story of Flight

ADAE is also welcoming traditional aircraft owners and aviation organizations interested in participating in the event's static aircraft displays.

Vintage aircraft, experimental aircraft, general aviation aircraft, gliders, and other unique aircraft can give students and visitors an opportunity to experience aviation up close.

Aircraft displays are static display only, except for approved activities associated with the EAA Young Eagles program.

Aircraft owners interested in participating should contact the event organizers to discuss aircraft type, availability, parking, and airfield placement.

[AIRCRAFT DISPLAY INFORMATION]

READY TO EXHIBIT?

Bring Your Technology to Appalachia

Help us show students, families, businesses, and community leaders what is possible when aviation, technology, and opportunity come together.

Whether you operate one drone or manage an entire aviation technology program, your experience can help educate the public, inspire a future workforce, and demonstrate how these technologies can serve communities throughout West Virginia and the Appalachian region.

Drone Exhibitor participation is FREE.

Contact:
Kim Davis, Deputy Director
Roane County Economic Development Authority

Phone: (304) 927-5189
Email: Kim.Davis@RoaneCountyEDA.org