AUVSI XPONENTIAL, the leading event uniting over 8,500 industry experts from the unmanned technology sector, has partnered with DJI—renowned as a global leader in civilian drone and aerial imaging technology. This partnership heralds the launch of the inaugural AUVSI XCELLENCE Humanitarian Awards. These awards aim to honor individuals and organizations leveraging unmanned systems technology for humanitarian efforts that save lives and improve the human condition.

DJI stands out as a frontrunner in the civilian drone market, with applications extending to agriculture, disaster response, energy, and environmental monitoring. Their technology significantly enhances operational safety, efficiency, and speed. “DJI embodies the spirit and intent of the Humanitarian Awards,” stated Brian Wynne, AUVSI’s president and CEO. “We are thrilled to collaborate with a dynamic company whose innovative products are instrumental in various humanitarian missions.”

The Humanitarian Awards will be presented at the upcoming AUVSI XPONENTIAL, from April 30 to May 3, 2018, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. This event will celebrate innovators in the unmanned systems field and their commitment to promoting safe and effective practices. AUVSI seeks to recognize five organizations or individuals who have made a measurable impact through their use of unmanned systems in humanitarian efforts.

Nominations for the AUVSI Humanitarian Awards are open and free to enter, with winners to be revealed during the Day 3 keynote address at XPONENTIAL 2018 on May 3. The keynote will focus on the contributions of unmanned systems to public safety and humanitarian efforts. Award winners will receive a total $25,000 donation distributed among their organizations. Interested parties can find submission details on the AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards webpage with a deadline for nominations set for Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

“Across the globe, drones are being utilized in remarkable ways that contribute to humanitarian efforts. We wish to honor those organizations and individuals applying this technology for the greater good—whether in life-saving search and rescue operations or in research initiatives advancing sustainability and development,” said Michael Perry, managing director of North America at DJI. “This partnership with AUVSI aims to illuminate and rejoice in these extraordinary stories, inspiring more widespread use of drone technology for philanthropic purposes.”

In addition to the Humanitarian Awards, the AUVSI XCELLENCE Awards will also celebrate achievements in three additional categories: Technology Innovation, Training and Education, and Operation and Safety. The goal of these awards is to recognize the innovators enhancing industry growth while maximizing the potential of unmanned technology.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL stands as the premier trade show for the unmanned systems and robotics sector. The 2018 exhibition will showcase over 725 leading companies and host more than 200 educational sessions focused on future policies, technological advancements, business solutions, and trending topics. For further information and event registration, visit xponential.org.

For more details, please contact:
Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786
Kate Blom-Lowery, kate@marketingdesigngroup.com, (619) 269-0948

About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing unmanned systems and robotics. With over 7,500 members spanning more than 60 countries, AUVSI fosters collaboration among government, industry, and academia in defense, civil, and commercial markets. For additional information, visit AUVSI.org.