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AerialDroneUAVEXPO2024

Follow up and 2024 Drone Conference20257

ron0987 private msg quote post Address this user
2024 UAV Conference

If you missed it, you missed one HOT, HOT, HOT, conference, I mean really hot, it was bout 107 degrees each day outside. But there was not much that was really new at the conference. After attending one of the first conferences that focused on first responders, photographers, manufactures and some construction. This conference mostly focused on AEC and manufactures and hardly anything for photographers but some emphases on first responds

The first day attended a training class on a software “Virtual Surveyor”, this appears to be defiantly an AEC software but after 3 hours the presenter said if you came to training to learn how to build 3D models of buildings, you’re in the wrong place. It is a strong tool for determining ground plain and or volume in large lots or moving dirt.

Day two opening keynote speakers, one was from the FAA talking about the evolution of the conference and how the FAA is trying to focus on the intent of the original rules, but sees how some of the rules have evolved over the years.

Another keynote speaker talking about the need to create something new in the drone industry because things are getting mundane and normal. There needs to be an expansion in the field and challenged innovators to create this.

Another keynote speaker talking about as a business the need to look and assess your own business and see what makes you stand out. The need to sell to existing customers are not needed and if you do not stand out you are looking the same as every other business. You’re need to find something to make your business stand out and different to highlight it.

I walked by the “Pilot Institute” several times and saw them always busy. That morning of the conference I actually received a complaint from an agent about none other then some of my drone video. He noticed a little vibration in the video and wanted to know if there was a way to remove it and why was it there. I explained that the day of the shoot there was a good steady wind and the drone was compensating for the wind. So I stopped by the booth with a few questions. My goal was to talk with Greg and he was always busy talking with everyone. My questions were basic and simple, what drones do their staff use and does the video editing course cover a way to reduce shake in editing to compensate for some of the shake.
A little back story which I usually don’t disclose, is I have started displaying early signs of Parkinson that either due to fatigue or stress are more pronounced. This impacts my speech and obvious movement. The only reason I even mention this is that while stopping at several booths vendors dismissed me quickly after a short talk. But back to the “Pilot Institute” booth, a young lady stepped up to talk with me and asked if she could help me. I wish I got her name, she was very kind and even after noticing my issues with speech, she worked hard to answer my questions about the drone and which drones that a majority of their staff uses. She was not sure about the editing question and instead of saying standby she continued to talk with me. I cannot say enough about Gregs staff, this is one class act. The person that eventually came over was just as kind and answered my editing questions.

All I can say is this group of individuals working for “Pilot Institute” are amazing and friendly and knowledgeable. This is an absolute go to resource.

I stopped by DJI the day before the Neo release and had an interesting conversation with the staff there. I started the conversation with do they have any info on the Neo and current release date. The sales rep was quick to say this division is strictly commercial drones and do not even get into the consumer drone supply or info of DJI. We were standing next to DJI’s largest and most expensive drone. So, I asked, if I was a commercial real estate photographer and was shooting a 5 million dollar home and showed up to do a shoot for exterior photos and video with this drone it might be a good choice because of the camera payload. The sale rep pointed out a good choice then what is my follow up question. I said now I pull this 6’ drone into a 3 story entry I think the homeowner would stop me in my tracks and not a feasible solution. The sale rep said then you would grab a Mavic 3 Pro, I said even with prop guards maybe not the best choice. He then said maybe the Avata. I then pointed out the Neo at its price may be the best choice, and he originally started in the conversation with best tool for the job would always be a commercial drone. I then said would the Neo then not be considered a commercial drone, best tool for the best use. He had to agree and that maybe reconsider his point of view on the term commercial use.

Unfortunate for me with the heat and conference I ended up sick and missed the third day. But my take on the conference is for photographers as a whole this is not a conference to attend, and I will not be going back. As a service provider for AEC this may be a conference to attend, lots of good info on this sector, but even that said its focus might not be the best for smaller photographers even if they provide AEC services.

So this is an overall short to the point informational article on the conference.
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@ron0987

This was my first time there. I knew going into it (by the name Commercial UAV Expo) and looking at the website that it probably wasn't going to be geared toward the hobbyist photographer, or the new drone operator type.

I was able to record a few of the talks and have already started posting them on my youtube channel @Sparksmediagroup" target="_blank">Sparks Media Group Youtube Channel and will continue to do so.

I was really interested in how they are using drones for the AEC space as well as infrastructure projects which I found those talks to be helpful.

sorry you got sick, it was hot out there! I enjoyed the heat! I stayed at the Venetian which was in walking distance to the expo.

My only gripe is I wish there were more food options inside and I wish some of the talks didn't overlap as much as they did.

Tom
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