Weather Channel's Jim Cantore to host program with thought leaders including Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and more sharing actionable intelligence

ARLINGTON, Va., April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the market for unmanned systems - including drones and robotics - poised to experience huge growth, industry thought leaders will come together to discuss the technologies, trends, and regulatory moves that will drive innovation and revenue when the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2017 show kicks off at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas from May 8 to 11, 2017.

"We are entering a period of rapid, unprecedented growth in the unmanned systems industry," said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. "At XPONENTIAL, we have gathered the industry's thought leaders, along with innovators across various vertical markets who have abundant experience leveraging the power of unmanned systems to revolutionize their sectors. From the exhibit hall, to the keynote stage, to our educational sessions, attendees will gain valuable insight, learn from real-world case studies and get a glimpse into the future."

Keynote Program
AUVSI's Wynne will open the program on Tuesday, May 9, at 8:30 a.m. CDT, followed by Intel's CEO Brian Krzanich, who will deliver the show's opening keynote, discussing the future of drones and other unmanned systems, and the technology innovations that will impact development.

Keynotes on Wednesday, May 10 will begin at 8:30 a.m. CDT and focus on regulatory issues and innovation. FAA Administrator Huerta will start the day's program, followed by Dirk Hoke, CEO, Airbus Defence and Space, and Brian Chappel, Sector Vice President and General Manager, Autonomous Systems, Northrop Grumman.

On Thursday, May 11, keynotes will resume at 8:30 a.m. CDT, with Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, who will address the state's initiatives to drive innovation in the unmanned systems sector. That will be followed by a keynote panel session including Brad Tomer, Chief Operating Officer, Avitas Systems, a GE Venture, and other enterprise leaders. This visionary discussion will focus on why early-stage users are investing in unmanned systems, how customer-focused partnerships are facilitating adoption, and what the long-term impacts could be for business operations.

Start-Up Showdown
Showcasing the future of innovation across the unmanned systems and robotics ecosystem, XPONENTIAL will host the Start-Up Showdown. Sixty-five startups submitted their products and services for consideration. The companies represented diverse applications of unmanned systems technology, such as hybrid power sources, advanced imagery payloads and autonomous wireless power.

The 16 semi-finalists will compete in a closed, knockout round at XPONENTIAL, with three finalists emerging to compete in the live Startup Showdown. Each finalist will have six minutes to make their final presentation, followed by an additional six minutes of Q&A. The judges will announce the Startup Showdown winner at the conclusion of the session.

Conference Program
XPONENTIAL boasts an extensive conference program, with sessions of interest across a range of industries. Among the program's participants are thought leaders from government agencies, such as DOD, FAA, NASA, NOAA; and commercial organizations, including AT&T, Airmap, Barrick Gold, General Electric, Great Southwestern Construction, Intel, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Liquid Robotics, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.

The conference program is divided into three tracks:

Policy: Airspace, local, state and federal government cooperation, international trade affecting unmanned systems, and regulation of unmanned maritime systems.
Technology: Defense technology innovation, drone delivery technology, protecting intellectual property, software development powering unmanned systems and automated vehicle technology development.
Business Solutions: Remote sensing, drones in the wireless industry, mapping and imaging, maritime applications for oil and gas, aviation risk management, and managing and protecting data.
More than 7,000 industry leaders and professionals from over 55 countries are expected to attend XPONENTIAL 2017. The exhibit hall will showcase more than 650 cutting-edge companies, representing more than 20 industries.

Registration for XPONENTIAL 2017 has opened. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2jgeaLQ

About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets.