regional & National Conferences

The American Drone Pilots Association National Conference is the premier annual gathering of drone pilots from across the United States. Designed to bring together professionals, hobbyists, and students alike, the conference serves as a central forum for education, competition, collaboration, and community.

Each year, the National Conference will be hosted in a different location across ADPA’s six regions, ensuring accessibility and engagement for pilots nationwide while showcasing the diversity of operations and environments within the industry.

Conference Focus

The Regional & National Conferences are built around three core pillars:

  • Professional & Hobbyist Development

  • Operational Excellence

  • Community & Collaboration

Through a combination of structured programming and interactive participation, attendees will have the opportunity to expand their skills, connect with fellow pilots, and contribute to the future of the industry.

Academic & Operational Competitions

A central feature of the conferences are a series of competitive events designed to test knowledge, precision, and real-world capability.

These may include:

  • sUAS Knowledge Competitions
    Evaluating understanding of airspace, regulations, safety, and operational decision-making

  • Mission Planning & Execution Challenges
    Real-world scenario-based exercises requiring strategic thinking and flight planning

  • Professional Deliverables Competitions
    Showcasing high-level work in areas such as mapping, modeling, inspections, cinematography, and data capture

  • Flight Skill & Performance Events
    Precision flying, timed challenges, and controlled course navigation

  • Competitive Racing Events
    Structured courses designed to test speed, control, and pilot responsiveness

These competitions are designed not only to recognize excellence, but to elevate standards across the industry.

Regional & National Meetings

The conferences will include a formal Regional & National Meeting, providing members with:

  • Updates on organizational initiatives

  • Open discussion on industry issues

  • Opportunities to contribute to the direction of ADPA

This ensures that the organization remains connected to the voices of its members.

Community & Networking

Beyond formal programming, the conferences provide extensive opportunities to:

  • Connect with pilots from across the country

  • Share experiences and best practices

  • Build lasting professional relationships and friendships

Live Entertainment

To complement the professional & hobbyist environment, the conferences will feature live entertainment, creating a balanced experience that brings the pilot community together in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Awards Banquets

The Regional & National Conferences will conclude with an Awards Banquet with Business Casual Dress Code, during whitch recognizing outstanding achievement across multiple categories, will be the main focus:

  • Competition winners

  • Professional excellence

  • Contributions to the pilot community

  • Leadership and service within the industry

This closing event celebrates both individual accomplishment and the collective advancement of the profession.

A regional and a National Experience

The ADPA Regional & National Conferences are more events—they are the annual gathering points for a unified pilot community.

By rotating locations across all six regions each year, the National Conference ensures that pilots from every part of the country have the opportunity to participate, engage, and help shape the future of the industry. Regional Conferences rotate within their own regions giving pilots a regional experience in different locations.