Diversified Communications Acquires Drone World Expo, Announces Combined UAS Event
October 26, 2017
In an effort to expand its UAV technology portfolio and create the largest commercial drone event in North America, Diversified Communications has acquired Drone World Expo from JDEvents.
The announcement was made yesterday at Commercial UAV Expo Americas, taking place Oct. 24-26 at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
As the third acquisition Diversified has made in 2017 so far, including two events in Australia – Naturally Good and Luxperience, the acquisition of Drone World Expo builds upon the company’s recent launches in the expanding UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) market, according to Theodore Wirth, president and CEO of Diversified Communications.
“We continue to invest in the rapidly growing UAS market,” Wirth said. “Diversified launched Commercial UAV Expo in 2015 and since developed an online platform and launched Commercial UAV Expo Europe in Brussels to provide the necessary domestic and international reach and frequency of news and information.”
He added, “This acquisition is an exciting next step to further facilitate efficient and effective business opportunities for this industry.”
By uniting Commercial UAV Expo with Drone World Expo in 2018 to a commercial drone industry mega event, Diversified intends to further strengthen its position in this highly competitive marketplace via the creation of a one-stop-shop for professionals, vendors and buyers to conduct all their drone business in North America, according to Lisa Murray, director of Commercial UAV Expo.
“Since 2015, the market has exploded with drone events, making for a congested and complicated landscape for customers to choose from,” Murray explained.
She continued, “The acquisition of Drone World Expo by Diversified Communications takes two leading commercial UAS events and unites them to form the largest commercial drone event in the market. By coming together, we’ll be able to deliver more qualified buyers to vendors than if had we continued separately, making it easier for vendors and buyers to meet in one place annually for all of their drone business. And, with our European event and digital platform, we are making it easier for drone companies to reach markets domestic and international with a frequency and reach no one else in the market can offer.”
Together, Commercial UAV Expo and Drone World Expo will focus on delivering cutting-edge conference content and premium solutions designed to meet the needs of large commercial end user/asset owners in top vertical markets, including civil infrastructure, energy, agriculture, construction and emergency response.
Besides Diversified’s experience delivering technology conferences in the geospatial sector, Drone World Expo’s partnership with the Commercial Drone Alliance has also given the company a strong reach into the commercial drone industry along with the support of industry leaders.
“On behalf of the Commercial Drone Alliance and along with my fellow co-executive director, Lisa Ellman, we are thrilled to support this merged event and will continue our focus of bringing the most relevant, timely and critical content to the Commercial UAV Expo with the most prominent decision-makers in our industry,” said Gretchen West, senior advisor at Hogan Lovells, co-executive director of the Commercial Drone Alliance and chair of Drone World Expo’s advisory board.
She continued, “The decision to consolidate events to become the largest and most influential commercial drone event is an important step and allows the community to focus resources on this all-inclusive conference and tradeshow to achieve greater value. We look forward to building off the huge success of the Drone World Expo through our partnership with the Commercial UAV Expo, bringing the same caliber of expert speakers and creating the most comprehensive drone event to date.”
According to Joel Davis, CEO of JD Events, merging the two shows to create one large event is just what this industry needs at this time.
“The commercial drone industry is poised for explosive growth,” Davis said. “Commercial UAV Expo, organized by Diversified Communications, has emerged as the premier event serving this dynamic marketplace.”
He added, “I am excited for Drone World Expo to unite with Commercial UAV Expo to form the largest and most important annual event in North America for commercial end users of drone technology.”
The 2018 event is set for Oct. 1-3 at the Westgate Resort & Casino and will be organized by Diversified Communications under Murray’s leadership.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
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The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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