U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, will deliver the keynote speech at the 2010 Red River Valley Research Corridor Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Action Summit on May 20 and 21, 2010, at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D.

“Our region has become a center of unmanned aviation activity with the Grand Forks Air Force Base, the Fargo Air National Guard, the Center for Aerospace Technology, and the Customs and Border Protection Service all operating unmanned aerial vehicles. The Grand Forks Air Force Base is also going to be home to both Predators and Global Hawks in the near future,” U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan said.

“I am thrilled Gen. Schwartz is coming to Grand Forks, as we showcase the growing opportunities for UAS operations and education there,” Dorgan said. “Air Force innovations are driving the future of unmanned systems, and we’ve worked to lay the foundation for the Red River Valley to become a national hub for unmanned aircraft activity. It’s now time to build upon this foundation and expand these initiatives.”

Spotlight on Evolution of Research, Training, Deployment and employment at UAS Summit

Change is a constant on all sides of the UAS equation – whether for military, scientific, law enforcement or civilian applications. This year’s summit will focus on current initiatives and emerging trends in education, training, research, technology and business.

Special sessions will focus on the outlook for jobs and career opportunities.

Confirmed speakers include Peter La Franchi, Shepard Group Limited who will talk about Business Opportunities in North America and the World and then lead a discussion comprised of leaders in the industry.

Summit sessions will focus on the future of UAS in the 21s century, airspace integration and building a regional UAS industry.

For agenda updates and the latest on the summit visit researchcorridorsummit.com

Summit Sponsorship/Exhibitor Opportunities Put You on the Radar Screen

The UAS Action Summit in 2009 was a huge success with over 300 experts, policymakers, industry leaders, technology innovators, and regional business leaders from 21 states in attendance. This year’s summit is shaping up to be an even bigger, more exciting event as North Dakota is poised to become a leading hub of UAS activity in the United States.

To become a sponsor and/or exhibitor go to researchcorridorsummit.com

To Register for the Summit and for Accommodations

Registration is available online at researchcorridorsummit.com. Early bird registration for the summit is $175, which includes meals, materials and the networking social. The registration fee goes to $225 on May 5th, so register early. Student registration is free.

The Alerus Center is connected to Canad Inns Destination Center. Call (701) 772-8404 to make your room reservation. You can also register online at canadinns.com/stay/grandforks.php .

Don't Miss Thunder Over the Red River:
2010 Grand Forks Air Force Base Air Show
Saturday May 22nd

The 391th Air Refueling Wing is hosting their first airshow since 2006 at the Grand Forks AFB. This event will feature unmanned aircraft demonstration flights along with the USAF Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Black Daggers Parachute Team, the US Navy F/A -18C Hornet demo and many others. For more info go to grandforks.schultzairshows.com/

Register now for the Research Corridor's UAS Action Summit at researchcorridorsummit.com. Registration is $175 until May 5th. Students are free.