The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International major drone conference XPONENTIAL 2020 has been moved to Oct. 5-8, according to a statement today by president Brian P. Wynne.

In response to coronavirus concerns, AUVSI had postponed the event to August but said today that October would be a safer choice. “In our assessment, August was too early for large gatherings and the shift will also allow additional time for restrictions to be safely lifted and some economic recovery to begin,” Wynne said.

Due to lack of convention space, XPONENTIAL 2020 has also been moved from Boston to Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the site of the event in 2017.

Wynne said:

“These changes will allow XPONENTIAL to remain the knowledge exchange and marketplace you have come to expect, while also enabling us to implement social distancing and other safety measures to keep all attendees safe. We will communicate additional details on those measures as they develop over the coming weeks and months.”

The organization also gave the following instructions:

• If you are already registered for XPONENTIAL 2020, you will receive a separate message in the coming weeks to confirm your options for participation in Dallas this October.
• If you were selected as a speaker for XPONENTIAL 2020, you will receive a separate message from our Industry Education team to confirm your participation and any schedule changes.
• If you are an exhibitor for XPONENTIAL 2020, your account manager will be reaching out to discuss your booth location, as well as to provide an update on additional options and logistics.

AUVSI is currently offering several remote/virtual events for members as well. A series of webinars continues this week.

“Many of you will take note that today was scheduled to be the opening of XPONENTIAL 2020. And while we can’t gather together in person this week, we can all continue fulfilling the mission of all things unmanned,” Wynne added. “You are supporting first responders. You are blazing new trails for deliveries. You are even shifting your production lines to provide life-saving equipment to those who need it most. As you adapt to the immediate needs of your community and business, we’ll continue to adapt how we provide the knowledge and connections that help you thrive.”