Drone experts from around the world will hit Brisbane’s shores in August and it’s expected to work marvels for the local drone industry.
The inaugural three-day congress kicks off in the river city on Thursday, 31 August, with speakers and delegates from the US, China, Canada and the UK scheduled to attend.
Queensland’s first chief entrepreneur, Mark Sowerby, believes Australia has what it takes to be a world leader in drone technology and manufacturing.
“Queensland has everything it takes to be a leader in drone technology — the researchers, tech talent and start-ups that can get drone technology into sectors that are ready to test and use it, like mining, agriculture and film,” he says.
“The Congress is our chance to prove it and get our tech into global markets.”
High-profile speakers such as Lucy Turnbull AO, James Cook University senior lecturer Dr Karen Joyce, DJI (Chinese drone manufacturer) director Romeo Durscher and Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira are among a list of many.
World of Drones congress convenor Dr Catherine Ball (PhD Spatial Ecology) sees the Congress as the opportunity needed to take Australia forward.
“For businesses, drones are a game changer, and they have the potential to help solve some of Australia’s biggest challenges,” she says.
Ball is a world leader in the drone field and has worked across projects using robotics and new technologies that meets environmental protection. She was also named 2015 Telstra Queensland Business Woman of the Year for her work in drones.
Ball says she believes Australia has a role to play in drone technology.
“We are recognised internationally as a breeding ground for world-leading drone technology and the congress is our opportunity to strengthen Australia’s hold on an innovation future.”
WHEN
Thursday 31 August to Saturday 2 September 2017
TIME
9:00 am
WHERE
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Brisbane QLD
WHO
For everyone concerned with drones – from businesses to governments, investors to enthusiasts.
TICKETS
Full registration $1185; days $655 each; half-days $355 each
More information
https://www.worldofdrones.com.au/