Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have been around for about a century.  Originally developed for the military, development of UAV technology has allowed commercial drones to become cheaper, lighter, and more sophisticated.   And with those advances, drones are now delivering your packages, taking photos, and helping brand marketers get their audience excited.

Drones combine fun, practicality and brand awareness in one product.  It’s not a big leap to envision the positive brand impact it would have on trade show attendees watching a flying mini drone demonstration at your booth while waiting to take a turn with their own mini UAV, and then providing their contact information for a chance to win a full-size recreational drone after the show.   Outdoor community events and employee team-building meetings would benefit from the same brand engagement exercises.  Think of it as taking experiential marketing to new heights!

According to one industry report,  consumer drone sales are set to surge in the next five years, with global annual unit sales increasing more than tenfold from 2015 to 2021.  Companies looking to rise above the ordinary by capitalizing on the popularity of this growing consumer trend should consider including branded drones in their 2018 marketing tool box.