Commercial UAV Expo 2026, the world’s leading trade show and conference for commercial drone technology, has announced its second and final keynote session: “Two Skies, One Conversation: Comparing FAA and EASA Approaches to BVLOS Drone Operations.” Scheduled for September 3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, the keynote will bring together senior representatives from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to discuss the future of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations.

As commercial drone adoption continues to expand worldwide, harmonizing regulations across international markets has become a critical priority. The keynote panel will explore how the FAA and EASA are advancing BVLOS operations, comparing regulatory approaches, operational waivers, exemptions, and risk-based approval frameworks.

Discussions will also examine the role of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework alongside emerging U.S. regulatory pathways, helping drone operators better understand where the two aviation authorities align and where key differences remain. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the future direction of drone regulations and how evolving policies will support safer, more scalable commercial UAV operations.

According to Event Director Adrianne Madden, the commercial drone sector has evolved into a truly global industry where collaboration between regulators, manufacturers, service providers, and end users is essential for continued growth.

Matt Collins, Content Manager for Commercial UAV News, noted that opportunities to hear both the FAA and EASA discuss regulatory challenges on the same stage are rare, making the session particularly valuable for organizations seeking clarity on the future of BVLOS operations, waiver processes, and international regulatory cooperation.

The FAA and EASA keynote will be available to all Commercial UAV Expo 2026 attendees, regardless of registration type. This includes holders of the Exhibit Hall Only Pass, Full Conference Pass, DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit Pass, and DRONERESPONDERS Program Management Course Pass.

The Exhibit Hall Only Pass also provides access to both the event’s Opening Keynote on September 1 and the closing FAA and EASA keynote on September 3, offering attendees an affordable opportunity to hear directly from two of the world’s leading aviation regulatory agencies.

By bringing together regulators from North America and Europe, Commercial UAV Expo 2026 continues to strengthen its position as the premier global event for commercial drone technology. The keynote will provide drone operators, technology providers, infrastructure professionals, surveyors, and public safety organizations with timely insights into the evolving regulatory landscape that will shape the next generation of BVLOS drone operations and commercial UAV innovation.

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