Marketplace triples in size and conference sessions drive skyrocketing enthusiasm for drones

ARLINGTON, Va. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — December 16, 2015 — Reflecting the popularity and accelerated growth of commercial and consumer drones, a record number of manufacturers, service companies and other industry supporters are participating in the Unmanned Systems Marketplace at CES^® 2016 January 6-9, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV. A record 27 exhibitors, up from 16 companies in 2015, will showcase the latest technologies that are revolutionizing the way we view, monitor and assist our world. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM – formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® – CES 2016 is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology.

The Unmanned Systems Marketplace, presented by AUVSI and located in the LVCC, South Hall 2, covers more than 25,000 net square feet of exhibit space, a 200 percent increase over the 2015 CES. Exhibitors including DJI, Yuneec, Hobbico Inc. and Squadrone System will showcase drone and unmanned technologies and initiatives that deliver innovations related to sports, travel, real estate, search and rescue, law enforcement and disaster relief.

“Drones have taken off in the marketplace and now represent one of the fastest growing tech categories – globally and on the CES show floor,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. “This is truly life-changing technology that will create new jobs, improve lives and transform the way we do business.”

CTA market research expects this to be a defining year for drones, with 400,000 units sold this holiday season and U.S. market revenue reaching nearly $105 million in 2015 – a 52 percent increase over 2014. And given the right regulatory environment, CTA sees the United States reaching one million unmanned aircraft systems flights per day within the next 20 years.

In addition to exhibits on the show floor, CES 2016 will feature four conference sessions focused on the accomplishments, trends and challenges of UAV technology, including:

• Defining Drones: From Backyard Hobby to Hollywood Flyover
  2:15-3:15 PM January 6, LVCC, North Hall, Room N253
• Rules for Drones – Best Policies and Practices
  1-2 PM January 7, LVCC, North Hall, Room N256
• Managing Low-Altitude Airspace for Safety and Privacy
  2:15-3:15 PM January 7, LVCC, North Hall, Room N256
• Use Cases: Amazing Drone Benefits
  3:30-4:30 PM January 7, LVCC, North Hall, Room N256

Watch drones and other unmanned systems take flight in the latest CESTV video. For more information on the Unmanned Systems Marketplace contact Oleg Brudo at oburdo@CE.org. CES 2016 will span 2.3 million net square feet of exhibit space featuring more than 3,600 exhibiting companies debuting the latest products and services across the entire consumer tech ecosystem. For the latest CES news and announcements, visit CESweb.org.

Note to Editors: The official name of the global technology event is “CES^®.” Please do not use “Consumer Electronics Show” or “International CES” to refer to the event.

About CES:

CES is the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for almost 50 years—the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. And because it is owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM – formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® – the technology trade association representing the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry, it attracts the world’s business leaders and pioneering thinkers to a forum where the industry’s most relevant issues are addressed. Check out  CES video highlights. Follow CES online at www.CESweb.org and on  social.

About Consumer Technology Association:

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM, formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, is the trade association representing the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES <