The Commercial UAV Forum is set to take place on April 22-23, 2026, at the RAI Amsterdam, Netherlands. This premier event will gather commercial UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) professionals from across Europe and the globe to explore the present and future of the drone industry. Attendees can expect to see the latest UAVs and payloads, gain insights from experts on optimizing drone operations, and hear from industry leaders about the direction of the drone sector. The forum offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and discover the latest advancements in commercial drone technology.
What to Expect at the Commercial UAV Forum 2026
Here’s a detailed look at what you can anticipate at the Commercial UAV Forum 2026:
Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation
- Latest UAV Hardware, Software, and Systems: The forum will showcase innovative UAV hardware, software, and supporting technologies.
- Vehicle and Payload Displays: Attendees will have the chance to see the most recent vehicles and payloads, offering a hands-on experience with the newest technology.
Expert Insights and Education
- Educational Sessions: The event will feature solution-focused educational sessions, with practical discussions on real-world applications.
- Expert Speakers: Attendees will hear from government officials and industry experts. Featured speakers include industry leaders such as Kay Wackwitz from Drone Industry Insights, Ken Stewart from NUAIR, and Jarno De Jong from Geo Infra.
- Keynote Presentations: The opening keynote will focus on regulatory progress and scaling up commercialization, followed by a panel discussion on the state of the drone industry.
Networking and Collaboration
- Networking Opportunities: The forum is designed to foster networking among professionals, offering opportunities to connect with drone pilots, project managers, service providers, regulators, and innovators.
- Community Building: The event aims to build a strong community, facilitating strategic connections to accelerate the adoption of drone technology in Europe’s core sectors.
Key Topics and Trends at the Forum
The Commercial UAV Forum 2026 will delve into several key topics and trends shaping the commercial UAV landscape:
1. How Drones are Revolutionizing Operations in Europe
- Industry Applications: Drones have been improving operations across various sectors, including construction, energy & utilities, public safety & emergency services, infrastructure, agriculture, ports, and mining.
- Use Cases: Attendees will learn about innovative use cases from European operators, discovering how to apply new workflows and systems to enhance their bottom line.
2. Evolving Regulations and Compliance
- Regulatory Updates: The forum will provide updates on the changing regulatory environment in Europe, including how regulations are adapting to allow more and longer drone operations while maintaining high safety standards.
- Expert Analysis: Government officials and industry experts will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by current drone regulations.
3. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI Integration: AI is increasingly integral to drone operations, enhancing repeatability, accuracy, safety, and reliability.
- Technological Advancements: Experts will explore the possibilities offered by AI, from improving operational efficiency to enhancing overall performance.
4. Specific Industry Applications
- Construction: Drones play a pivotal role in construction, with sessions focusing on navigating complicated construction zones, implementing safety precautions, and detecting gas and water leaks.
- Energy and Utilities: Inspection and maintenance of energy infrastructure using drones.
- Infrastructure and Transportation: Utilizing drones for surveying and mapping in large- and small-scale projects.
- Public Safety: Enhancing emergency response and public safety operations with drone technology.
Industry Growth and Market Trends
The commercial UAV market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by increasing demand for high-quality data and advancements in drone technology.
- Market Size: The global UAV market is projected to reach USD 48.89 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2019 to 2026
- Drone Services Market: The overall drone services market is estimated to grow from USD 13.9 billion in 2021 to USD 40.7 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 23.8%
- Growth Drivers: Key drivers include the increasing use of drones in military and defense, cargo delivery, and technological advancements in drone payloads.
- Market Segmentation: The multirotor drone segment is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing use in non-military applications and continuous technological advancements.
Regional Growth
- North America: Estimated to account for the largest share of the drone services market
- Europe: Focus of the Commercial UAV Forum, highlighting the region’s unique challenges and opportunities in the drone industry.
- Asia-Pacific: Expected to witness high growth, driven by increasing investments in drone technology and expanding applications across various sectors.
Who Should Attend?
The Commercial UAV Forum 2026 is tailored for professionals involved in integrating and operating commercial UAS, including:
- Drone Pilots
- Project Managers
- Service and Solution Providers
- Regulators
- Innovators
- Professionals from sectors such as construction, energy, utilities, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and more.
Benefits of Attending
- Elevate Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of the latest advancements and best practices in the commercial drone sector.
- Broaden Connections: Network with industry pioneers, innovators, and key stakeholders.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in the rapidly evolving drone market.
- Discover Solutions: Find solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and maximize the value of drone technology.
The Future of Commercial UAVs
The Commercial UAV Forum 2026 offers a glimpse into the future of commercial UAVs, highlighting the transformative potential of drone technology across various industries.
- Integration and Operation: Focus on integrating and operating UAS to drive the industry forward and unlock new possibilities.
- Technological Advancements: Showcase cutting-edge products and foster collaboration to shape the future of aerial technology.
- Economic Impact: The increasing adoption of drones is expected to drive significant economic growth, with the drone services market projected to reach substantial values by 2026.
Roundtable Discussions
The Commercial UAV Expo also features roundtable discussions on various topics:
- AAM (Advanced Air Mobility):
- Building the infrastructure for vertiports and air management.
- Building the ecosystem by bringing key stakeholders together.
- Drone Delivery:
- Healthcare and emergency service providers.
- Inspections, Surveillance, and Inventory:
- How drones are used at ports and in warehouses to transform logistics.
- Quantifying the Value of Drone Technology:
- Applications in inspecting port assets and solving supply chain management problems.
- Innovation in creating value with drone technology.
In Conclusion
The Commercial UAV Forum 2026 is set to be a pivotal event for professionals in the commercial drone sector. With its focus on cutting-edge technology, expert insights, and networking opportunities, the forum offers an unparalleled platform to explore the latest advancements, address key challenges, and shape the future of the drone industry in Europe and beyond. Whether you are a seasoned expert or new to the field, this event provides invaluable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth.
