Next DronePort Connects
Date: Thursday, 17 April 2025
Time: 14:30 – 18:00 CEST
DronePort Connects
Our recurring exclusive partner and stakeholder event for strategic dialogue, collaboration, and direct B2B opportunities
Location
Word Port Center
Wilhelminakade 901, 3072 AR
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Theme
Port Security & Resilience
New Technologies, Risks, Opportunities and the Role of Autonomous Systems
upcoming droneport connects
Port Security & Resilience on 17 April
Our first edition of DronePort Connects focuses on Port Security and Resilience: New Technologies, Risks, Opportunities and the Role of Autonomous Systems.
Ports are a vital part of our country's infrastructure and new technology can be misused to disrupt them. This session looks at how DronePort Rotterdam, Customs (Douane), VTS (the Port of Rotterdam's Vessel Traffic Services), and industry defense and resilience experts are using emerging technology, such as autonomous and uncrewed systems, to improve port security and resilience in preparation for tomorrow’s challenges while working toward greater strategic autonomy.
What to expect:
View the program for the 17 April edition
Keynotes from experts and specialists
Experts from the Port of Rotterdam, Customs and senior advisors specializing in defence and resilience share insights on preventing criminal activities, future detection systems, and data governance and autonomy in port security.
B2B matchmaking moments
Get access to industry leaders, decision-makers, potential collaborators, and key stakeholders in a focused, professional environment. We facilitate personal introductions and meaningful connections to help you advance your organization.
Innovation Ecosystem updates
We will provide updates about our Innovation Ecosystem, Center of Excellence and Test & Experience Center. In addition, we'll share recent activities and collaborations, such as launches, pilot projects and new partnerships.
Interactive discussions and engagement
Participate in targeted, moderated conversations, exchange practical insights, and discuss relevant experiences. This interactive format ensures your voice is heard, allowing for direct engagement with peers and experts.
Speakers
Martin Slijkhuis
Senior Industry Advisor – Defence and Resilience
Keynote: The Port of the Future – How Ecosystems and Emerging Tech Are Changing the Narrative
Darko Brodic
Accountable Manager Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Customs Administration
Keynote: Emerging Threats & Autonomous Port Solutions
Manager Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) - Port of Rotterdam
Keynote: Advancing Port Security with Detection Systems
Arthur Dallau
CEO - DronePort Rotterdam & INSPIR8ION
opening REMARKS: port safety, security & resilience as critical infrastructure and the role of autonomous systems
Niels Kalshoven
Chairman - DronePort Rotterdam Supervisory Board
closing REMARKS: looking ahead – droneport rotterdam and upcoming events
Lisa van der Heijden
Project Manager - DronePort Rotterdam
moderator
OUR RECURRING PARTNER EVENT
What is DronePort Connects?
DronePort Connects (DPC) is our recurring event designed to bring together our Innovation Ecosystem partners and stakeholders who develop or apply autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS) in the defense, logistics, maritime, offshore, emergency response, public safety, and port and urban development sectors.
Each edition highlights a specific strategic theme, ranging from the role and development of AUS in national security and port resilience, to strategic and digital autonomy and emerging national or European regulations, so that attendees can keep up with critical industry changes, connect with the right collaborators, and make tangible progress on AUS applications in operational environments in the Netherlands, across Europe, and beyond.
For whom is this event?
DronePort Connects is primarily for our partners and invited guests. If you’d like more information about attending or partnership opportunities, contact us here. We’d be happy to explore how you can engage with DronePort Connects and our growing Innovation Ecosystem for autonomous and uncrewed systems.