Last week, we answered a reader question about buying drones in-person. That reader was looking for a place to buy a drone in Mississippi. But if you’re in New York City this summer, then there’s no better place to go than the BILD Expo 2025.
BILD Expo — the brainchild of New York retail giant B&H Photo — stands out as a rare success story in the world of in-person creative gatherings. Its part-conference, part-party, and it’s a place to get your hands on the latest gear. That’s because BILD Expo 2025 is set to return bigger than ever as a must-attend event for drone photographers.
BILD Expo 2025: why it’s a top event for drone photographers
Returning to New York City’s Javits Center on June 17–18, 2025, BILD Expo is poised to become the largest stateside event of its kind for photographers, filmmakers, drone pilots and social media content creators.
Launched in 2023 following a global pandemic and industry-wide event cancellations, BILD fills a void left behind by the shuttering of iconic expos. Photokina, once the crown jewel of photography events, officially canceled its future editions in 2020 after more than 70 years in operation. PhotoPlus, the long-running Manhattan photography convention, also quietly disappeared from the calendar.
By contrast, BILD has grown. Organizers expect an even larger turnout for the 2025 edition, buoyed by free registration, a packed schedule of speakers and support from more than 250 exhibiting brands ranging from camera manufacturers to drone innovators.
“BILD Expo is more than just an event, said Jeff Gerstel, Chief Marketing Officer at B&H Photo. “It’s an energetic gathering of like-minded creatives from all corners of the content world.”
While many traditional trade shows have struggled to reinvent themselves, B&H’s unique position as both retailer and cultural steward has helped BILD evolve beyond a gear showcase. B&H Photo famously operates a brick-and-mortar store just a few blocks from the Javit’s Center, where the BILD Expo 2025 will be held. But both the store (and BILD Expo) are far more than just a place to empty your wallet. Both serve as a hub for education, collaboration and community with strong in-person customer service and learning opportunities.
The rise of the drone content creator
The BILD Expo 2025 caters to photographers of all types, drone pilots are among those particularly well-positioned to benefit from BILD Expo’s multidisciplinary programming. After all, aerial imagery now saturates travel vlogs, brand campaigns, real estate listings and documentary films.
For these creators, BILD Expo offers a rare opportunity to engage with the larger creative technology ecosystem—from hands-on demos of drones and accessories to filmmaking workshops that cover sound, lighting, editing and more.
As platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram continue to evolve into full-fledged video-first arenas, drone operators — many of whom began with a camera in the sky — are increasingly expected to deliver full cinematic packages on the ground as well.
What to expect at BILD Expo 2025
The 2025 event is structured around three educational tracks: photography, content creation, and filmmaking. Attendees can expect:
- Live demos and hands-on access to the latest technology.
- Panel discussions and keynotes from top creators and industry leaders.
- Exclusive B&H show specials on gear and accessories.
- Evening photo walks and social events around New York City.
- Networking with fellow creatives, collaborators, and potential clients.
The speaker lineup is impressive, including a keynote Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier is a renowned conservationist and photographer, who trained as a marine biologist in Mexico and founded the International League of Conservation Photographers.
Other speakers that the drone community shouldn’t miss include Elena Buenrostro, founder and CEO of Women Who Drone, and Scott Kelby, co-founder of Photoshop User magazine.
Perhaps most importantly, the event remains free to attend, a rarity in the world of industry conventions where professional access often comes with a professional price tag.
A show rooted in a retailer’s legacy
That B&H is the driving force behind BILD is no small detail. As one of the world’s largest photo and video equipment retailers, the company has built a reputation over its 50-year history not only for its inventory, but for its dedication to serving the creative community at all levels.
The B&H SuperStore, located just blocks away from the Javits Center at 420 Ninth Avenue, remains a pilgrimage site for many photographers and filmmakers. It’s fitting, then, that BILD acts not just as a trade show, but as an extension of the community the store has cultivated for decades.
“I’m excited for BILD 2025. It’s going to be an industry game changer,” said filmmaker and viral creator Drex Lee in a prepared statement. “BOOM! See you in June.”
BILD Expo 2025
📍 June 17–18, 2025
📍 Javits Center, New York City
🎟️ Free registration: bildexpo.com
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