Will Drones Fly Over Boracay During Geeks on a Beach Tech Confab?

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, will be flying over the world-famous white sand beaches of Boracay on the second day of the upcoming Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) tech conference this August 20-21, 2015.

“Some of the most exciting developments in the world are happening with drones. These cool aerial gadgets are helping people do things in new and exciting ways. Drones and similar devices are going to rule the world so we better get ready,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks.ph founder and GOAB lead organizer.

In the Philippines, drones have been used to survey damage and assist search-and-rescue operations after disasters. It also has enormous potential for use in other fields such as tourism and agriculture wherein drones have been used to count livestock and monitor the health of crops in other countries.

Drones-on-a-beach or the “drones track” discussion during GOAB is set on August 21, Friday afternoon, while the “fly-in” for participants bringing their drones to Boracay is set on August 22, Saturday morning, pending favorable weather conditions and venue permissions.

“Those who are curious about drones can join this event and find out what the fuss is all about. If you already have a drone or want to buy one, joining the event can help you get tips from the experts before choosing your own,” said Amper.

The drones track is organized in partnership with Drones Manila meetup group. Organizers are working with their drone expert-speakers to ensure a fun and educational event, while promoting a responsible flying experience for all.

Apart from showcasing drones as a posible tech solution to challenges facing Philippine enterprises, the event will also educate participants on how to fly their aerial devices responsibly in order to avoid “drone fails” or accidents like aerial gadgets flying into trees or tall buildings.

Some of the GOAB “drone track” speakers include Mayon Studios Inc. CEO Randall Sayat, who has over 15 years of advanced engineering experience with companies such as Intel, Cisco, Apple, NASA, DARPA, and DOD agencies; and Zsolt Vaszary, a seasoned serial entrepreneur, aerial filmographer, and founder of the website dronethusiast.com.

Other speakers include well-known UAV/drone/RC experts such as Teejay Teodoro of UAVPhilippines.com, Jayjay Neri; Arup Maity, and Matthew Cua of Skyeye UAV Services. Romson Velez of RC Victory is currently advising organizers on industry best practices.

GOAB participants get to attend the drone events for free as part of their registration fee. But those who are interested in the “drones track” only can register for a discounted price of P1,500 (US$33) for the first 40 registrants. This is 40 percent off the regular price of P2,500 (US$56).

Apart from the “drones track,” GOAB will also feature a wide variety of other talks on tech, startups, design, and entrepreneurship, booths and exhibitions, a pitching competition, beach parties as well as networking and business opportunities for participants.

Agenda and ticket information can be found at www.GeeksOnABeach.com/drones or email hello@geeksonabeach.com.

TechTalks.ph has partnered once again with SMART Communications, SMART Bro, SMART DevNet, IdeaSpace, PLDT Innolab and DOST-ICTO to make the third GOAB possible. Strategic partners also include Sym.ph, Happy Garaje, and PRWorks with AirAsia, Amazon, 1337 Ventures, A-Space, Ipanema, Monk’s Hill Ventures, Plug and Play Tech Center, Mingle Ltd, One Pouch, Microsoft, Islands, Salarium, RTI International, USAID-STRIDE, Pascual Pharma Corp, Metro Drug Inc, GT Cosmetics Manufacturing, Synacy, STAC-Silicon Valley, Kickstart, and Department of Tourism 6 as sponsors.