Lessons learned above the horizon: Engineering resilience and innovation in the evolving drone industry

In this session, Matthew Quinn, owner of Great Lakes Drone Company and an award-winning drone light show designer, shares engineering lessons learned from the cutting edge of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development and operations. From transforming entertainment skies with choreographed drone swarms to deploying UAVs in life-saving rescue and emergency response missions, Quinn explores how design, regulation, and real-world conditions intersect in unexpected ways.

Drawing from years of experience in both creative and mission-critical environments, he will discuss pivotal challenges that reshaped his approach to system design, redundancy, and operational safety—often learned through trial, iteration, and the occasional failure. The talk offers candid insights into managing complex multi-drone systems, navigating FAA engineering constraints, and adapting to evolving technology and public expectations.

Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for how engineering principles extend beyond blueprints, into collaboration, resilience, and the continuous refinement that drives innovation and safety for the next generation of aerial systems.

Matthew Quinn is the owner of Great Lakes Drone Company and the executive producer behind Starlight Aerial Productions, where he transforms complex airspace, tight timelines, and big creative ideas into crisp, choreographed drone spectacles. An award-winning designer and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, Matt has produced large-format aerial shows for premier festivals and airshows nationwide, partnering with municipalities, brands, and aviation performers to deliver story-driven experiences that are as safe and compliant as they are visually stunning.

Drawing on deep operations expertise, Matt leads teams that handle end-to-end production: concept development, 3D animation, music sync, fleet logistics, site planning, waivers/exemptions, rehearsals, and live execution. He is equally committed to public safety—through Great Lakes Rescue, his organizations integrate UAS capabilities with first response and community safety initiatives, advancing how drones support search, situational awareness, and post-incident documentation.

Known in the industry for exacting standards and collaborative leadership, Matt speaks on scaling drone shows, risk management in complex venues, practical FAA compliance, creative storytelling with limited drone counts, and building resilient teams that can perform under pressure. Whether you’re a city planner, event producer, brand, or aviation professional, Matt’s sessions offer clear frameworks and field-tested tactics for taking a show from “what if” to “wheels up.”