More than 175 attendees, vendors and volunteers attended the third annual Elon Drone Day, held on Nov. 3, 2023, at Elon University’s School of Communications. The record turnout featured a daylong program that attracted recreational and commercial pilots, transportation and safety officials, educators, students and community members interested in unmanned aircraft systems.

A drone flying above the name Elon University and AUVSI.This year’s programming included presentations from industry professionals with Aloft, TruWeather Solutions and GeoOwl, discussing their products, services and industry trends. Session titles included “Finding the Right Solutions for Your Needs,” “Drone as a First Responder and the Weather Challenges,” and “Creating a Future to Empower Everyone with Geospatial Technologies.” To watch videos of the presentation, scroll down.

“Elon Drone Day initially started as a way to help educate our campus partners, but it has become much more over the last three years,” said Senior Lecturer Randy Piland, who organizes the annual event. “I am excited that it has turned into a way to connect drone pilots, enthusiasts, industry professionals, as well as students, with what is happening in the industry.”

To learn more about the 2023 event, read our Today at Elon news release.

For additional information, contact organizer Randy Piland at rpiland@elon.edu or (336) 278-5232.

Presentations

Supporters

Thanks to those who helped make Elon Drone Day possible.

A composite of roughly 20 vendor logos on a white background.

2023 Schedule

8–8:30 AM
Vendor Check-in and Setup

8:30–8:45 AM
Check-in, Coffee & Pastries, Displays, Meet & Greet

8:50–8:55 AM
WELCOME TO ELON
Associate Dean Tony Weaver introduction (Randy Piland)

9–9:35 AM
TOPICS: Finding the Right Solutions for Your Needs
Kevin Teen, Customer Success, Aloft.ai

First Door Prizes

10–10:35 AM
TOPICS: Drone as a First Responder and the Weather Challenges
Marshall Hobbs, Weather Intelligence Sales & Implementation Specialist, TruWeather Solutions

Second Door Prizes

11–11:35 AM
TOPICS: Creating a Future to Empower Everyone with Geospatial Technologies
Kerry Mapes, Director of Business Development & UAS Solutions, GeoOwl

11:50 AM–NOON
Announcements and Promotions

Shuttle provided back to parking lost
Lunch is free and can be picked up at the parking lot near the Drone Demo Field

12:30–4 PM
Lunch and Outdoor Demos
NC DOT, Causey Aviation, 910 Drones, CSDI Group, GeoOwl, Frontier Precision