If you're heading to Newport Beach this October for Horizons 2025, you're in for two days of reality capture innovation, AI-powered workflows, autonomous robotics demonstrations and connections that will shape how you approach your next project. Here's what you need to know before you arrive.
When and where is Horizons 2025?
Horizons takes place October 28-29 at the VEA Newport Beach Resort & Spa in Newport Beach, California. The venue sits right on the Pacific coast, with 80% of hotel rooms offering ocean views.
What's the difference between Day 1 and Day 2?
Day 1 focuses on workflows that are working right now. You'll see DroneDeploy's main stage keynote on reality capture, robotics and AI, followed by case studies from Skanska's Cold Harbor project, WM's landfill operations and Turner Construction's data center work. The breakout tracks dive into unified workflows with Laing O'Rourke, industrial inspections with OXY and Pogue Construction's journey to survey-grade accuracy.
Day 2 shifts to what's coming next. DroneDeploy unveils its autonomous asset monitoring vision, and Chevron shares their path from manual inspections to fully autonomous operations. Skender demonstrates Gaussian Splatting for hazard identification and safety improvements. The product track features docked drone ROI sessions with Layton Construction and Clayco, showing what daily automated flights look like in live environments. You'll also see McCarthy and Weddle Brothers present on AI-driven Safety AI integration with project management systems.
What are the different session tracks?
There are three main tracks running throughout the conference:
The Main Stage features keynotes and major customer spotlights from companies like Skanska, WM, Turner Construction and Chevron. These sessions show reality capture deployments at scale.
The Power Up Track focuses on workflow integration and ROI. You'll learn how teams are breaking down data silos, achieving survey-grade accuracy and implementing AI-powered safety systems that transform risk assessment and team accountability.
The Product Track covers features and functionality. Sessions include AI-driven Progress AI for schedule tracking, mobile 3D scanning workflows, docked drone deployments and automated intelligence systems.
What are Lightning Talks and the Genius Bar?
Lightning Talks are on-site demos from hardware providers including DJI, EMLID, Insta360, Leica, CMBuilder, PLOT and UVT. These quick sessions give you hands-on time with the latest equipment.
The Solutions Engineer Genius Bar gives you one-on-one time with DroneDeploy's solutions engineers. Bring your toughest workflow challenges, accuracy questions or integration problems. These sessions are designed to solve real issues you're facing on active projects.
Can I meet with DroneDeploy's product team?
Yes. The Product Innovation Lab connects you directly with DroneDeploy's design and engineering teams. Share feature requests, discuss roadmap priorities and provide feedback on tools you're using daily.
What networking opportunities are available?
Horizons 2025 features three dedicated networking experiences designed to connect you with industry professionals beyond the conference floor.
Horizons After Dark – Tuesday, October 28Head to Newport Dunes for a sunset-to-starlight celebration featuring a live DJ, fire pits and relaxed lounge spaces. Enjoy island-inspired bites, grilled favorites and a s'mores station. Transportation provided. This is also where we'll celebrate the DroneDeploy Awards winners.
Newport by Land – Wednesday, October 29Unwind at the VEA pool party with refreshing drinks, snacks and comfortable cabanas. Connect with fellow attendees while soaking up California sunshine without leaving the venue.
Newport by Sea – Wednesday, October 29Set sail on a scenic harbor cruise around Newport Harbor with waterfront views, live entertainment and beverages. Transportation provided. You selected your preference between Newport by Land or Newport by Sea during registration.
Beach-inspired casual attire is encouraged for all networking events.
What should I wear?
Newport Beach in October is comfortable, with average temperatures in the mid-70s. Business casual works for conference sessions. For Horizons After Dark, Newport by Land and Newport by Sea, beach-inspired casual attire is encouraged—think Hawaiian shirts, sundresses and comfortable footwear.
Are meals included with my ticket?
Yes. Your ticket includes breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout both days, plus access to all networking events including Horizons After Dark with food and drinks, and your choice of Newport by Land or Newport by Sea on Wednesday.
What's the DroneDeploy Awards ceremony?
The DroneDeploy Awards celebrate standout projects and implementations across the reality capture industry. Winners are recognized across multiple categories during the conference.
How do I get to VEA Newport Beach Resort & Spa?
The resort is about 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and 20 minutes from John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County.
What's the main takeaway I should expect?
You'll leave with deployment strategies from companies already running autonomous operations and AI-powered workflows, connections with teams solving the same challenges you face and a clear view of where reality capture technology is headed. The gap between early adopters and everyone else is widening. Horizons shows you what's working now and what's inevitable next.