LIFT Summit 2025 Videos

Welcome to our Panel Discussions hub—your gateway to the expert-led conversations that powered LIFT Summit 2025. Over three action-packed days in Monterey, industry pioneers, policymakers, engineers, and educators gathered on stage to debate the biggest challenges and breakthroughs in Advanced Air Mobility and UAS. From regulatory roadmaps and infrastructure planning to workforce development and real-world deployment case studies, each panel drilled into the topics that matter most to anyone shaping the future of flight.

Browse through the full lineup below to watch every session on demand. You’ll find speaker bios, discussion summaries, and key takeaways designed to help you apply these insights directly to your own programs and projects. Whether you’re fine-tuning a drone initiative or crafting next-generation air mobility policies, these conversations will equip you with the knowledge and connections to keep you ahead of the curve.

CA Economic Blueprint – Creating More High-Paying Jobs in Advanced Aviation/Aerospace

The Central Coast is poised to become a hub for advanced aviation and aerospace innovation, driving economic growth and high-wage job creation. In this panel, economic development leaders discuss strategies to expand industry opportunities, attract investment, and develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of this evolving sector. Explore how regional collaboration, policy initiatives, and infrastructure development are shaping California’s aerospace future.

Moderator: Marek Gootman, Brookings

Local Models for Advanced Manufacturing and Aviation Workforce Development

Scaling Visionary AAM Use Cases

Bringing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) from vision to reality requires strategic scaling of operations. This panel features founders, investors, and industry experts sharing their insights on the key challenges and opportunities in scaling AAM businesses. From securing investment to overcoming regulatory hurdles and advancing infrastructure, panelists will explore what it takes to drive commercial success and industry adoption.

Moderator: Dean Donovan, Managing Partner, Diamond Stream Partners

Preparing for launch – scaling AAM airport readiness

As Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) moves from concept to reality, airports must prepare to accommodate these new operations. This panel brings together airport directors, agency leaders, and applied researchers to explore the current state of AAM readiness. Panelists will discuss key infrastructure requirements, regulatory considerations, and operational strategies needed to scale AAM airport integration successfully. Learn how airports are proactively addressing the challenges and opportunities of hosting AAM operations and what steps are essential for a seamless transition into this new era of aviation.

Moderator: Erin Sheelen, Kimley-Horn

Dual-Use Innovation: Bridging Defense and Commercial Markets

The rapid evolution of technology is blurring the lines between defense and commercial applications, creating unprecedented opportunities for startups, research institutions, and established industry players. This panel will explore successful dual-use technology innovation programs, showcasing case studies where cutting-edge advancements in AI, robotics, aerospace, and cybersecurity have transitioned from defense applications to commercial markets—and vice versa. Experts from government, industry, and academia will discuss the challenges of navigating regulatory frameworks, securing funding, and scaling solutions for both sectors. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for leveraging dual-use pathways to accelerate innovation, investment, and market adoption.

Moderator: Ingar Grev, Motion and Flow Control Products, Inc.

Keeping Our Skies Safe – The Future of Airspace Management

As the skies become increasingly complex with new entrants like drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), ensuring safe and efficient airspace management is more critical than ever. This panel brings together agency and industry leaders to discuss the latest innovations in airspace integration, including ground and sensor infrastructure, regulatory advancements, and market-driven solutions. Learn how cutting-edge technologies and policies are shaping the future of aviation safety, security, and expanded transportation options.

Moderator: Abby Smith, Andersmith Solutions  (Retired FAA, former Deputy Director/ UAS Integration Office)

 

Drones, AAM, and Homeland Security: Revolutionizing Disaster Response and National Resilience

From wildfires and hurricanes to earthquakes, humanitarian crises, and national security threats, drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies are transforming emergency response and homeland security operations. This panel will bring together experts from emergency management, homeland security, industry, and government to discuss real-world case studies, best practices, and the latest advancements in drone and AAM deployment. Speakers will explore how these technologies enhance situational awareness, accelerate relief efforts, improve coordination in disaster-stricken areas, and strengthen national security through surveillance, border protection, and critical infrastructure monitoring. Attendees will gain valuable insights into regulatory challenges, operational strategies, and the future of autonomous aerial solutions in both emergency response and homeland defense.

Moderator: Kenji Sugahara, Oregon Dept of Aviation