The UAS Summit & Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place in Grand Forks, North Dakota, continuing its long-running role as a major gathering for the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) community. The event, produced by BBI International and UAS Magazine, has grown from a regional stakeholder meeting into an established international forum for industry professionals, government representatives, and end users.
The summit reflects the region’s position as a major hub for UAS activity and development, often referred to in industry context as a key proving ground for unmanned systems operations. According to event materials, this year’s program has been shaped with input from a newly formed advisory committee representing leading UAS organizations and end-user groups, with an emphasis on expanding technical content and decision-maker participation.
UAS Summit & Expo 2025
When is the Event?
The UAS Summit & Expo 2026 will take place on October 13–14, 2026 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Themes
The 2026 program focuses on the continued advancement and operational expansion of unmanned aerial systems. Key areas highlighted in the event include industry development, end-user requirements, policy considerations, and the growing role of UAS across commercial, government, and defense applications.
The summit also places emphasis on direct engagement between stakeholders, with programming designed around technical exchange, operational insights, and decision-making perspectives from across the sector.
What’s On?
Attendees can expect a two-day program featuring keynotes, technical presentations, concurrent sessions, and an active exhibition floor.
On Tuesday, October 13, the event opens with breakfast networking followed by a full schedule of keynote presentations, technical talks, and concurrent sessions. The expo runs throughout the day, with additional networking opportunities during lunch and an evening reception held within the exhibition area.
On Wednesday, October 14, the program continues with morning networking and sessions, followed by further technical talks and exhibitor engagement. The day includes structured breaks such as a refreshment period and an afternoon social session before the program concludes in the late afternoon.
Speakers
Speaker details were not included in the provided event information. Any confirmed speaker announcements would typically be released closer to the event date by the organizers.
Where is The Event?
The UAS Summit & Expo 2026 will be held at:
Alerus Center
Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
The Alerus Center is a large-scale convention and events facility featuring extensive exhibition space and arena capacity. It regularly hosts conferences, trade shows, and public events in the region.
Accommodation
Recommended accommodation for attendees includes:
Canad Inns – Grand Forks
The hotel is connected to the Alerus Center and offers direct access for event participants. It provides business-focused amenities, on-site dining options, and guest services suited for conference attendance.
Booking information is expected to be released closer to the event date.
Customer Advisory
Organizers note that BBI International does not use third parties to sell hotel rooms for the event. Any unsolicited calls offering accommodation bookings should be treated as fraudulent, and attendees are encouraged to contact the organizer directly with any concerns.
To learn more about UAS Summit & Expo 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
