The commercial uncrewed aviation industry gathered in Las Vegas earlier this month for Commercial UAV Expo 2026, bringing together operators, manufacturers, regulators, technology developers, and industry leaders from around the world.

The Expo provided an opportunity for the Monterey Bay and California Central Coast aerospace community to connect directly with many of the key players shaping the future of commercial UAS.

While in Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to meet with companies from across the industry, including several with strong connections to California’s Central Coast. Among them were Parallel Flight Technologies, Aero Systems West, Zing Drone Solutions, NARMA, and EIVIE—highlighting the growing concentration of UAS technology, operations, and expertise within our own region.

These conversations went beyond simply seeing new technology on the exhibit floor. They provided an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, make new connections, exchange perspectives on where the industry is headed, and explore how the Central Coast can continue to participate in the rapidly evolving UAS ecosystem.

This year’s Expo came at an important point for commercial uncrewed aviation, with expanded BVLOS operations, autonomy, regulatory evolution, and increasingly capable aircraft and supporting technologies driving the industry forward.

For DART and the broader Monterey Bay community, events like Commercial UAV Expo also provide a valuable reminder that our region is increasingly connected to the national UAS industry. Seeing familiar Central Coast organizations alongside companies from around the world reinforces the opportunity to continue building a regional aerospace ecosystem through collaboration, workforce development, testing, and technology advancement.