17 December 2024

A decade ago, the uncrewed industry was full of possibilities. From the sea to the land to the air, private sector innovators and defense industry leaders alike wanted to see what autonomous technology was capable of.

Today, many of those early questions are answered. Drones and uncrewed systems are used daily across agriculture, public safety, infrastructure, and other major sectors. But other questions remain:

• What regulatory approaches strike the right balance between safety and innovation?
• How can we prepare the future workforce for a career in autonomous technologies?
• Which next-gen innovations are most likely to transform operations?

As the uncrewed and autonomous systems ecosystem grows, the best way to ensure progress is by gathering—in person—to learn and problem-solve with peers across sectors. That’s why XPONENTIAL exists.

XPONENTIAL is the world’s premier event dedicated to uncrewed systems and autonomy. It invites innovators, enthusiasts, and service providers to interact with cutting-edge technology, gain valuable industry insights, and build meaningful connections.

The next global gathering will be held in Houston, Texas, in only a few months, from May 19-22. (If you haven’t already, click here to reserve your spot.)

Whether you're a seasoned professional exploring new uncrewed solutions or newly passionate about drones, XPONENTIAL is a must-attend event to participate in the sector's future.

What Makes XPONENTIAL Different from Other Drone Events

XPONENTIAL is all about drones and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), but it’s also more than that. Unlike events focusing exclusively on advanced aviation, XPONENTIAL gathers experts across domains. That means you’ll have the opportunity to explore groundbreaking applications across air, land, and sea and learn about advancements in cybersecurity, data analytics, and propulsion technologies.

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) and Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA), co-hosts of the event, know collaboration drives innovation. Rather than sticking to your industry echo chamber, you’ll connect with thousands of the world’s top experts. (More than 7,500 of them, to be precise.)

Why You Can’t Miss XPONENTIAL 2025

Whether you're tackling challenges in policy, infrastructure, or technical integration, XPONENTIAL provides a comprehensive perspective to make informed decisions. Here are some of the reasons you can’t miss this year’s event:

1. Global Networking Opportunities: Meet visionaries, problem-solvers, and pioneers shaping the future of autonomy. XPONENTIAL’s attendees represent every link in the autonomy supply chain, representing over 20 industries and 60 countries. See who attends.
2. The XPO Hall Experience: Immerse yourself in the latest advancements with hundreds of interactive exhibits across more than 20 markets. See demonstrations of cutting-edge drones and robotics and engage directly with innovators leading the field.
3. Elevating Knowledge: The education program bridges theoretical insights and real-world applications through breakout sessions, workshops, and keynotes.
4. Tangible Takeaways: Go beyond surface-level summaries. Sessions at XPONENTIAL address specific, complex challenges like UAS cybersecurity, the economic impact of autonomous systems, and operational scalability.

See Uncrewed Innovation in the XPO Hall

The XPO Hall is the heart of the XPONENTIAL experience. Here, attendees will find a carefully curated collection of technology providers and suppliers revolutionizing how we think about autonomy and uncrewed systems.

Witness the latest drones and uncrewed vehicles in action. Meet innovators at every level of the supply chain, from components and materials to integrated systems and solutions. Gain firsthand insights into use cases for advanced technology.

Every year, XPONENTIAL highlights hot market segments driving economic change within the uncrewed industry and regions that are a hotbed of uncrewed systems innovation. These exhibits participate in dedicated pavilions around the show floor. Click here to learn more about the exhibit experience

For enthusiasts, the XPO Hall is a playground of possibilities. For professionals, it’s a chance to preview solutions that can reshape daily operations.

Forge Connections with the Industry’s Best

XPONENTIAL isn’t just about demos, educational sessions, and exhibits—it’s about people. One of the event’s most significant features is the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, buyers, and leaders from across the globe.

As an attendee of XPONENTIAL, you join a global community of industry experts and end users who share a passion for cutting-edge uncrewed technology. Take advantage of this chance to:

• Share your expertise through a compelling use case.
• Establish partnerships to scale your business.
• Gain inspiration from others' experiences.

XPONENTIAL fosters collaboration and problem-solving, helping attendees tackle real-world challenges and drive progress. Who knows? A meeting might spark your next big breakthrough. Click here to learn more about networking opportunities.

Preview the Educational Program

XPONENTIAL’s education program bridges academic research, policy development, and real-world applications. Experts from across the industry lend their perspectives and experiences to help you answer your most pressing questions.

In 2025, the program is designed to help you level up your impact on your day-to-day work and the long-term success of the UAS industry.

Keynotes start each day of the event with a high-level analysis of technology, policy, safety, and society. Hear from industry innovators, technological visionaries, and government leaders.

Breakout sessions get more technical. They provide a dedicated forum to explore topics relevant to your industry, work, and operations, and they can take the form of presentations, panel discussions, or Q&As.

Workshops offer the chance to engage and work alongside peers with similar interests. These are hands-on, collaborative experiences.

Across these multiple formats, the XPONENTIAL experience covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Policy for the safe and seamless integration of UAS into the airspace,
• Technology to improve the functionality, reliability, and performance of uncrewed and autonomous vehicle systems,
• The latest strategies to address counter-UAS threats, and
• The role of education and workforce development in ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.

XPONENTIAL also includes multiple themed XPO Hall theaters featuring presentations on the latest defense technologies, commercial use cases, and technical solutions. https://xponential.org/conference_overview.cfm

Join the Conversation at XPONENTIAL 2025 

XPONENTIAL meets a critical gap in the uncrewed systems and autonomy landscape. It provides a dedicated platform to advance technology, unite communities, and shape the industry's future.

2025 will be the best year yet, with new features rolling out based on community feedback:

• Innovation Theater programming focused on oil, gas, and critical infrastructure
• An educational track for Technical Components, Materials, & Propulsion
• Expanded security programming that includes cybersecurity & counter-UxS topics
• More interactive and hands-on workshops
• Debate formats integrated throughout the conference program

If you’re interested in leveling up your knowledge and forging ties with the industry’s foremost thinkers, you’ll want to be in Houston this May.

Visit www.xponential.org for more information on attending or sponsoring. Ready to get your ticket? Click here to register.