20th Annual UAS Summit & Expo Celebrates Milestone Anniversary with Largest Event in Its History

800 attendees, a record 67 exhibitors and prominent federal, military and industry leaders highlight two decades of UAS innovation in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

GRAND FORKS, ND, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The 20th Annual UAS Summit & Expo, held Oct. 13–14 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, concluded as the largest event in its history. Produced by UAS Magazine and organized by BBI International, the milestone event welcomed nearly 800 attendees and a record-breaking 67 exhibitors, bringing together leaders from government, military, academia and the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry.

The 2026 Summit featured high-profile discussions and significant announcements led by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven. On Oct. 13, Hoeven was joined by Jared Isaacman, administrator of NASA, and General Michael A. Guetlein, director of Golden Dome for America, where he announced Project ATLAS, a new unmanned research initiative involving the University of North Dakota, NASA, the U.S. Department of War and the North Dakota National Guard. The initiative will focus on integrating unmanned ground vehicles and aerial systems into military training, base support and combat operations.

On Oct. 14, Sen. Hoeven announced a new partnership between UND and the Department of War's Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401. With support from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, UND will assess counter-drone technologies to support the department's defense capabilities. The announcements reinforced North Dakota's growing role in advancing unmanned systems, national security and aerospace innovation.

"These announcements are exactly what the UAS Summit is all about," said John Nelson, chief operating officer of BBI International. "Bringing together leaders from government, military, academia and industry to advance real-world innovation is what has driven this event for 20 years. Seeing major initiatives like Project ATLAS and the UND partnership announced on our stage reinforces just how important Grand Forks and North Dakota have become to the future of unmanned systems and national security."

In recognition of the Summit's 20th anniversary, UAS Magazine published 20 Years, 20 Voices of the UAS Summit & Expo, a commemorative feature sharing perspectives from industry pioneers and leaders who helped shape the region's UAS ecosystem. The retrospective highlights two decades of innovation, collaboration and growth that have positioned Grand Forks and North Dakota as national leaders in unmanned aviation.

Another anniversary highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Senator John Hoeven UAS Sky Pioneer Award to Tom Swoyer, founder and president of GrandSKY, during the general session. Renamed this year to honor Sen. Hoeven, the award recognizes individuals whose leadership and innovation have advanced the UAS industry. Swoyer was honored for his role in establishing GrandSKY, the nation's first UAS-focused business and aviation park, and helping transform Grand Forks into a nationally recognized center for UAS research, testing and defense innovation.

The Summit also featured Pitch Day, held in partnership with the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation and the UAS Angel Network. Six innovative companies presented their technologies and business concepts to investors and industry leaders, showcasing emerging opportunities within the UAS sector.

"Twenty years ago, the possibilities for this industry were just beginning to take shape," Nelson added. "Today, we're seeing those early visions become reality. We're proud of the role the UAS Summit has played in bringing this community together, and we're excited about what the next 20 years will bring."


About UAS Magazine
For commercial manufacturers and operators, UAS Magazine is the only online publication, exclusively highlighting the most critical developments and cutting-edge technologies for unmanned aerial systems in the civil, agriculture, defense and commercial markets worldwide. UAS Magazine’s readership includes executives, directors, managers and operators from companies and organizations focused on expanding their knowledge of unmanned aerial systems. UAS Magazine is an industry hub connecting decision-makers, who are looking for new technologies, with the most innovative companies.

About BBI International
BBI International is the world’s leading provider of acclaimed events and highly informative trade magazines within the energy sector. Our portfolio boasts a diverse range of industry-focused conferences and expos, including the renowned International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo, the largest and longest-running ethanol conference in the world. Alongside this flagship event, we own and operate key summits such as the UAS Summit & Expo, Biodiesel Summit: Sustainable Aviation Fuel & Renewable Diesel, International Biomass Conference & Expo, North American SAF Conference & Expo, and the National Carbon Capture Conference & Expo, as well as a series of influential regional events. Our publishing arm extends our expertise into print and online content, with a collection of industry-defining magazines including Ethanol Producer Magazine, Biomass Magazine, Pellet Mill Magazine, Biodiesel Magazine, UAS Magazine, SAF Magazine, and Carbon Capture Magazine. These publications, together with an array of ancillary products including maps, directories, e-newsletters, and other digital resources, underscore our commitment to providing comprehensive, up-to-date information and insights to professionals in the bioenergy sectors, including ethanol, biomass, pellets, biogas and RNG, sustainable aviation fuel, biodiesel and renewable diesel, as well as the UAS industry, which focuses on unmanned aerial systems.

Marla DeFoe
BBI International
+ +1 701-746-8385