third annual
Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference
in partnership with northeast community college
Now in its third year, the Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference is the Midwest’s largest event dedicated to drone technology in agriculture. This two-day conference brings together national leaders in ag tech, spray drone operation, research, law and policy for an immersive experience in the future of aerial applications. Whether you’re a producer, commercial drone operator, educator, or just exploring the industry, this event offers cutting-edge insight, hands-on demos and invaluable networking.
The conference also features virtual attendance, registration discounts, and sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities — keep scrolling for all the details!
Contact:
Dirk Charlson
Statewide Digital Ag Extension Educator
(402) 460-0742
dirk.charlson@unl.edu
Faculty Bio
2025 Conference Highlights
Nebraska Extension and Northeast Community College are pleased to host the third annual Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference, taking place Aug. 21–22 at Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
This two-day event offers a unique opportunity to connect with national leaders in ag drone technology through expert presentations, hands-on exhibits, and in-depth discussions shaping the future of aerial application in agriculture.
New in 2025! Can’t attend in person? A remote option is also available, giving participants flexibility while still accessing all the insights and recorded sessions.
As an added bonus for early attendees, the first 75 people to register in-person on the first day of the conference will receive a complimentary copy of the “The Evolution of Spray Drones, Their Capabilities and Challenges for Pesticide Applications” from Purdue.
The 2025 conference features a dynamic lineup of experts from across the ag drone industry — researchers, legal specialists, FAA representatives, and technology innovators, including:
- Dr. Steve Li, Auburn University
- Dr. Matthew Cann, Greensight
- Nathan Stein, AirStrike Ag
- Tim Pearson, Taranis
- Julius Petri, Pix4D
- Jonathan Rupprecht, Rupprecht Law
- Al Brunner, Federal Aviation Administration
- Vaughn Tolbert, VT Insurance
- Kevin Knorr, Volitant Technologies
- Joel Jones, Orange Coast College
Conference Schedule
- 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21
- 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22
Conference Location
Lifelong Learning Center
Northeast Community College
801 East Benjamin Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701
For more information on featured presentations and other conference events, read our press release or contact the event organizer, Nebraska Extension Statewide Digital Ag Educator Dirk Charlson, via email or phone, 402-460-0742 (call or text).
Registration
In-person and Remote Options
The conference will be offered in two formats: in-person and remote.
Registration for both days and formats is $275 and includes access to presenter recordings at the conclusion of the conference. Online registration will be available until the day of the conference. In-person registration will be from 8-8:30 a.m. on Aug. 21.
Educator/Student Registration Discounts
An educational discount is available to students and educators who pre-register online for the conference. Please complete the online discount application (prior to completing registration) by Monday, Aug. 18 to be considered for the reduced registration fee.
Once approved to receive the discount, you'll receive a promo code via email to use during online registration.
Special Rate for NU, Extension and NECC Attendees
An educational discount is available to students, faculty and staff of the University of Nebraska, Nebraska Extension, and Northeast Community College who pre-register online. Please complete the discount application (prior to completing registration) by Monday, Aug. 18 to be considered for the reduced rate.
Once approved to receive the discount, you'll receive a promo code via email to use during online registration.
Sponsors and Exhibitors
Exhibitors and sponsors help make this educational event possible!
The Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference is solely supported by registration fees, exhibitor fees and sponsorships. If you choose to become an exhibitor or sponsor, your monetary support ensures that this conference and drone education continue to grow in the coming years.
As an exhibitor or sponsor of the Nebraska Ag and Spray Drone Conference, you will also enjoy the following benefits:
Exhibitors
Perks of exhibiting Include:
- Public recognition in press releases and during/after conference
- Access to future talent looking for employment
- Access to leaders and customers in Nebraska drone industry
- Two (2) free admission tickets ($550 value)
Contribution amount: $500
Sponsors
Perks of sponsorship Include:
- Public recognition in press releases and during/after conference
- Exposure to leaders and customers in Nebraska drone industry
- Free exhibitor booth spot ($500 value)
- Two (2) free admission tickets ($550 value)
Contribution amount: Your choice!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- $1,500 — Lunch Day 1 - Aug. 21
- $1,500 — Lunch Day 2 - Aug. 22
- $750 — Refreshments Day 1
- $750 — Refreshments Day 2
- $500 — Complementary copy of "The Evolution of Spray Drones" for attendees
If you would like to support the conference with a smaller contribution, you will also be recognized during the conference! Please select 'Sponsor Only' on the exhibitor/sponsorship application for this option.
Travel and Lodging
Coming in from out of town? There are several hotel options in the Norfolk area, and for those traveling to Nebraska, four airports within driving distance — see more travel info below.
Norfolk Accommodations
- Holiday Inn
- 920 S. 20th St. Norfolk, NE 68701
- (402) 379-1524
- Hampton Inn
- 904 S. 20 St., Norfolk, NE 68701
- (402) 379-3585
- Fairfield Inn and Suites
- 1302 Cyhawk Lp, Norfolk, NE 68701
- (402) 370-2244
- Norfolk Lodge & Suites
- 4200 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701
- (402) 379-3833
- Super 8
- 1223 Omaha Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701
- (402) 379-2220
Most Norfolk hotels are just a 10-minute drive to the conference center!
Need a ride?
- Travel in comfort around the city on the North Folk Area Transit
- Or request a ride through Norfolk's Uber or Lyft rideshare services
Nearby Airports
- Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) — Sioux City (80 miles)
- Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI) — Grand Island (109 miles)
- Eppley Airfield (OMA) — Omaha (114 miles)
- Lincoln Airport (LNK) — Lincoln (124 miles)