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South Carolina Government Drone Symposium Returns to Columbia

South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC) to host second annual symposium focused on innovation and operational excellence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 5, 2025

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC) is proud to announce its second annual statewide symposium, taking place June 11, 2025, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. This year’s theme, "UAS Innovations: Safer, Faster, and More Effective," highlights how cutting-edge drone technologies are reshaping public sector operations.

The full-day event, running from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, will showcase a dynamic lineup of experts, including leaders from federal, state, and local agencies, academic researchers, and private industry pioneers. Attendees will explore new applications for drones in government work, from emergency response to infrastructure inspection, and discover how agencies are adapting to rapidly evolving technologies.

Highlights of the symposium include presentations from Michael Lees from the Department of Homeland Security, Chase Barron from Joint Base Charleston, and various industry and agency UAS experts. Other featured speakers include representatives from the ETV, SC Department of Transportation, SC Department of Environmental Service, City of Clemson, and various public safety officials.

The symposium will also feature a live drone demonstration showcasing the latest hardware advancements and breakout sessions led by subject matter experts on topics like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, public safety applications, and drone program development.

SCiDUC, a nonprofit organization run by South Carolina state employees for state employees, invites all interested government officials, public servants, and industry professionals to attend.

The symposium supports SCiDUC’s mission of fostering collaboration, advancing drone adoption, and building stronger, safer, and more efficient government operations. For more information or to register, please visit www.sciduc.org/symposium2025.

Quotes

  • "The 2025 SCiDUC Symposium is about helping government agencies be faster, safer, and more effective through drone technology. We are bringing together the best ideas, the best equipment, and the best people to move South Carolina forward," said Joe Burgett, Executive Director of SCiDUC. "This event is not just about what drones can do today, but about building partnerships that prepare us for what is coming next."
     
  • "The SCiDUC Symposium is an exciting opportunity to learn, collaborate, and problem-solve together," said Mark Jahnke, President of SCiDUC. "With live demonstrations, hands-on sessions, and deep discussions about regulatory changes and operational strategies, attendees will leave with the tools they need to build stronger drone programs for their agencies."
     
  • "Drone technology is advancing quickly, and government agencies have an opportunity to lead," said Sallie Williams, SCiDUC Board Member. "This symposium empowers public servants to embrace innovation while staying focused on public safety, efficiency, and community trust."

About SCiDUC

The South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC) is dedicated to advancing drone technology across South Carolina state and local government agencies. As a nonprofit managed by public employees, SCiDUC fosters a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence to ensure drone programs are safe, effective, and transformative for public service.

Additional Information

For press inquiries or to request a press pass, please contact:

Joe Burgett
jmburg@clemson.edu
864-722-2026

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