FREE SAFETY PRE FLIGHT CHECKLIST!

In honor of Drone Safety Day on April 26th, 2025, AZDroneFest is pleased to offer you a

FREE Safety Pre-Flight Checklist

Whether you’re a professional aerial cinematographer, a licensed drone operator, or a passionate hobbyist, it’s essential to approach every flight with safety and responsibility in mind. Following FAA guidelines and respecting local regulations isn’t just best practice—it’s how we preserve the freedom to fly.

Remember, while airspace may be open, local authorities can restrict drone operations from parks or other public spaces.

We also encourage all pilots to visit the official FAA Drone Safety Day website at https://www.faa.gov/uas/events/drone_safety_day
for more information, safety tips, and a full list of events happening nationwide. Stay informed, fly smart, and help lead the way in safe drone operations.

Download Your Safety Pre-Flight Checklist

AZDroneFest is a film festival and UAS Expo designed to educate, promote, cultivate and celebrate the art of aerial cinematography in Arizona. The film festival is dedicated to recognizing the best in aerial cinematography in multiple categories. Attached to the film festival is an education expo with industry panel discussions, keynote speakers and workshops for commercial drone pilots, drone enthusiasts and aerial cinematographers to attend. AZDroneFest is owned and organized by USDroneFest, Inc.

OUR PARTNERS

2025 WINNERS

Flying Robot

"Ping Golf"

Alex Edwards

"The SW"

Kara Murphy

"Four Seasons in One Reel"

Danny McGee

"Planet Earth - a birds eye view"

John Ott

"Commercial Construction Build"

Chris Tangey

"Living Australia"

Marcus Möller
Micke Mikeadelica

"The Light"

Magnus Shipe

"Kuinerraq"

Chris Peloquin

"Commercial Construction Build"

Issael Almonte

"Showreel 2023"

THE EVENT

AZDroneFest

Film Festival & UAS Expo
Date: March, 2026

9:30am - 3:30pm

Grand Canyon University
3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017

A FREE FAMILY EVENT

Registration is required

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

DRONE DEMO
DRONE RACES
OBSTACLE COURSE
VENDORS

AN INDUSTRY EXPO

VIP TICKET REQUIRED

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
TECH DEMO

AN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

FREE EVENT OUTSIDE

WATCH AMAZING FILMS

WALK THE RED CARPET
MEET THE FILMMAKERS
WATCH ALL THE FILMS
CELEBRATE THE BEST OF EACH CATEGORY

FREE General Admission

^$0

Access to the exhibitor/demo area
Watch all the films

Early bird EXPO VIP Tickets

^$35

Regular Price: $40

Access to All Sessions, workshops and panels
Buffet Lunch Provided

Filmmaker Bundle

^$99

1 Film entree
2x EXPO VIP Tickets
Buffet Lunch Provided

I was really impressed with the entire event. I was thrilled to have an entry nominated and it was genuinely inspiring to see the other films. Many of them were fantastic! Thanks for all your work putting this together.
Tim Daugherty
It is a very good and complete festival. Communication with the management was also good. They successfully prepared and wrapped up the festival. It is a festival that is expected to develop every year. Gather everyone at AZDroneFest!
JUN PYO HONG
Great as usual, family friendly and only going to get bigger and better. Chris and his team are very much Pros and make sure they cover a variety of drone subjects not just film/photography.
Chris Tangey
AZ Drone Fest is growing each year and it's great to see the progress that Chris and the team have made. I appreciated the variety of demonstrations, panels, and video entries. I will be encouraging others to submit and attend next year!
Tyler Healey
It is wonderful to see how AZ Drone Fest is growing year after year. As an attendee each year, I enjoy every festival and the opportunities to get more involved in the Arizona drone community. The variety in drone demonstrations, panels, and entries is so much fun to see.
Bayley Jordan
Great Job! Thank you for all of your hard work to put this on.
Bill Davis
Super Festival, très bonne communication et événement en live vraiment chouette. Malheureusement, l'horaire été complexe pour moi, mais j'ai vraiment apprécié l'ambiance globale et la communication. A l'année prochaine j'espère !
Julien Hudym
Great festival, and so much great information shared. The films in the festival were great as well!
Chris Peloquin
Wow! What an experience. From the first communication to the event and the final Award ceremony - I found this to be friendly, informative and insightful. A great experience even though I could only attend virtually from Switzerland. Bravo!
Craig Murley
It was really well organized & professional. The expo, panel, & films were fantastic! Loved it.
Avian Cyclops
I have found no better place for drone filmmakers to showcase their work.
Devon Foster
THANK YOU, AZDroneFest! I just started flying drones and have never won an award for it before. AZ DroneFest has truly helped launch my career as a drone pilot and filmmaker.
Devon Foster
Very awesome film festival! I'm looking forward to next year!
Maria Davis
Thank you AZDrone Fest for choosing my film and organize this amazing festival! :) See you next year!
Attila Szamosvári

USDroneCast

Tune in every Tuesday for captivating interviews with top drone pilots, cinematographers, and industry leaders from around the world. Whether you're a professional drone pilot, a hobbyist, or simply fascinated by the world of drones, USDroneCast offers valuable insights, inspiring stories, and a platform to stay connected with the ever-evolving drone community.

Join us in this thrilling episode of USDroneCast as we dive into the exhilarating world of FPV cinematography with our special guest, Danny McGee @McGee.

Danny's FPV adventures have taken him across the globe, capturing jaw-dropping footage that will leave you in awe.

USDroneCast with Chris Tangey-cinematographer and drone pilot

Now Available

In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of hosting the renowned cinematographer and drone pilot, Chris Tangey, hailing from the awe-inspiring Northern...

USDroneCast with Danny McGee-FPV pilot

Now Available

Join us in this thrilling episode of USDroneCast as we dive into the exhilarating world of FPV cinematography with our special guest, <a...

USDroneCast with Mignonne Hollis-Aerospace AZ

Now Available

Join our guest Mignonne Hollis, from Aerospace Arizona for an enlightening episode of USDroneCast as we explore the dynamic landscape of the...

USDroneCast with Saunders Staley-Aerial Cinematographer

Now Available

Join us on this episode of USDroneCast with our guest Saunders Staley, an award-winning cinematographer whose remarkable work has left an indelible mark...

USDroneCast with Mako Reactra-Drone Racer

Now Available

Dive into the captivating world of FPV drone racing In this electrifying episode with the extraordinary @MakoReactra. Mako is a trailblazing force in...

USDroneCast with Stuart Smith-The Droning Company

Now Available

Join us as we explore the fascinating transformation of music icon Stuart Smith into the founder of The Droning Company.

Stuart, a seasoned...Read More

OUR JUDGES

Maxime Pontoire

Emxpi

Maxime is a professional aerial photographer/cinematographer and drone pilot based in France. He has flown in France, the U.S., and French Polynesia, winning multiple regional awards. When he is not flying he shares his expertise on photo processing, flying techniques, and product reviews on his blog.

Merr Watson

Aerial photographer

Merr is an exceptional aerial photographer and visual artist based in Australia. Her talent and dedication have garnered attention from various notable brands, including DJI Global, Beautiful Destinations, Conde Nast Traveler, Qantas Airlines, Commonwealth, and many more.

Sandrine Hecq

Aerial Photographer

Sandrine is a talented aerial photographer and digital content creator. She capture beauty around the world from a unique perspective and angle.

Camilla Dellión

Drone & content creator

Camilla is an exceptional aerial photographer and content creator based in Sweden. Whether filming breathtaking videos or capturing stunning aerial photographs, her work reflects a deep connection with the art of flight

Isabelle Nyroth

Yvarbrims consultancy service

Isabelle brings years of experience in international drone operations as a pilot, instructor and consultant. She has operated over 20 types of drones in dozens of countries. She is the founder of Yvarbrims, a drone consulting firm located in Sweden.

Tom Middleton

Lush Films / BBC

Tom has over 15 years experience working in professional multimedia production. Tom is a talented Cinematographer/Director at SMN Films in the UK, and a drone operator for the BBC. He has lectured in film production for Staffordshire and Worcester Universities.

Tomas Robres

DroneOfficial

Fueled by the bold creativity of Barcelona and a blend of art, tech, and love for nature. He stands out as a multi-talented creator, and founder of the DroneOfficial Community, a platform collaborating with world's top drone pilots. Drones, design, and speed! That's his game.

Travis Petet

Spright

Through his ingenuity and drive to improve the safety, quality and performance of every operation he has been a part of, Travis has earned multiple NBAA Flying Safety Awards, and was a 2017 Top 40 under 40 Next Gen Award recipient.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AZDroneFest is governed by our Board of Directors, a group of volunteers dedicated to our mission

Eric Legnon

Board Member - Treasurer

Eric is the owner of On Scene Productions, a full service production company in Arizona. As an industry leader who has worked in many different capacities, Eric brings a wide range of experience and expertise.

Theresa Maher

Board Member - Vice President

Theresa is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is currently the Managing Partner of Hire Story, a video production company specialized in recruitment videos. Theresa brings years of experience and dedication to the broadcasting industry.

Matthew Price

Board Member

Matthew has over 20 years’ experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, and drone pilot working for a vast array of world-renowned brands. He is the owner of 11Loud Productions, and a veteran storyteller who brings creativity and technical know-how to a set.

Marnie Schubert

Board Member - Secretary

Marnie Schubert Marnie is the CEO of Worthy Communication. She has nearly 30 years of experience leading communication efforts for public and private sector organizations, and has produced numerous short films and documentaries.

Yasmin Tajik

Board Member

Yasmin is a professional photographer and FAA certified drone pilot based in Arizona. She is also a Brand Ambassador for Women Who Drone. Her goal is to inspire and create change by sharing images that document the basic rights we all deserve living on this planet.

Chris Tinard

Board Member - President

Chris Tinard is an award-winning video professional with over 16 years of experience in the field. He has traveled to film clients all over the nation and earned a reputation for excellence in storytelling through film.