The 3rd Annual FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Symposium recently wrapped up, but thanks to the #UAS2018 hashtag, info and insight about the event came out live and in real-time. FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell was on hand to highlight the message of how the FAA wanted to collaborate with the drone industry, while US Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao recorded a message for the audience to let them know that regulators understand how important issues like BVLOS operations and flying over people are to industry stakeholders. Speakers from other government entities like NASA and the Department of Homeland Security along with industry representatives from Amazon, Airbus Aerial and GE took part in discussions about some of the most pressing issues for the present and future of the drone industry.

The message of the FAA being "open for business" was especially prevalent, as those were the exact words used by people like Derek Kan, undersecretary for policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as Earl Lawrence, the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Director, among others. Conversations about RemoteID, LAANC, a UTM System, BVLOS operations and how certain process can and should be automated dominated many of the panels and discussions, and it was enlightening to see how so many of these topics are intertwined. Talking through these issues with a focus on safety for everyone on the ground and in the air was at the core of every discussion in one way or another.

Representatives from the FAA and AUVSI live tweeted quotes and pictures throughout the event, although plenty of attendees got in on the action as well. What's below is a brief look at those live tweets which convey some of most prominent topics and issues that were discussed at the event by stakeholders from across the regulatory and commercial landscape. For plenty more direct quotes, videos and pictures, check out the #UAS2018 hashtag.