AUVSI XPONENTIAL, the largest trade show that brings together more than 8,500 unmanned systems industry leaders and forward-thinking users from the defense and commercial sectors to learn the latest on public policy, business solutions, and technology applications, will showcase dynamic programming to support STEM education and growing a future workforce. XPONENTIAL 2018 will take place at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from April 30 to May 3.
“Unmanned systems technologies are poised to transform businesses, impact safety and security, improve health, and reshape the economy, but the only way to realize its full potential is to grow the industry’s current and future talent,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. “AUVSI is committed to creating opportunities at XPONENTIAL to inspire students, women, young professionals, and those new to unmanned systems with relevant and engaging programs to expand their skills, network with thought leaders, and see emerging technologies.”
AUVSI XPONENTIAL will feature specialized programming designed to highlight STEM resources and provide future leaders with interactive and engaging content, including:
XBuild – This buildathon/hackathon will task participants with developing solutions to address challenges facing unmanned systems. Teams will use critical thinking to conceive, design and build their inventions during a timed competition. XBuild will take place prior to XPONENTIAL. Final projects will be displayed on the XPONENTIAL show floor as a representation of innovation and collaboration.
Growing the Industry Hub – AUVSI is steadfast in its mission to grow and groom the future unmanned systems workforce. This dedicated area in the XPONENTIAL exhibit hall will describe the STEM education programs and services supported by AUVSI and the AUVSI Foundation to foster and cultivate the next generation of innovators and leaders.
RoboNation – Youth robotics is sweeping the nation as talented students design, build and participate in competitions with their robot creations. RoboNation is a series of student robotics competitions organized by the AUVSI Foundation as an investment in the development of aspiring engineers. During XPONENTIAL, an area of the show floor will be dedicated to showcasing the winners of these competitions.
RoboTour – AUVSI will welcome middle and high school students from the Denver area to tour the AUVSI XPONENTIAL exhibit hall. The RoboTour will help this future generation of scientists and engineers learn about unmanned systems and introduce them to emerging technologies and trends.
Young Professionals Reception – This networking session is for professionals who are new to unmanned systems to learn from the experience and guidance of seasoned leaders. It will also provide a unique opportunity for young professionals to meet and mentor students who are interested in joining the industry. The reception will be hosted in the Growing the Industry Hub.
Women and Diversity in Robotics – At this session, attendees will meet in small groups to engage on emerging and impactful topics in the unmanned systems and robotics communities. The forum will feature speed networking with thought leaders to review STEM opportunities for career-focused women and girls.
In addition to the STEM programming, XPONENTIAL 2018 will feature more than 200 educational sessions and an exhibit hall with more than 725 cutting-edge companies from around the world, providing information about the future of unmanned systems policy, technology, business solutions, and trending topics. For more information and to register, visit xponential.org.
