E. J. Krause Partners with Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Systems Association, Tesla Foundation on 2nd Annual International Drone Expo
February 9, 2015
The Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle Systems Association, The Tesla Foundation and E.J. Krause & Associates will team up to produce the 2nd annual International Drone Expo (LA Drone Expo) Dec. 11-12 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The 2014 International Drone Expo assembled the largest ever global gathering of the commercial drone community, according to organizers.
The two-day event featured exhibitors from around the world and attracted more than 3,000 buyers. Industry leaders including DJI, 3DR, Drone Deploy, Aerial Media Pros, as well as many others, displayed their latest cutting-edge innovations throughout the show floor.
According to DJI’s Eric Cheng, general manager, DJI SF and Director of Aerial Imaging, DJI “The LA Droke Expo is a premier commercial drone expo, and is an important world-class event for the entire commercial drone community”
Greg Agvent, senior director of News Operations at CNN and keynote speaker, said, “This Expo is important for our community in so many ways. As a media professional, I need to have the best tools available to deliver to the public breaking news and to accomplish this in the most effective and safe way. Drones are a big part of the future of news coverage.”
The 2015 event is expected to draw 125 international exhibitors and more than 6,500 buyers from throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
The event will feature an exhibit floor displaying a variety of drones, parts and services for commercial applications in cinematography, photography, real estate, emergency response, agriculture, oil & gas, mining, and law enforcement, along with several other sectors for consumers and hobbyists.
The event also will include two “Hackathon” contests for professional drone engineers and software designers. The first contest will award a winner the title for “Best Drone Prototype”, and the second, “Best Drone Software Application.”
The International Drone Expo’s conference program will include hands on workshops covering topics and issues related to drones, as well as the opportunity for 333 Exemption signups for companies and individuals seeking the ability to operate legally.
Lisa Ellman, Former White House Staff Member and Justice Department Council on sUAV in the NAS and is currently with McKenna, Long & Aldridge in Washington D.C., said, “The LA Drone Expo was truly an amazing event. We were able to discuss with the entire commercial drone community the 333 exemption work we have been able to accomplish and to answer firsthand the questions and concerns the community has about policy holding back innovation, which I have coined ‘Polivation’.”
The 2015 International Drone Expo will once again bring together top experts in the world to discuss new technology, FAA updates and certification requirements, flight training and product launches and demos, as well as the commercial domestic market and international market outlook.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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