As a newly established manufacturer of bespoke unmanned aerial systems, Meadowlark Aircraft Company was thrilled to make its debut at the 2024 UAS Summit & Expo in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The event brought together leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from across the UAS industry, providing an exceptional platform for sharing ideas and forging connections. For us, it was an invaluable opportunity to showcase our focus on light Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft and connect with individuals across defense and civilian sectors.
The week began on Monday evening, October 7th, with the annual GrandSKY reception. Held in a hangar at the Grand Sky Aviation Business Park, the event set an exciting tone for the days ahead. The reception featured free food, engaging speeches, and the opportunity to view and photograph an MQ-9 Sky Range drone up close. Senator John Hoeven and Major General David Stewart of the U.S. Army delivered inspiring remarks, highlighting Project Ultra and the state’s growing role in UAS innovation. The well-organized and secure environment reflected the professionalism and forward-thinking spirit that defines the UAS industry.
Day One of the conference officially began on Tuesday, October 8th, and our team was ready and eager to introduce Meadowlark Aircraft Company to attendees. Conversations flowed throughout the day as we shared our vision of creating high-performance unmanned aerial systems tailored to defense applications such as stealth operations and civilian uses, including agriculture and mid-range parcel delivery. The highlight of the day was hearing from keynote speakers like Senator Hoeven and University of North Dakota President Andrew Armacost, who underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in the UAS field.
After an exciting day of talks and networking, the Meadowlark team headed to “Buzzing at The HIVE,” the second annual evening reception hosted by MTSI and The HIVE. The event provided a relaxed yet lively atmosphere for continued conversations and new connections. From whiskey tasting and charcuterie boards to giveaways and the thought-provoking Fireside Chat, the reception was a perfect blend of fun and inspiration. Events like these remind us of the strong sense of community within the UAS industry and the shared commitment to advancing this field.
Day Two on Wednesday, October 9th, was another big day for Meadowlark Aircraft Company. Our COO, John Ibele, took the stage twice, delivering an insightful presentation on manufacturing technology and supply chain security, two critical areas in ensuring reliability and innovation in UAS manufacturing. Later in the day, John participated in the inaugural Pitch Day, where he presented Meadowlark’s vision to an audience of investors and industry leaders. It was an incredible opportunity to share our focus on light Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft and discuss how we aim to address the evolving needs of the UAS industry.
The conference concluded with a unique post-event networking opportunity: the Gorman Field Day. This informal gathering allowed us to connect with fellow attendees in a more casual setting. The event included a delicious meal—featuring unforgettable meatballs—and a tour of the field where Meadowlark plans to conduct future testing. It was a fitting end to a week full of inspiration, learning, and connection.
Looking back, the most rewarding part of the UAS Summit was the meaningful conversations we had throughout the event. From individuals curious about career opportunities to those interested in partnerships and our products, every interaction was a chance to share ideas and build relationships. The level of interest and enthusiasm we encountered reinforced our excitement for the work we’re doing, and the impact Meadowlark Aircraft Company can make in the UAS space.
We extend our deepest thanks to UAS Magazine, BBI International, GrandSKY, UND Aerospace, MTSI, and The HIVE for organizing such well-rounded events. The professionalism, energy, and innovation showcased throughout the week were truly inspiring.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue sharing our journey and connecting with others in the industry. Our next big event will be XPONENTIAL 2025 in Houston, Texas, next May. If we didn’t get the chance to connect with you at the UAS Summit, we’d still love to hear from you—visit our website to learn more about Meadowlark Aircraft Company and our vision for the future of unmanned aerial systems.