ARLINGTON, Va. — Michael Huerta, administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, will deliver a keynote address at XPONENTIAL 2016, the largest trade show for the robotics and unmanned systems industry, in New Orleans on Wednesday, May 4 at 9:30 a.m. CDT.

Huerta will discuss the FAA's latest initiatives that are helping to ensure safe UAS operations for recreational use and commercial applications, including the highly anticipated small UAS rule. He also will focus his remarks on key initiatives such as the Pathfinder program, the Section 333 exemption process, the UAS Registration Task Force, as well as the FAA's work providing guidance to states and municipalities that are considering laws or regulations addressing UAS operations.

XPONENTIAL 2016 is hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. It will take place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans from May 2 to 5.

More than 8,000 industry leaders and professionals from more than 55 countries are expected to attend XPONENTIAL 2016. The exhibit hall will showcase more than 600 cutting-edge companies from around the world, representing more than 20 industries. In addition, the show will offer more than 300 educational sessions, providing information about the future of unmanned systems policy, regulations and technology.

XPONENTIAL 2016 also will feature the Startup Showdown, providing $15,000 in cash prizes and mentor opportunities for early-state innovators, and the return of the Innovation Hub, which offers educational programming such as poster sessions and “beyond the booth” presentations.

Complimentary registration is provided to the media. For more information, contact Tom McMahon at tmcmahon@auvsi.org or (571) 255-7786. For more information about XPONENTIAL 2016, visit www.xponential.org.