04 April 2025

By Timothy Brazzel

Attending the Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025 was nothing short of an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, to the breathtaking opening night ceremony, to the challenges I faced, and ultimately the success of it all, this was an event that exceeded my expectations.

If you’re into drones, cinematography, FPV racing, cutting-edge tech, or just mind-blowing entertainment, you need to put PS Drone Fest on your radar. Let’s dive into everything that made this festival one for the books!

Airstreams and Last-Minute Chaos

The adventure kicked off as I checked into Acres Landing in Desert Hot Springs, California, where I had the chance to stay in a beautiful Airstream. It was such a cool and unique experience, but before I could settle in, reality hit. I had forgotten some essential items back home! Yep, that meant a long drive back, cutting into my time to prep for the weekend. Lesson learned: always triple-check your gear and essentials before heading to a big event!

Despite the chaos, I made it back in time for production meetings and to get ready for the excitement ahead.

A Cinematic Experience

The festival wasted no time making a statement. The Opening Night Ceremony, directed by Emmy-nominated cinematographer Skip Fredricks, was absolutely next level.

Picture this: a 15-minute live-action Jedi Knight sequence, choreographed by professional stunt performer Fiona Dorn, with her elite stunt team bringing lightsaber battles, acrobatics, and cinematic storytelling to life. The energy in the crowd was electric, and just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, the sky lit up with a drone light show by Skyworx.

The best part? The drones were perfectly synchronized to an original score composed and performed live by international DJ and electronic violinist Esther Anaya. It was a perfect fusion of technology and artistry, setting the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Drones, Sports, and Next-Gen Innovation

One of the most exciting parts of the event was the FIDA USA World Cup Qualifier for Drone Soccer. Watching teams from 12 different nations battle it out was insane. Tim Ingram, President of FIDA USA, has been pushing drone soccer into the mainstream, and this competition proved why it’s growing so fast. The winning teams earned a chance to compete in the 2025 FIDA World Cup in Seoul, South Korea—a game-changer for drone sports in the U.S.

But PS Drone Fest wasn’t just about competition; it was about education and inspiration. Over 1,000 students got hands-on experience in drone cinematography, AI, robotics, and FAA compliance. Seeing the next generation get excited about drone technology reminded me why events like these are so important.

Behind the Scenes

As a videographer, drone pilot, and content creator, one of my biggest highlights was getting to document the entire event. I captured some truly epic moments, from high-energy FPV drone races to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the stunt performances and live music sets.

Speaking of performances, I had the chance to film: 

• Esther Anaya electrifying the crowd with her fusion of violin and electronic beats 

• Fiona Dorn’s action-packed stunt sequences 

• The Promo Drone CEO Jamar Williams debuting his futuristic flying billboard 

There were also tons of industry leaders speaking on drone law, journalism, airspace safety, and future opportunities. Legends like:

- Sally French (The Drone Girl)

- Vic Moss (CEO of DSPA)

- Tony Reid (Drone Cadets co-founder)

Networking and learning from these experts were huge takeaways for me.

Overcoming Challenges 

Of course, no event goes 100 percent smoothly. There were moments where things got hectic—from last-minute changes in the schedule to unexpected tech challenges. But that’s the beauty of experiences like these—you adapt, push through, and make it happen.

Despite the hiccups, PS Drone Fest 2025 was a massive success. It wasn’t just about the technology—it was about people coming together, sharing knowledge, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the drone industry.

Social Media Explosion 

The digital reach of the event was insane!

• 30,000+ engagements on social media during the opening night alone 

• 3.8 million+ online impressions across all platforms 

• YouTube videos (including mine!) racking up thousands of views in the first 48 hours

The hashtag #PSDroneFest was trending, and creators like Sally French, Real People Real Life, and myself helped push the event to a global audience. NBC Palm Springs even covered the event, bringing more mainstream attention to the drone community.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Palm Springs Drone Fest 2025 wasn’t just a festival—it was a cultural shift. It proved that drone technology isn’t just for filmmakers or tech enthusiasts; it’s an art form, a sport, an educational tool, and a growing industry with endless possibilities**.

If you missed it this year, don’t make that mistake again. Mark your calendars for next year—because PS Drone Fest is only getting bigger!

And if you want a full behind-the-scenes look, check out my YouTube vlog where I document everything from my crazy travel experience to exclusive footage of the best performances, drone races, and industry insights. 

Watch!

Bonus: Top-Tier Music for Your Videos! 

I also want to shout out my partnership with Audiio, where I get top-quality music for my videos. If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next project, you can save 70 percent off your first year by using THIS LINK and USE CODE SAVE70.