The World of Drones Congress is landing in Brisbane again next month, bringing together drone innovators, educators, manufacturers and researches from around the globe.

The two-day congress, to be held on August 9-10, is the largest drone conference in the Asia Pacific region – and another high-tech coup for Queensland.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Congress is expected to exceed the 630 delegates it attracted last year and will host more than 50 exhibitors from Australia, China, Japan and Korea.

This year’s congress has attracted leading international drone manufacturers including Chinese unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) company TXA.

TXA will launch a new agri-drone to revolutionise how farmers scan and treat crops. The new drone significantly reduces the use of chemicals and water, saving time and money.

Speakers at this year’s congress include:

• World-leading technologist Professor Genevieve Bell
• Australian financial commentator Alan Kohler
• Haidar Baqir from the World Food Program
• Smart Cities Council (Australia and New Zealand) executive director Adam Beck
• Virgin Start Up head of development Ian Mason
• Australian Centre for Robotic Vision chief operating officer Dr Sue Keay.

Global drones leader and World of Drones Congress convenor Dr Catherine Ball said the Congress continues to strengthen Brisbane and Queensland’s reputation as a breeding ground for drone testing and application.

“Now is the time for Australia to act and capitalise on the new applications of drones – while  Australia was the first country to start legislating for drones, we must continue to adapt to ensure we stay ahead of the curve,” Dr Ball said.

“We have the potential to become a key global player in drones and the Congress is the perfect opportunity to cement our leadership in the industry.”

Largest decade of growth

Science & Technology Australia CEO and Congress speaker Kylie Walker believes the application of drone technology is only limited by our imagination and will be responsible for the largest decade of growth the science and technology sector has seen. 

“The Congress highlights the importance of industry and government working together to generate employment and drive economic growth in the industry,” she said.

“The real-world applications for drones are endless. To ensure drone technology can fully evolve, we must continue to invest in research and development and education and training to ensure our workforce is adequately skilled for the future.”

Commercial applications

This year’s Congress will focus on the burgeoning commercial applications of drones, including planning smart cities, training, agriculture, health and humanitarian needs, plus drone laws and regulation and jobs of the future.

In addition to running the National Drone Safety Forum, in its second year, the Congress will launch the Defence Industry Forum, to explore the latest drone applications for research, reconnaissance and emergency response.

For local businesses and innovators, the Congress provides unique access to the world’s largest drone manufacturers, along with the advice, tools and impetus to apply research to the real world and solve business problems.

To register visit: www.worldofdrones.com.au/registration

World of Drones Congress

When: August 9-10

Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Contact: www.worldofdrones.com.au