The drone trade reveals no indicators of slowing down in 2026, with a formidable lineup of occasions spanning skilled conferences, racing competitions, and distinctive images expeditions. Whether or not you’re a business operator, leisure pilot, or aspiring aerial photographer, this complete information covers each must-attend drone occasion of the 12 months. So mark your calendars, as these are the 2026 drone occasions to make an excuse to take a trip for!
Bookmark this web page to 2026 drone occasions as we proceed including new occasions all year long. Oh, and yet another factor: I’m engaged on a information to the most effective drone mild reveals of 2026, coming quickly!
This information to 2026 drone occasions is posted in chronological order.
CES 2026 (Shopper Electronics Present)
When: Jan. 6-9 2026
The place: Las Vegas, Nevada
Who Ought to Attend: Everybody from trade professionals to tech fanatics
CES 2026 appears to be the worldwide epicenter for all types of innovation, drones included. This 12 months options a few of the most-anticipated tech, together with the Antigravity A1 drone and a really neat water mild present drone known as the ARIVIA Water-Floor Drone. That’s on high of panels from key trade gamers, together with of us from Wing and Amazon Prime Air.
Web site: ces.tech
Mikkeli Worldwide Drone Seminar
When: April 14, 2026
The place: Mikkeli, Finland
Who Ought to Attend: Nordic drone professionals, emergency companies, public security operators
This Finnish occasion focuses on sensible drone purposes in emergency companies and legislation enforcement, that includes knowledgeable audio system from police departments and rescue operations throughout Europe.
Web site: droneseminar.org
NAB Present 2026
When: April 18-22, 2026
The place: Las Vegas Conference Heart, Las Vegas, Nevada
Who Ought to Attend: Content material creators, filmmakers, media professionals
One more Vegas convention! That is much less targeted on pure new tech and extra about media and digital camera gear. That makes NAB Present the premier gathering for media, leisure, and expertise professionals.
We don’t have too many particulars but, however sometimes DJI and different main producers showcase their newest digital camera gimbals, transmission methods, and cinematography drones. That is the place you’ll discover cutting-edge instruments for aerial filmmaking and content material creation.
Web site: nabshow.com
Drone Security Day 2026
When: Saturday, April 25, 2026
The place: Occasions nationwide throughout the U.S.
Who Ought to Attend: All pilots, educators, households, rookies
Previously referred to as Nationwide Drone Security Consciousness Week, this FAA-sponsored occasion is something however bureaucratic. It’s a neighborhood celebration that includes fly-ins, STEM demonstrations, pilot coaching classes, and each in-person and digital occasions. Whether or not you’re captivated with Distant ID compliance, mentoring new pilots, or simply in search of an excuse to fly, that is your day.
Sometimes faculties, native drone meetup teams and even corporations will host actions tied to Drone Security Day. Test the NCA Tech web site for particular occasions close to you.
Web site: ncatech.org/about-drone-day
Palm Springs Drone Fest
When: April 30 – Could 2, 2026
The place: Palm Springs, California
Who Ought to Attend: Households, FPV racers, hobbyists, aspiring entrepreneurs
The second annual Palm Springs Drone Fest guarantees to be even larger than the inaugural 2025 occasion. This family-friendly competition packs a number of sides of drone tradition into one epic weekend. We don’t have a ton of particulars but about this 12 months’s occasion, however final 12 months we noticed:
- Drone Soccer World Cup Qualifier competitions
- FPV Racing for adrenaline junkies
- Drone Movie Pageant showcasing aerial cinematography
- Commerce Present & Workshops for aspiring drone enterprise homeowners
- Drone Mild Present over Palm Springs (a private spotlight!)
- Dwell music and meals vans
Tickets are affordably priced, making this among the best worth drone occasions of the 12 months.
Web site: psdronefest.com
AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026
When: Could 11-14, 2026 (Schooling: Could 12-14)
The place: Huntington Place, Detroit, Michigan
Who Ought to Attend: Protection contractors, business operators, trade professionals
The world’s largest unmanned methods occasion returns to Detroit with over 25,000 sq. ft devoted to protection purposes. XPONENTIAL brings collectively the Protection Applied sciences Zone and MDEX, providing unprecedented insights into how drones are advancing nationwide safety and mission-ready expertise. Anticipate reveals, keynotes, and deep-dive discussions on rising laws and enterprise purposes.
Web site: xponential.org
Worldwide Drone Present
When: June 3-4, 2026
The place: Odense, Denmark
Who Ought to Attend: European professionals, BVLOS operators, research-focused attendees
This main European drone convention attracts 500+ critical trade individuals yearly. Hosted by Odense Robotics and the usDenmark Worldwide Take a look at Heart — a premier BVLOS testing facility — the occasion delivers cutting-edge analysis, enterprise insights, and networking alternatives with world drone leaders.
Web site: internationaldroneshow.com
NAB Present New York
When: October 21-22, 2026
The place: Javits Heart, New York Metropolis
Who Ought to Attend: East Coast media professionals, content material creators, broadcasters
NAB’s New York version brings comparable content material and reveals that you just may see within the unique Vegas occasion, however this time it’s on the East Coast, making it extra accessible for individuals who can’t make the Vegas present. Excellent for regional networking and seeing the most recent manufacturing expertise.
How to decide on the appropriate 2026 drone occasion for you
For trade professionals: XPONENTIAL, NAB Present, Worldwide Drone Present
For hobbyists and households: Palm Springs Drone Fest, Drone Security Day
For content material creators and photographers: NAB Present, NAB Present New York
For protection/business operators: XPONENTIAL, Worldwide Drone Present
This information might be repeatedly up to date as new occasions announce dates and particulars. Test again recurrently or bookmark this web page to remain knowledgeable concerning the newest drone trade gatherings.
Which 2026 drone occasions are you most enthusiastic about? Have a drone occasion we should always add to this listing? Tell us within the feedback under!
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