GASC conference will return in 2024

September 15, 2023

Organizers of this year’s inaugural and highly successful Global Autonomous Systems Conference have announced that the conference will return next year, bringing attendees the latest in the world of AI and autonomous air, sea and ground systems.

The 2024 conference is scheduled for Aug. 13-15 and will again be held at Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center.

“We are delighted with the great participation at our inaugural conference,” said Cathy Cahill, director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. 

“We are already looking forward to next year’s conference, where we will again bring together top experts to share the latest information in the transformative world of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems,” she said.

This year’s conference was co-hosted by the University of Alaska system and the state of Alaska. The conference was sponsored by the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration, one of the nation’s top drone research programs.

“Thanks to ACUASI, Alaska is a powerful incubator for drone innovation and testing,” University of Alaska President Pat Pitney said. 

“Our location on the globe puts us at the crossroads for global commerce, transportation and logistics, making the 49th State the perfect location for meaningful dialogue that can move the autonomous industry forward,” she said. “Sincere thanks to all who attended this year's event, and we're looking forward to welcoming even more back to Alaska for the second Global Autonomous Systems Conference in 2024."

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said the conference’s success again proves that Alaska is a leader in uncrewed aircraft.

“Drones and other autonomous systems can transform life for the better in Alaska,” he said. “The Global Autonomous Systems Conference showed how Alaska is leading the charge to be the drone capital of the world.”

This year’s three-day conference drew approximately 300 attendees and included nearly 100 speakers in numerous presentations and panel discussions. 

Others had praise for the first Global Autonomous Systems Conference:

Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “I appreciated the chance to talk with policy and industry leaders at the inaugural Global Autonomous Systems Conference. As the world races to develop these advanced technologies, Alaska has the opportunity to become a leader in autonomous systems innovation. GASC is playing a pivotal role positioning Alaska as being on the forefront for this emerging field.”  

Aaron Pierce of Pierce Aerospace: “This was one of the higher quality conferences that we've attended, and I'm very impressed by the Alaska team that put on such a great show. The panels were informative and collaborative with audience participation, and I think we all took away new ideas and inspiration. The Raptor flyovers were a great touch as well.” 

Jonathan Bearce of Merlin Labs: "As a company that has successfully tested autonomous aircraft capabilities in Alaska, alongside ACUASI, we know the important role Alaska plays in progressing advanced autonomy in aviation. The Global Autonomous Systems Conference in Anchorage allows us to further collaborate on this work in order to advance technical capabilities."

 

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Olena Ellis, 907-455-2035, oaellis@alaska.edu