AUVSI Fall Assembly | AUVSI Defense & The Drone and AAM Policy Symposium
- Date
- 2026-11-09
- Location
- Washington, United States
- Host
- Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
About this event
If your work touches defense, unmanned systems, or advanced air mobility, this is the room where policy, technology, and operational priorities come into sharp focus. AUVSI Fall Assembly | AUVSI Defense & The Drone and AAM Policy Symposium brings together the conversations that shape how autonomous systems move from concept to capability, with Washington as the backdrop for the policy and defense discussions that matter most. This is not a general-interest expo or a broad networking mixer. It is a focused in-person gathering for people tracking how drones, robotics, and AAM are being integrated into defense strategy, procurement, regulation, and real-world use. About the Event AUVSI Fall Assembly combines defense-focused programming with a policy symposium centered on drones and advanced air mobility. The result is an event designed for people who need to understand both sides of the equation: where the technology is going, and how government, regulation, and defense priorities will influence what happens next. Expect a professional, discussion-driven format built around current issues in unmanned aerial systems, robotics, and defense. Because the event sits at the intersection of policy and application, attendees can engage with the broader strategic questions as well as the practical realities of implementation, adoption, and operational planning. Being in Washington adds real relevance. Conversations around defense and aviation policy are more useful when they happen in the context of the institutions, stakeholders, and decision-making environment that shape the field. For attendees, that means the event is likely to be especially valuable not just for information, but for perspective. You are not only hearing what is happening across the unmanned and AAM landscape; you are seeing how those developments are being interpreted through a defense and policy lens. What to Expect The programming is expected to center on the themes signaled in the title and tags: unmanned aerial systems, robotics, defense, drones, and AAM policy. Rather than isolated technical sessions, the experience is likely to connect policy developments with defense needs, operational realities, and the future direction of autonomy. You can expect the event to create space for a mix of strategic insight and practical discussion, including topics such as: The evolving role of unmanned and autonomous systems in defense contexts Policy and regulatory developments affecting drones and advanced air mobility How public-sector priorities are shaping deployment, integration, and oversight The relationship between innovation, security, and operational readiness Cross-sector dialogue between technology stakeholders, policy professionals, and defense leaders Because this is an in-person assembly and symposium, a key part of the value will come from being present for the conversations between sessions as much as the sessions themselves. This is often where attendees compare notes, pressure-test assumptions, and get a clearer read on what is changing now versus what is still aspirational. You should also expect a more serious, high-signal environment than a broad commercial event. The title suggests an audience interested in substance: policy implications, defense applications, and the strategic direction of the unmanned systems ecosystem. Why Attend If you need to make decisions, advise stakeholders, build partnerships, or stay credible in this space, attending helps you ground your understanding in current defense and policy realities. You will leave with a sharper view of how the unmanned aerial and robotics landscape is evolving, and what that means for your organization or work. This event is especially useful if you are trying to connect technical progress with institutional adoption. It is one thing to follow innovation headlines; it is another to understand how policy frameworks, defense requirements, and government priorities affect what actually gets implemented. Attending in person also gives you direct access to the wider community working at this intersection. That can mean better context for your planning, stronger relationships across sectors, and a more practical sense of where opportunities and constraints are emerging. Key reasons to attend include: Policy clarity: Understand the conversations influencing drones and AAM at a policy level Defense relevance: See how unmanned systems and robotics are being framed in defense settings Market and mission insight: Better understand the forces shaping adoption and use Cross-functional perspective: Hear ideas that matter to operators, policymakers, and industry alike In-person connection: Build relationships that are difficult to replicate virtually Practical Details This is an in-person event in Washington, United States, which makes it particularly well suited to attendees who value face-to-face discussion and proximity to the policy community. If your goals include networking, relationship-building, or getting nuanced insight from live conversations, the in-person format is a major advantage. The event is scheduled for Monday, November 9 at 12:00 AM UTC. If you are traveling or coordinating with colleagues, be sure to convert the posted time into your local time zone and confirm any on-site schedule details as you plan your day. A few practical points to keep in mind: Plan for a professional, policy-forward audience and setting Bring your current questions about defense, drones, robotics, and AAM policy Expect the greatest value to come from both formal sessions and informal conversations If this area is important to your work, come prepared to listen closely, take notes, and follow up with people you meet For anyone working in unmanned systems, defense, or aviation policy, this event offers a concentrated opportunity to get informed, get connected, and better understand where the field is heading.
Who should attend
This event is for people who need more than headlines. If you work where **defense, drones, robotics, or advanced air mobility policy** intersect, you will likely find the conversations here directly relevant to your day-to-day decisions. - You work in **defense, government, or the public sector** and want a clearer view of how unmanned systems and AAM are being discussed in policy and operational contexts. - You are part of a **drone, robotics, or autonomy company** and need to understand the defense and regulatory environment shaping adoption, procurement, or deployment. - You advise organizations on **policy, strategy, regulatory affairs, or government relations** and want current context you can bring back to clients or internal teams. - You lead or support **programs, partnerships, or business development** and want to meet the people influencing where this market is headed. - You are an **analyst, researcher, or ecosystem builder** tracking trends in unmanned aerial systems, defense technology, and advanced air mobility. - You simply need to stay sharp on the issues connecting **innovation, security, and implementation** and prefer substantive in-person conversations over broad industry noise.