AUVSI Defense 2024
- Date
- 2024-10-23
- Location
- McLean, United States
- Host
- Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
About this event
AUVSI Defense 2024 is where the defense and autonomy communities meet to focus on what matters now: how uncrewed systems are being developed, deployed, and integrated across real-world missions. If your work sits at the intersection of military capability, federal security, and unmanned technology, this is a focused, in-person gathering designed to put the right people in the same room. This event brings together military officials, federal security personnel, and industry leaders for practical conversation about innovation in uncrewed systems across air, land, sea, and multi-domain operations. Expect a setting that is serious about mission needs, grounded in operational realities, and built for productive discussion rather than broad, generic conference talk. About the Event AUVSI Defense is a standalone event centered on advancing the role of uncrewed systems in defense and national security. Its purpose is to create direct connection between the people shaping requirements, the organizations fielding technology, and the companies building the next generation of autonomous and remotely operated capabilities. Rather than treating unmanned systems as a niche topic, this event puts them at the center of the conversation. That means attention on how these systems support defense missions across all domains, where the biggest operational opportunities are emerging, and what challenges still need to be solved to move from promising technology to dependable capability. Because the audience includes military, federal, and industry stakeholders, the format is especially valuable for attendees who need cross-sector perspective. You are not just hearing one side of the story. You are stepping into discussions where mission priorities, procurement realities, system performance, security concerns, and implementation hurdles can all be examined together. As an in-person event in McLean, AUVSI Defense 2024 is also built for the kind of interaction that is difficult to replicate online. It is a place for direct conversations, follow-up questions, and relationship-building with people who are actively involved in defense innovation. What to Expect Attendees can expect a program shaped around the current state and future direction of uncrewed systems in defense environments. The conversation will likely span technology development, operational use cases, policy and acquisition considerations, and the practical demands of deploying systems that must perform reliably in complex mission settings. You should come prepared for a mix of structured content and networking. In a gathering like this, value comes from both the formal sessions and the conversations between them. The people in the room will include decision-makers, subject-matter experts, operators, security stakeholders, and industry teams working to align innovation with mission requirements. Topics and discussions are likely to center on areas such as: Uncrewed systems across all domains, including how aerial and other autonomous platforms fit into broader defense operations Operational requirements and mission needs, with attention to what end users actually need from unmanned technologies Innovation and adoption, including what helps new capabilities transition from concept to fielded use Security and federal applications, especially where defense and federal security priorities overlap Industry-government collaboration, with emphasis on how partnerships can accelerate useful, deployable outcomes Because this is a focused defense event, the tone is likely to be practical and outcome-oriented. Attendees should expect conversations that go beyond product-level interest and toward questions of integration, reliability, scalability, interoperability, and strategic relevance. Why Attend If you work in defense, federal security, or the unmanned systems ecosystem, AUVSI Defense 2024 offers a chance to spend time with a highly relevant audience. This is not a general technology event. It is a targeted environment for people who need informed discussion about defense applications of uncrewed systems and want access to others working on the same challenges. For military and federal attendees, the event is a useful venue to hear how industry is responding to evolving operational demands and where innovation may support future capability. For industry participants, it is a chance to better understand mission priorities, connect with stakeholders who influence adoption, and sharpen how your work aligns with real defense needs. You may find value here if you want to: Build relationships with leaders and practitioners across defense, federal security, and industry Stay current on how uncrewed systems are evolving in defense contexts Understand priorities shaping investment, adoption, and mission integration Exchange insight with peers facing similar operational, technical, or strategic questions Identify opportunities for collaboration around next-step development and deployment The biggest takeaway for many attendees will be clarity. Clarity on where the sector is headed, what problems are most urgent, what capabilities are gaining traction, and who you need to know to move your work forward. Practical Details Location: In person in McLean, United States. The in-person format is an important part of the experience, especially for attendees who value direct conversation, relationship-building, and high-context discussion with peers and stakeholders. Date and time: Wednesday, October 23 at 12:00 AM UTC. If you are traveling or coordinating with colleagues, it is worth planning ahead so you can make the most of the day and any surrounding meetings. This event is best suited for professionals involved in: Defense and military operations Federal security and government programs Unmanned and autonomous systems Defense technology partnerships and strategy Business development, policy, or program leadership in relevant sectors If your work touches unmanned aerial vehicles, broader uncrewed systems, defense innovation, or mission-driven collaboration between government and industry, AUVSI Defense 2024 is a strong place to be. It is built for serious conversations, useful connections, and a better understanding of how autonomy is shaping defense across all domains.
Who should attend
If you work where defense missions, federal security priorities, and uncrewed technology intersect, this event is built for you. - You’re a **military, defense, or federal security professional** looking to understand how uncrewed systems are evolving across air, ground, maritime, and other operational domains. - You’re an **industry leader, product lead, founder, or operator** building unmanned aerial systems, robotics, autonomy, sensing, communications, or related technologies and want direct exposure to real mission needs. - You’re responsible for **procurement, capability development, program strategy, or modernization** and need a clearer view of what solutions are gaining traction and where adoption is headed. - You’re a **systems integrator, engineer, or technical decision-maker** who wants practical insight into deployment challenges, interoperability, and the broader defense technology landscape. - You’re focused on **partnerships, government engagement, or business development** and want to meet the people shaping how innovation moves from concept to field use. - You want conversations that are **serious, current, and defense-relevant**—with attendees who care about operational outcomes, not just technology in the abstract.