For casual drone pilots and expert racers, the International Drone Expo (IDE) in Los Angeles next weekend will be the place to find top racing, drone applications, and companies serving the growing drone industry.
The event on December 9 to 10 will be held inside the Los Angeles Convention Center as part of the MultiGp FPV racing league Expo Cup. It will feature the latest drone racing technology and well-known racers hand picked from competitors at the recent SoCal Maker Convention held earlier in November.
Top racers like "BrainDrain," "Vic" (Victor Mikhail), and 11-year old sensation "Drobot Racer" are expected to compete at speeds of up to 80 mph on a racecourse inside the Los Angeles Convention Center designed to give spectators a good view of all of the action.
There's no word if the racing action will be carried on any major cable networks, but earlier this year ESPN announced a deal with the International Drone Racing Association to do just that.
The expo will also include over 100 different exhibitors, and more than 80 speakers and 50 different sessions covering a multitude of drone applications, designs, and components.
While still a new industry, more companies are forming to find ways to make money with drones beyond catering to the hobbyist and racer. Some of these ideas will be presented in the break out sessions, while others will be part of a pitchfest where participants can present business concepts.
Registration for a two-day all access pass is US$350.00 in advance and $375.00 at the door. General exhibit area access only is $30.00.
Check out the video for a hint at what to expect during the International Drone Expo.
Source: International Drone Expo, MultiGP