JD Events Will Launch Drone World Expo in November in Silicon Valley
January 13, 2015
Unmanned aircraft systems are a fast-growing trend right now, which has led to JD Events launching Drone World Expo Nov. 17-18 at the San Jose McEnery (Ca.) Convention Center.
The show will serve commercial drone technologies and applications.
To put together a show for the industry, by the industry, a board of advisors has been chosen that includes people such as Gretchen West, vice president of business development and regulatory affairs, DroneDeploy; Jesse Kallman, global business development and regulatory affairs, Airware; Dave Charlesworth, alliance nanager, Chevron Energy Technology Company; and Tony Carmean, CMO and founding partner, Aerial MOB.
“I was proud to be invited to serve on the Advisory Board for the upcoming Drone World Expo after spending time working in commercial robotics and learning the nuances of this exciting culture. The organizers vision of focusing specifically on commercial applications, end user requirements, customer matchmaking and real world business cases is the perfect mix for a successful event," said Gretchen West, vice president business development and regulatory Affairs, DroneDeploy.
She added, "Hosting the event in Silicon Valley, which is the heart of technology development for commercial drones, is a great strategy and I look forward to helping shape the content of this flagship event with the rest of the all-star advisory board."
The use of drone technologies and applications now is playing an increasing role in numerous commercial industries including cinematography, agriculture, construction, utilities, oil and gas, mining, and real estate.
The advisory board will assist in shaping a two-day conference that will feature sessions and case studies addressing data collection and processing, sensors, piloting and safety management, FAA updates, certification standards, and commercial strategies and will offer informative sessions on the impact drones are having on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The event also will have an expo for attendees that will offer the opportunity to see all of the latest products and solutions in an interactive and exciting show floor which will offer numerous examples of flying drones and the components, software/cloud services, training/certification, trade groups, universities/research centers, platforms and more needed for vertical industries to implement drone technology into their businesses.
"We find ourselves at a significant moment for the UAS community, and at a critical time for UAS policymaking. This event could not come at a better time; 2015 will be a milestone year for setting federal policy that will guide the commercial drone industry for years to come,” said Lisa Ellman, a Counsel in the Washington, DC office of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP and co-chair of the firm's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Practice Group
She added, “I believe in ‘polivation’ - bringing policymakers and innovators together to promote innovation.”
JD Events, run by Joel Davis, is a trade show incubator that has shepherded several events from their nascent stages to profitable enterprises.
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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