# Ohio Hosts Public Safety UAS Conference

OHCON 2026, Ohio's premier public safety unmanned aerial systems (UAS) conference, will take place September 29-30, 2026, at the Ohio Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg. The event offers hands-on drone flight training, operational insights, and vendor demonstrations aimed at enhancing drone program capabilities for public safety and government agencies across Ohio. The pre-conference Program Managers Course is sold out, and general registration is limited, underscoring strong demand for UAS training and technology adoption in the public safety sector.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the growing emphasis on UAS capabilities within state-level public safety agencies, signaling increased demand for drone technology, training services, and operational support.
- The involvement of multiple Ohio state agencies, including the Ohio Department of Public Safety and Ohio Homeland Security, indicates coordinated efforts to integrate UAS into emergency response and law enforcement operations.
- Vendors specializing in UAS technology and training, such as LiveU, have strategic opportunities to engage with public safety agencies through demonstrations and partnerships.
- Organizations supporting drone program development should consider aligning offerings with the training and operational needs highlighted at OHCON to better position for future procurement opportunities in Ohio and similar jurisdictions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Emergency Response
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ohio Fire Academy
- Ohio Homeland Security
- Ohio Emergency Management Agency
- Ohio Department of Public Safety
- Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy

### Vendors
- LiveU (technology demonstrator and strategic partner)

### Key Quotes
> Whether you fly for a small volunteer department or a large metro agency, you'll leave with hands-on skills and the relationships that make statewide coordination work when it matters most.
> — Scott Mlakar, Assistant Chief (Ret.), OHCON coordinator

### Sources
- [Final Call: Seats Are Running Out for OHCON 2026, Ohio's Premier Public Safety UAS Conference - EIN Presswire](https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/945151495/final-call-seats-are-running-out-for-ohcon-2026-ohio-s-premier-public-safety-uas-conference) - einnews.com