AUVSI Advanced Air Mobility Exposition 2026

Join for an exceptional event showcasing the latest in advanced air mobility (AAM)
About this Event

The Hampton Roads Chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) invites you to the 2026 AUVSI Hampton Roads Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Exposition! A completely refreshed, re‑imagined experience showcasing the future of uncrewed systems.

This year brings a new location, new speakers, and a bold new outlook on the future of AAM. Over two days, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators will gather to explore the technologies shaping urban and regional air mobility through keynotes, expert panels, and live demonstrations.

🚀 Two Days of Innovation & Insight

Location: Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virginia

Explore the rapidly advancing world of AAM through sessions featuring:

• Breakthroughs from leading AAM and eVTOL manufacturers
• Infrastructure planning for airports, regional hubs, and vertiports
• Hydrogen and next‑generation propulsion technologies
• Defense, public safety, and government applications
• Virginia’s statewide AAM initiatives and economic impact
• Academic research, testing, and workforce development
• Policy, regulation, and community integration

Your registration includes catered lunch, coffee, and snacks.

Day 1

🕑: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Registration / Coffee and continental breakfast
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Opening Remarks: Hampton Roads in Motion
Host: Dan Wolfe
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:50 AM
Keynote Speakers: Federal Priorities for Defense, Aviation, Maritime Security
Host: Representative Rob Wittman
🕑: 08:50 AM - 09:10 AM
Keynote Speaker: Virginia’s Advanced Air Mobility Strategy
Host: Scott Denny
🕑: 09:10 AM - 10:10 AM
Panel 1: Hampton Roads Drone Operations
Host: Justin Jones
Moderator:
Host: Dave Hinton
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Break
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Keynote Speaker: Protecting Airspace: Counter-UAS Lessons 
Host: Tom Adams
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Keynote Speaker: Regional Airspace Readiness
Host: Pamela Gomez
🕑: 11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
Panel 2: BVLOS, UTM, and Commonwealth Airspace Readiness
Host: Jeff Slaughter
Moderator
Host: Hon. Karen Jackson
🕑: 12:10 PM - 01:10 PM
Networking, Catered Lunch
🕑: 01:10 AM - 01:30 AM
Keynote Speaker: Building Virginia’s Public Safety DFR Network
Host: Chris Sadler
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Panel 3: From Detection to Response: DFR Coordination (Military and Civil)
Host: Lieutenant Michael Sinclair
Moderator:
Host: Sgt. Tiara Suggs
🕑: 02:30 AM - 02:50 AM
Break
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:50 PM
Panel 4: cUAS: Solving the Inter Agency Problem
Host: DJ Smith
Moderator:
Host: Joseph Kendall
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:15 PM
Day 1 Closing Comments / Networking Reception
Host: Daniel Wolfe
🕑: 04:15 PM - 06:00 PM
Evening Reception (Room #: TBD)

Info: Network with Regional Representatives, Business leaders, & learn who’s who in HR

Day 2

🕑: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Registration / Coffee and continental breakfast
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Building the Region’s Advanced Mobility Future
Host: Chuck Wittges
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:50 AM
Commonwealth Leadership in Advanced Mobility, Maritime Innovation, Defense
Host: Governor Abigail Spanberger — Invited
🕑: 08:50 AM - 09:10 AM
Keynote Speaker: The Mobility Innovation Center
Host: Mayor Phillip Jones
🕑: 09:10 AM - 10:10 AM
Panel 5: BVLOS Operations
Host: Lisa Peterson
Moderator:
Host: Chris Morello
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Break
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Keynote Speaker: The Hampton Roads Playbook
Host: Nancy Grden
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
Keynote Speaker: Regional Air Mobility in Practice
Host: Toni Drummond
🕑: 11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
Panel 6: NASA Langley Public - Private Partnerships and Air Domain Awareness
Host: Joseph Gasbarre
🕑: 12:10 PM - 01:10 PM
Networking, Catered Lunch
🕑: 01:10 PM - 01:30 PM
Keynote Speaker: Uncrewed Applications and the Virginia Port Authority
Host: Sarah McCoy
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Panel 7: Coastal Mobility and Maritime Transportation
Host: Sam Riggs
Moderator:
Host: Matt Smith
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:50 PM
Break
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:50 PM
Panel 8: UAS, AAM Workforce, and University Research Applications
Host: Julie Young
Moderator:
Host: Shawn Avery
🕑: 03:50 PM - 06:00 PM
Day 2 Closing Comments
Host: Dan Wolfe
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Cocktail Reception (requires Gala ticket)
Host: The Nick Kepics Jazz Band
🕑: 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
VASBA GALA Dinner (Marriott - Newport News City Center)