Every three years CONEXPO-CON/AGG, North America’s largest construction trade show, takes place in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, NV. With nearly 140,000 attendees and over 2,400 exhibitors, this event is a showcase of industry innovation and excellence. For more than 25 years, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), has entrusted Tri-Marq with capturing the essence of this event through video. This year, they requested a new component to the shoot – drone footage. It’s no secret that obtaining permission to shoot drone footage at a major event like CONEXPO-CON/AGG requires meticulous planning and adherence to regulations, but we were eager to embrace this opportunity.
Going into the event, we recognized the biggest obstacle was going to be obtaining airspace clearance from the FAA. Operating a drone entails strict guidelines concerning location, altitude, and timing. Fortunately for us and our client, we have a certified commercial drone operator on our team who is well-versed in these regulations. Leveraging his expertise, we prepared a comprehensive proposal detailing the specific areas and times of our intended drone shots. Through our diligent efforts, we successfully obtained FAA approval, ensuring that we could capture the shots we envisioned. With an FAA waiver in hand, the Las Vegas Convention Center gave us the green light to proceed with our plans. Confident in our preparations, we were ready to start shooting. Or so we thought.
In any live production, unforeseen circumstances can arise. Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) represent one such challenge. TFRs are temporary airspace limitations imposed during special events or high-profile visits, that ground all aircraft, including drones. While TFRs are typically anticipated and scheduled for things such as professional sporting events, there are instances when unexpected events, like a surprise visit from the President of the United States, can disrupt plans. And that’s exactly what happened. When President Biden made a stop in Las Vegas on short notice, our team promptly devised an alternate strategy. We opted to reschedule the outdoor drone shoot until after the President’s departure, and in the meantime, we filmed our indoor drone shots. This quick thinking allowed us to maintain the highest level of professionalism and deliver exceptional footage to our client despite a bump in our plans.
As the demand for drone footage in video production continues to grow, selecting someone who understands commercial drone regulations and is committed to meticulous planning is essential. Tri-Marq has built a reputation for getting the job done right. We bring unwavering dedication, extensive preparation, and a professional approach to every project we take on, and our crew arrives fully equipped and ready to exceed expectations, ensuring a seamless production experience.
