LIFT Summit 2025 Announces Keynote Speakers and Expert Panelists

Published On: March 11, 2025

Monterey, CA – The highly anticipated LIFT Summit 2025, convening leading experts in advanced air mobility and autonomous aircraft, set to take place March 26-28, 2025, at the Monterey Conference Center, is proud to announce an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers, special guests, and expert panelists who will lead discussions on the future of air mobility innovation, workforce development, and economic growth.

We’re incredibly excited to announce the keynotes and distinguished speakers for the LIFT Summit 2025, taking place March 26-28th in Monterey, CA! This year’s summit promises to be our most impactful yet, bringing together the brightest minds in advanced air mobility to explore the future of flight and its economic potential.” said Summit Chair, Sarasina Tuchen. “We’ll be covering a wide range of topics from innovative workforce development programming, to critical enabling ground and airspace infrastructure, transportation system integration, scale and autonomy, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in how this new sustainable and resilient transportation mode can be safely, securely and accessibly integrated into our communities.

Presented by DART, a public-benefit corporation working towards an emerging technology economy for all Californians, this year’s Summit will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge trends and opportunities in advanced manufacturing, advanced air mobility, workforce development, airspace management, enabling infrastructure, disaster and emergency response.

Keynote and Distinguished Speakers:

  • Featured Panel Sessions:

    • Pathways to the Future: Investing in Workforce Development – A deep dive into regional and national strategies for workforce development in automation, AI, and emerging technologies to create high-wage, high-growth career opportunities.
    • Uplift Central Coast, CA Economic Blueprint – A discussion on strategies to expand industry opportunities, attract investment, and develop a skilled workforce to scale the aerospace sector on the Central Coast and throughout CA. Moderated by Marek Gootman from Brookings with MBEP, REACH and Ventura EDC panelists.
    • Scaling Visionary Advanced Air Mobility Use CasesFounders, CEOs, and investors share insights on the key challenges and opportunities in scaling Advanced Air Mobility businesses focused on workforce and infrastructure.
    • Preparing for launch – Scaling AAM airport readinessAirport directors, agency leaders, and applied researchers explore the current state of AAM readiness, and discuss key infrastructure requirements, regulatory considerations, and operational strategies needed to scale AAM airport integration successfully.
    • Keeping Our Skies Safe – The Future of Airspace Management – agency and industry leaders discuss latest innovations in airspace integration, ground and sensor infrastructure, regulatory advancements, and market-driven solutions.
    • Dual-Use Innovation: Bridging Defense and Commercial Markets – Experts from defense, aerospace, and commercial technology sectors will discuss how government R&D and military applications are accelerating commercial advances.
    • Disaster Response & Recovery: The Role of Drones and Advanced Air Mobility– Experts from emergency management, industry, and government to discuss real-world case studies, best practices, and the latest advancements in drone and AAM deployment in disaster response and recovery operations. 
    • The Route Ahead for Autonomous Flightnational and industry leaders to explore the vision for autonomy, the infrastructure needed to support it, and the regulatory landscape shaping its future. 

    Join Us at LIFT Summit 2025

    The LIFT Summit is a premier gathering of leaders in air mobility industry innovation, education, and economic development, bringing together industry, academia, and government to address today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

    📅 Date: March 26-28, 2025
    📍 Location: Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, CA
    🔗 Register Now: LiftSummit.org

    For a full list of the world-class speakers and panelists, and detailed agenda, visit LIFTsummit.org.

    Media Contact:
    Josh Metz
    Executive Director 

    josh@mbdart.org
    (831) 200-1969

    About the LIFT Summit

    The LIFT Summit is an annual conference dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and workforce development in emerging industries. The Summit serves as a platform for thought leaders to exchange ideas, showcase advancements, and drive economic growth.

    About DART

    DART is a California-based non-profit driving innovation in next-gen aviation, autonomous technology, and other emerging sectors. Focused on equitable access to quality jobs and economic growth, DART partners with businesses, government, education, and community to develop sustainable solutions in workforce training, infrastructure, and resource access. Learn more at https://mbdart.org/.

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