AIRT sets 2027 Florida drone operations conference at SunTrax

AIRT says the fifth annual FLOCON conference will return Feb. 23–25, 2027, at SunTrax in Auburndale, Florida, bringing together public-safety and government drone operators from across Florida, the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. The event will combine classroom sessions, live flight training and exhibitor demos focused on emergency response, mapping, counter-UAS and advanced air mobility.

Why it matters: - FLOCON is designed to help public-safety and government agencies use drones more effectively in emergency response, routine operations and disaster management. - The conference also serves as a networking point for decision-makers, program managers and operators working on UAS and counter-UAS programs. - SunTrax adds a real-world testing environment for live scenario-based training.

What happened: - AIRT announced the 2027 Florida Public Safety and Government Drone Operations Conference, known as FLOCON. - The fifth annual conference will be held Feb. 23–25, 2027, at SunTrax in Auburndale, Florida. - The event will gather UAS professionals from Florida, across the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America. - Expected attendees include representatives from law enforcement, fire rescue, homeland security, emergency management, search and rescue, public works and other government agencies.

The details: - The three-day program will include classroom education, expert-led sessions, an industry exhibition and live flight training. - SunTrax is a transportation testing and development facility focused on advanced mobility and autonomous-system operations. - Scenario-driven training tracks will cover search and rescue, emergency and disaster management, tactical UAS operations, and aerial mapping and reconnaissance. - The agenda will also address airspace authorization, Drone as First Responder program development, counter-UAS awareness, data management and the operational integration of advanced air mobility. - Exhibitors will show the latest UAS and counter-UAS technology and provide live demonstrations. - Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are now open. - Registration details, agenda updates and sponsorship information are available at DRONERESPONDERS.org/FLOCON.

Between the lines: - Florida has become a model for government and public-safety drone deployment, according to AIRT executive director Christopher Todd. - The conference highlights a shift from basic drone adoption toward more advanced operational coordination, data use and airspace integration. - The inclusion of advanced air mobility shows the event is looking beyond today’s public-safety drone missions. - The FLOGRU volunteer group’s work suggests FLOCON is being built as a community-driven program rather than a one-off trade event.

What's next: - Organizers will continue updating the agenda and registration information before the February 2027 event. - Exhibitors and sponsors can begin engaging with public-safety and government UAS buyers and operators now. - Attendees should expect expanded training content as drone operations and regulatory needs evolve.

The bottom line: - FLOCON 2027 is positioned as a major Florida gathering for public-safety drone users, with hands-on training, policy topics and industry demos under one roof.