The Law-Tech Connect social networking event has become an annual tradition to kick off the Workshop, the night prior. All are welcome and must register.  [Image courtesy Dawn Zoldi/P3 Tech Consulting.]

27 February 2025

By Stuart Smith

As uncrewed systems (UxS) continue to evolve with ever increasing levels of autonomy, so too does the complex web of legal, policy and regulatory issues that impact their full operationalization. As the autonomy industry grows, staying informed about the latest developments remains crucial for professionals across the entire ecosystem. Enter Law-Tech Connect 2025, the premier event where cutting-edge technology intersects with the law…and lasting professional connections occur.

The Genesis of Law-Tech Connect

Law-Tech Connect was born from a simple observation: the disconnect between legal and technical professionals in the UxS space. Event organizer Dawn Zoldi, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and former military lawyer (CEO of P3 Tech Consulting and Publisher at Autonomy Global) explained, “I noticed that lawyers and policymakers discussed regulations in isolation, while techology leaders focused solely on their tech. I recognized a need to bridge this gap. So, I created Law-Tech Connect to bring these two worlds together.”

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Staple

Since its inception in Orlando in 2022, Law-Tech Connect has experienced remarkable growth. What started as a novel concept has quickly become a must-attend event for industry professionals. For the past several years, the workshop has consistently drawn standing-room only crowds. The event's success as the go-to educational platform for UxS legal and regulatory insights hasn't gone unnoticed. The Drone Girl, a respected industry publication, has recognized Law-Tech Connect as one of the top drone conferences, expos, races, and meetups of the year.

Connecting Dots and People: Networking at Its Finest

Law-Tech Connect is all about connections.

“We call it Law-Tech Connect, not just because we're connecting law and technology,” Zoldi said, “but also because we're connecting everybody together.”

The event kicks off with a pre-workshop networking social on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Social Beer Garden in Houston. From 7-9 pm CT, attendees can mingle with industry peers and speakers in a relaxed setting. This networking opportunity sets the stage for the main event by creating an atmosphere of collaboration and idea-sharing that carries through the entire workshop.

Everyone is welcome. Thanks to social event sponsors, Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), Energy Drone & Robotics Coalition (EDRC) and The African Drone Forum, all those registered for the Workshop will get free drinks and bites (others, BYO).

A separate registration for the social networking event is required, even for Law-Tech Connect Workshop attendees. All can register here.

A Day of Unparalleled Insights

The main workshop takes place on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the George Bush Convention Center in Houston, Texas, co-located with AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL. This one-day intensive program covers a wide range of topics critical to the uncrewed systems industry. A recent live stream highlighted Law-Tech Connect’s anticipated morning sessions. ICYMI, you can watch the Preview stream here.

Navigating Government Contracts and Energy Sector Challenges

The day will begin with a panel titled "Let's Make a Deal: The Rules for Landing Government Autonomy Contracts." Moderated by Michael Bower from Esi, this session features experts like Tom Swoyer from GrandSKY, who brings invaluable experience in securing government contracts.

"We're really excited to be able to talk about the nuts and bolts of the contracting process and share some of our experience and lessons learned," Swoyer shared during the preview panel.

Following this, attendees will dive into "Big, Big Energy: The Virtuous Circle of Compliance and Autonomy in the Energy Sector." Sean Guerre from the EDRC will moderate this discussion. It will explore how uncrewed systems are revolutionizing compliance and operations in the energy industry.

"We're going to be expanding on the diverse regulatory challenges at the state level versus local versus federal,” Guerre explained. “Depending on the type of energy asset that you're operating, you're going to have a different set of compliance and regulatory requirements. This is definitely not a panel that's discussing what-ifs and possibilities. These are things that are actually impacting the industry and showcasing to all the stakeholders—asset owner operators, service companies, solution providers—how they can get involved.”

Over the Horizon Operational Challenges and State-Level Innovations

The two other morning sessions promise equally compelling content. One highlight includes the "Future Proofing for Over the Horizon Operational Challenges" panel. This panel dives into the threat spectrum observed on battlefields, particularly emphasizing the conflict in Ukraine, and explores how these threats translate to businesses.

The "Future Proofing for Over the Horizon Operational Challenges" panel dives into the threat spectrum observed on battlefields of Ukraine ,and explores how these threats translate to businesses. [Image courtesy Dawn Zoldi/P3 Tech Consulting.]

Discussions will include topics such as spoofing, jamming, and cybersecurity concerns and how these issues are associated with legal considerations. The panel will feature Brett Feddersen from D-Fend Solutions, discussing counter-UAS strategies, Evan Wolf from Crowell & Moring, offering insights into cyber law and security, Brian Sardoch from OrqaFPV and Frasier Kitchell from KEF Robotics, who bring firsthand experience from the field in Ukraine. Evan Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne will also contribute his expertise on radar technology and airspace awareness.

Attendees can also look forward to the "State of the States: Volume Two" panel, moderated by Erin Roesler from the NPUASTS. This session will explore how different states are approaching uncrewed systems integration and the economic opportunities they present.

"States recognize that there are huge economic opportunities that can be seized by leveraging drones and UAS technologies," Roesler noted. "We're going to take a lead in doing that because we as a state see the benefits." So do others. This panel will have reps from New Jersey (can you say “Dronegate”?), Nevada, Massachusetts and Michigan.

You can find the entire agenda here. Mark your calendars for our Law-Tech Connect Preview II on Tuesday, March 18th at 11am ET and keep track here.

More Than Just a Workshop

Law-Tech Connect 2025 offers more than just a day of panels. Attendees receive a full-day program, meals and access to the pre-workshop networking event. Additionally, registration includes a 3-day XPO Hall pass for XPONENTIAL 2025. In short, registering for Law-Tech Connect gets you a full week of activities from Sunday through Thursday.

For attorneys, the event provides an opportunity to earn continuing legal education (CLE) credits. Zoldi has applied for accreditation from the Texas Bar for 8.00 CLE credits, which should be self-certifiable and transferable to other jurisdictions.

Investing in the Future

Law-Tech Connect is not just about current industry leaders; it's also investing in the future of the UxS systems sector. The event offers scholarship programs sponsored by organizations such as NPUASTS, Carahsoft, MatrixSpace, GT Law and Esi, aimed at developing the current and future workforce. Scholars receive all registration benefits as well as a copy of the drone law textbook that Zoldi authored for USI. Anyone can purchase the textbook at cost using the special event code on the event registration page.

A Can't-Miss Opportunity

In today’s turbulent legal and regulatory environment, Law-Tech Connect has become even more vital. By bringing together legal experts, policymakers, technologists and industry leaders, this workshop creates a unique environment for learning, networking and collaboration.

Erin Roesler said it best as she explained why she keeps coming back year after year—and bringing a huge North Dakota contingent with her: "I realized that this was different. The panels were very meticulously organized in the aspect that they weren't sales pitchy. It wasn't just one entity up there talking about their success…There were competing viewpoints differing perspectives…challenging opinions on certain matters and that led to a really in-depth dialogue that I found valuable. As someone that's been in this industry for 15 years now, it is refreshing to engage in that type of event.”

With a comprehensive agenda, star-studded speaker lineup (download the list here) and unparalleled networking opportunities, Law-Tech Connect 2025 promises to be an essential event for anyone involved in the UxS and autonomous industry. Don't miss this chance to stay at the forefront of legal tech in this rapidly evolving field. We hope to see ya’ll in Houston!

Early bird registration is now open, at only $249. To secure your spot and learn more about the event, visit the official Law-Tech Connect registration page.