2014 UAS Action Summit to Feature Speakers From FAA and AUVSI

FARGO, ND--(Marketwired - Jun 4, 2014) - The Northern Plains have become a global destination for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and continue to build on the list of UAS-related achievements. Most recently, North Dakota's Northern Plains UAS Test Site was named the first of six Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designated test sites to be authorized to conduct operations. To acknowledge this notable achievement, the UAS industry will celebrate "Integration and Commercialization on the Northern Plains" at the 8^th Annual UAS Action Summit in Grand Forks, N.D., at the Alerus Center on June 24-26.

New this year, the UAS Summit will host the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Road Show for a pre-summit event on June 24. This event will feature a UAS demonstration by the Grand Forks Sheriff's Department and public town hall and is meant to engage public leaders and industry experts about UAS technology and industry development.

The event is open to the public and the registration fee is $325 until June 15. Afterward, the price increases to $375. Students can attend free of charge. The agenda includes presentations about international airspace integration strategies; legal, moral and ethical implications of the UAS industry; law enforcement and emergency services; and how UAS can be applied to the agriculture industry. Featured speakers include:

• Jim Williams, FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office
• George Guerra, Vice President of HALE Systems at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems
• Michael Toscano, president of AUVSI

Attendees will have the opportunity to interface and network with presenters, industry experts, vendors and new partners during this fast-paced, two-day industry event. Exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities are still available at three levels:

• Exhibitor only: 10x10 exhibition booth - $1,500
• Supporter sponsorship: $3,000
• Premier sponsorship: $5,000

All exhibitor and sponsorship levels offer varying degrees of exposure, including acknowledgement in advertising and summit materials; promotional opportunities at the summit and an exhibit booth. Manufacturers, engineering firms, economic developers, aviation-related companies, precision agriculture companies, technology firms and developers and universities that conduct training and education in engineering and avionics are encouraged to register as exhibitors or sponsors. Detailed information about the three sponsorship levels is available online.

The Red River Valley Research Corridor is proud to co-host this eighth summit with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, North Dakota Department of Commerce and the City of Grand Forks. Honorary co-hosts include U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer.

The Research Corridor UAS Action Summits, for nearly a decade, have become an annual trek for many across the nation and the globe to hear from some of the world's foremost military and UAS industry leaders. Attendees also come to the event to expose themselves to the compelling array of local UAS-related research, development, training and education activities that have proven to have a ripple effect far beyond the region.

This year's summit continues to build upon previous traditions of providing attendees with insight into thought provoking efforts and developments in UAS technology, platforms and technologies from around the world while mixing in highlights from innovative programs, research activities and development by local businesses, universities and colleges throughout the northern plains region.

For more information, to register, to attend or sponsor, please visit the Red River Valley Research Corridor website at www.theresearchcorridor.com/uassummit2014.

About the Red River Valley Research Corridor
The Red River Valley Research Corridor is a non-profit corporation in North Dakota. It is committed to catalyzing and promoting science, technology, training and engineering initiatives that create new economic opportunities in the Upper Great Plains region.