COUNTDOWN TO AEAC 2025:
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AERIAL EVOLUTION
2025
CONFERENCE
+ EXHIBITION
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Nov4

To

Nov6

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Edmonton International
Airport, Alberta

Awards

The Ellevatus Award, Indigenous Innovation Award, AEAC Organizational Award, and the Pip Rudkin Individual Achievement Award, are pivotal to the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) as they represent key values and milestones for the association and its mission in the RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) industry.

 

The Awards will be announced and celebrated at the AEAC Conference on November 4, 2025

Women in Drones Ellevatus Award

In 2022, the AEAC Board of Directors introduced a new annual industry award to recognize the accomplishments of Canadian women in our rapidly emerging and evolving commercial RPAS/drone sector.

2025 Nominees : 

  • Alexandra (Sandy) Officer 
  • Jeannie Stewart-Smith 
  • Geneviève Dacambra 
  • Tamara Kerelchuk

Indigenous Innovation Award

In 2023, the AEAC Board of Directors introduced the Indigenous Innovations Award to honor the accomplishments of Indigenous individuals in the RPAS/drone sector, recognizing their significant contributions and leadership within their communities and the industry.

2025 Nominees : 

  • Kimble McComb
  • Teara Fraser
  • Pano Skrivanos

AEAC Organizational Award

This prestigious accolade is dedicated to honoring organizations that have made significant contributions to the growth and prominence of the aerial, remotely piloted, and unmanned vehicle systems sector in Canada.

2025 Nominees : 

  • Edmonton International Airport
  • AVSS – Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions Inc.
  • AltoMaxx Technologies Inc.
  • AeroVision Canada Inc.

Pip Rudkin Individual Achievement Award

This award, named in memory of Pip Rudkin, celebrates individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the RPAS industry in Canada. We are seeking nominees who have shown extraordinary dedication, leadership, and a pioneering spirit, leaving a lasting legacy in the drone community. This award serves as a tribute to those whose work continues to inspire and shape the future of the industry.

2025 Nominees : 

  • Michael Cohen
  • Matt MacKinnon
  • Alexandra (Sandy) Officer
  • Brian Fentiman

Overall, these events are essential for AEAC’s identity as they promote industry leadership, inclusivity, and innovation, while also strengthening AEAC’s position as a key advocate for the RPAS community across Canada.

Recognition of Industry Leadership

These awards showcase AEAC’s commitment to highlighting innovation, leadership, and the adoption of drone technology across Canada. By honoring pioneers and organizations, the association fosters a culture of excellence and encourages further advancements in the RPAS sector.

Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity

The Ellevatus Award and the Indigenous Innovation Award reflect AEAC’s dedication to promoting diversity, especially encouraging the participation of women and Indigenous communities in the drone industry. These awards serve to bring visibility to underrepresented groups and emphasize AEAC’s goal of making the RPAS industry more inclusive.

Community and Professional Growth

The AEAC Organizational Award and the Pip Rudkin Individual Achievement Award focus on the broader industry and individual contributions, recognizing outstanding achievements in promoting RPAS technology and supporting student competitions. This highlights AEAC’s role in fostering community and professional growth by supporting innovation and mentoring young professionals in the field.

Support for Education and Innovation

These awards underline AEAC’s focus on educational initiatives and innovation, which are vital for the growth of the RPAS industry. The Student UAS Competition, for example, plays a crucial role in engaging the next generation of drone professionals and innovators, a core aspect of AEAC’s mission.