Diversified Communications Acquires Drone World Expo, Announces Combined UAS Event
October 26, 2017
In an effort to expand its UAV technology portfolio and create the largest commercial drone event in North America, Diversified Communications has acquired Drone World Expo from JDEvents.
The announcement was made yesterday at Commercial UAV Expo Americas, taking place Oct. 24-26 at the Westgate Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
As the third acquisition Diversified has made in 2017 so far, including two events in Australia – Naturally Good and Luxperience, the acquisition of Drone World Expo builds upon the company’s recent launches in the expanding UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) market, according to Theodore Wirth, president and CEO of Diversified Communications.
“We continue to invest in the rapidly growing UAS market,” Wirth said. “Diversified launched Commercial UAV Expo in 2015 and since developed an online platform and launched Commercial UAV Expo Europe in Brussels to provide the necessary domestic and international reach and frequency of news and information.”
He added, “This acquisition is an exciting next step to further facilitate efficient and effective business opportunities for this industry.”
By uniting Commercial UAV Expo with Drone World Expo in 2018 to a commercial drone industry mega event, Diversified intends to further strengthen its position in this highly competitive marketplace via the creation of a one-stop-shop for professionals, vendors and buyers to conduct all their drone business in North America, according to Lisa Murray, director of Commercial UAV Expo.
“Since 2015, the market has exploded with drone events, making for a congested and complicated landscape for customers to choose from,” Murray explained.
She continued, “The acquisition of Drone World Expo by Diversified Communications takes two leading commercial UAS events and unites them to form the largest commercial drone event in the market. By coming together, we’ll be able to deliver more qualified buyers to vendors than if had we continued separately, making it easier for vendors and buyers to meet in one place annually for all of their drone business. And, with our European event and digital platform, we are making it easier for drone companies to reach markets domestic and international with a frequency and reach no one else in the market can offer.”
Together, Commercial UAV Expo and Drone World Expo will focus on delivering cutting-edge conference content and premium solutions designed to meet the needs of large commercial end user/asset owners in top vertical markets, including civil infrastructure, energy, agriculture, construction and emergency response.
Besides Diversified’s experience delivering technology conferences in the geospatial sector, Drone World Expo’s partnership with the Commercial Drone Alliance has also given the company a strong reach into the commercial drone industry along with the support of industry leaders.
“On behalf of the Commercial Drone Alliance and along with my fellow co-executive director, Lisa Ellman, we are thrilled to support this merged event and will continue our focus of bringing the most relevant, timely and critical content to the Commercial UAV Expo with the most prominent decision-makers in our industry,” said Gretchen West, senior advisor at Hogan Lovells, co-executive director of the Commercial Drone Alliance and chair of Drone World Expo’s advisory board.
She continued, “The decision to consolidate events to become the largest and most influential commercial drone event is an important step and allows the community to focus resources on this all-inclusive conference and tradeshow to achieve greater value. We look forward to building off the huge success of the Drone World Expo through our partnership with the Commercial UAV Expo, bringing the same caliber of expert speakers and creating the most comprehensive drone event to date.”
According to Joel Davis, CEO of JD Events, merging the two shows to create one large event is just what this industry needs at this time.
“The commercial drone industry is poised for explosive growth,” Davis said. “Commercial UAV Expo, organized by Diversified Communications, has emerged as the premier event serving this dynamic marketplace.”
He added, “I am excited for Drone World Expo to unite with Commercial UAV Expo to form the largest and most important annual event in North America for commercial end users of drone technology.”
The 2018 event is set for Oct. 1-3 at the Westgate Resort & Casino and will be organized by Diversified Communications under Murray’s leadership.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment