SAN JOSE, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 1, 2016 — As the FAA’s Part 107 takes effect this week, there are several opportunities for end users of UAS technology to become educated at this November’s Drone World Expo (DWE) taking place November 15-16 at the San Jose Convention Center. DWE has once again partnered with MAPPS, the trade association of private sector geospatial firms, to co-locate its Fall Policy Conference at this defining event for the commercial applications of UAS technology. DWE will also feature a Geospatial Pavilion, powered by Esri, where attendees can find the newest products and technology solutions.

“We are thrilled to welcome the MAPPS Fall Conference back to Drone World Expo and expand our show floor and conference sessions to offer more education and solutions focused for geospatial firms, especially during this pivotal time in the profession,” said Joelle Coretti, Event Director, Drone World Expo. “The Drone World Expo education program will focus on preparing end users, as well as entrepreneurs, investors, executives and technical managers, to utilize UAS technology to its fullest extent and expose the challenges that await operators.”

The MAPPS geospatial sessions will focus on "Turning a Profit: How to make money using UAS for Geospatial". The conference will kick off on Tuesday, November 15 from 1:30 – 3:30 pm with a presentation on UAS Program Management for the Enterprise. The speaker, Jeff Cozart of Juniper Unmanned, Golden, Colorado, will focus on UAS program dynamics required to successfully manage a commercial geospatial operation.

On Wednesday, November 16 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm panelists including John Palatiello, MAPPS; John Perry, Altavian; George Southard, Trimble Navigation, Ltd.; and Mike Tully, Aerial Services, Inc. will discuss Advanced Geospatial UAS Implementation. This session will highlight market, operational, and profit issues for successful UAS geospatial implementation in a firm. Topics to be covered include a practical concept of operations, the scope of UAS geospatial activities and potential markets and applications, cost analysis and profitability analysis (including manned vs. unmanned tradeoffs), as well as licensing and standards requirements in the geospatial profession.

“With the federal regulations going into effect we want to make sure end users are prepared to use UAS in their geospatial practice and also learn how to develop a plan to make money and be profitable using UAS,” said John Palatiello, Executive Director, MAPPS. “We invite our members as well as those interested in learning more about MAPPS, UAS geospatial operations, and applications to join us at DWE. We look forward to taking part in the education, technology and networking opportunities at this critical event.”

Attendees can add the MAPPS geospatial programming to their Drone World Expo registration for just $95 through September 30, $195 from October 1, and $295 at the event. “We also invite our members to attend and take advantage of a 10% discount,” Palatiello said. Contact MAPPS (703) 787-6996 or visit www.mapps.org for details.

In addition to the MAPPS Fall Conference with a focus on Geospatial UAS Management and Implementation, the Drone World Expo show floor will feature the Geospatial Pavilion, powered by Esri. Dozens of technology providers will be featured in the Pavilion including FalconViz, Gryphon Sensors, LeddarTech, Oceaneering, Intl., Holmans USA, MAPIR, and Skyyfish, to name a few. Several MAPPS members including Altavian, Inc., Cardinal Systems, Esri and others will also be featured on the show floor.

Each day of Drone World Expo will kick off with a keynote presentation, followed by a full day of panels and case studies. The exhibit hall will be open 10 am – 6 pm on Tuesday, November 15 and 10 am – 5 pm on Wednesday, November 16 with a networking reception on the show floor the last hour of the expo each day.

To register for the MAPPS Fall Conference and Drone World Expo visit www.droneworldexpo.com/register.asp.

MAPPS is the trade association of private sector geospatial firms. It is the only association in the geospatial field exclusively comprised of private sector firms in the market. MAPPS member firms are engaged in surveying, photogrammetry, satellite and airborne remote sensing, aerial photography, hydrography, aerial and satellite image processing, GPS and GIS data collection and conversion services. Associate members include firms that provide products and services to member firms, as well as other firms world-wide. MAPPS is the leading advocate for market growth in the geospatial field. The goals and activities are focused on growing the market, creating a climate for profitability, networking, collaboration, providing an opportunity to grow one's business, education and information sharing. For more information, visit www.mapps.org.

Drone World Expo, the defining event for the commercial applications of UAS technology, will take place November 15-16, 2016 at the San Jose Convention Center. For more information, visit www.droneworldexpo.com. The event is produced by JD Events, dedicated to the creation of targeted and innovative industry-leading events that deliver results. The company brings together highly qualified buying audiences, education-rich content and high-level networking opportunities -- all geared toward increasing business transactions in the markets it serves. Visit www.jdevents.com for more information.

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