Onward NRV Participates in AUVSI Xponential 2019

Onward New River Valley attended AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) XPONENTIAL in Chicago earlier this month. The event features the latest and most relevant technologies from leading organizations all around the globe. It’s a snapshot of where Unmanned Systems is as an industry and it illustrates just how much the ecosystem has grown.

XPONENTIAL brings together 8,500 technologists, regulators and users across commercial and defense sectors to learn how other industries are using unmanned systems to expand business capabilities, increase efficiency, and make a difference.

Onward NRV Director of Marketing & Communications Abigail Hammack attended as a part of the Virginia Pavilion (hosted by the Center for Innovative Technology). The commonwealth’s exhibit highlighted progress and advancements being made at the state level in Virginia.

The Virginia Pavilion, which featured a hovering, state-shaped sign, included local companies in the UAS space, information about organizations like the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, and information about doing business in the commonwealth. The Pavilion hosted a reception with Virginia wine that was well-attended and visited by Governor Northam and Secretary of Trade & Commerce Brian Ball. It was a great way to put Virginia on the radars of those attending the show.

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The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a stable and friendly regulatory climate, a unique geography with ample FAA testing locations, civil businesses and existing technology firms, an ample and well-trained workforce, and a host of education institutions conducting advanced research and training the next generation in industry leaders. Virginia offers opportunities in air, land and sea domains and is also a participant in the FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP).

As a group sponsor, the Virginia’s New River Valley logo was displayed at the Virginia Pavilion. The booth’s TV monitors also played the Virginia’s New River Valley Video and images from the NRV.

The NRV in particular is home to many assets that help companies and professionals in the Unmanned Systems industry flourish such as:

Not to mention, Blacksburg and Christiansburg, two towns in the NRV, will be the home to the first commercial drone deliveries in the U.S. thanks to Google subsidiary Wing.

At the event, Abigail was able to walk the floor of the exhibit hall to speak with companies and pass out marketing materials to anyone who may be interested in setting up a location in the NRV. This was a great opportunity to get the word out about the region and the unmatched Unmanned Systems assets located here.

For more information about XPONENTIAL, visit AUVSI.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.