Two decades after the first gathering, the UAS Summit & Expo has become the defining event for unmanned systems — and this year’s edition delivered its biggest stage yet, complete with new defense initiatives and a record-breaking exhibit floor.
GRAND FORKS, ND, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The 20th Annual UAS Summit & Expo wrapped up Oct. 13–14 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, marking its largest edition to date. Hosted by UAS Magazine and produced by BBI International, the anniversary event drew close to 800 participants and a record 67 exhibitors, convening voices from federal agencies, the military, academia and the broader unmanned aerial systems sector.
The program featured heavyweight conversations and consequential reveals, headlined by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven. On the opening day, Hoeven appeared alongside Jared Isaacman, NASA administrator, and General Michael A. Guetlein, who directs Golden Dome for America, to unveil Project ATLAS — a fresh unmanned research collaboration uniting the University of North Dakota, NASA, the U.S. Department of War and the North Dakota National Guard. The project aims to merge unmanned ground vehicles with aerial systems for use in military training, base operations and combat scenarios.
Day two brought another significant development: Hoeven announced a new alliance between UND and the Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) 401. With backing from the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, UND will evaluate counter-drone technologies to bolster the department’s defense posture. Together, the announcements underscored North Dakota’s expanding footprint in unmanned systems, national security and aerospace progress.
“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.”
To commemorate the two-decade mark, UAS Magazine released 20 Years, 20 Voices of the UAS Summit & Expo, a retrospective capturing insights from the pioneers and leaders who built the region’s UAS landscape. The feature traces the innovation, collaboration and expansion that turned Grand Forks and North Dakota into national hubs for unmanned aviation.
Another milestone moment came with the presentation of the 2026 Senator John Hoeven UAS Sky Pioneer Award to Tom Swoyer, founder and president of GrandSKY, during the general session. The award, newly renamed in honor of Sen. Hoeven, celebrates individuals whose leadership and creativity have pushed the UAS field forward. Swoyer earned the recognition for launching GrandSKY, the nation’s first UAS-focused business and aviation park, and for his part in reshaping Grand Forks into a recognized center for UAS research, testing and defense innovation.
The agenda also included Pitch Day, organized with the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation and the UAS Angel Network. Six startups presented their technologies and business models to investors and industry figures, spotlighting fresh opportunities across 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
Why it matters: The scale of this year’s Summit — and the weight of the announcements made on its stage — signals that unmanned systems have moved from niche interest to core national security priority. With North Dakota now firmly at the center of that shift, the region’s role in shaping the next generation of defense and aviation technology appears set to grow even further.
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