With the Federal Aviation Administration closer to final rules, and requiring registration of small unmanned aerial vehicles, this technology is coming into its own in a number of industries, including agriculture. And a new event aims to help novice, and experienced, users get more out of this high-tech investment.

Related: UAV owners need to register their drones

Mark your calendar for January 26 and 27 for the first ever Midwest Drone Conference and Expo to be held at the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel in Decatur, Ill. This is a winter followup to the Precision Aerial Ag show held at Progress City in Decatur in 2014. The conference’s general sponsor is ADM Crop Risk Services.

The event will feature a full day of speakers January 26 addressing the most current issues surrounding the emerging use of UAV technology. Experts will be on hand from FAA, agribusinesses and the UAV industry. The event branches beyond agriculture on January 27 with speakers from FAA, engineering, construction, utilities and real estate where topics range from facility and utility inspection to aerial photography and emergency services.

Exhibitors will be on hand from UAV manufacturers, vendors of software and UAV accessories. And there will be ag input and equipment suppliers on hand too. There will also be breakout sessions with exhibitor speakers who will provide more information about their products and services.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday January 26, and 8 a.m. to Noon on January 27.

There is no charge to attend the Midwest Drone Conference and Expo for those who register online by January 24. Online registration and details can be found at midwestdroneshow.com.

After January 24, and at the door, there is a $20 registration fee. Lunch will be available on January 26 for $15 per person.

Learn more about the event, speakers and the agenda by visiting the event website, which is being updated regularly with new information.