03 Jan 18. AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems Defense conference has been reset and expanded this year to include opportunities to learn how unmanned systems can be used for defense, protection and security. Newly branded as AUVSI Unmanned Systems—Defense. Protection. Security., USDPS will take place from February 6 – 8, 2018, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just minutes from Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon. Attendees will hear from thought leaders and subject matter experts from defense and civilian agencies about the latest investments and innovation in unmanned systems and how to sustain them. Speakers and panelists will highlight new and emerging technologies and will also include counter-UAS systems for protecting critical government facilities and infrastructure. Military and public safety officials will also be on hand to discuss the effective use of unmanned systems for their operations, including explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) applications. The advancement and increased availability of unmanned systems solutions and technology will be demonstrated by the 50+ companies that will be onsite with exhibits and product displays. They will provide attendees an insider’s view of the new offerings and trends in unmanned systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. AUVSI was founded more than 45 years ago by robotics researchers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. And ever since, defense and government have been integral and active participants in the association and the unmanned systems community. I encourage you to personally experience that legacy at USDPS. It is where government decision makers and program managers will gather to discover what is next for defense, protection and security operations that are supported by unmanned systems technology.