LIFT Summit Agenda

Welcome to the LIFT Summit | AAM Workforce, Infrastructure, and Policy,  which is a premier event dedicated to shaping the future of AAM and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in California. Hosted at the stunning Monterey Conference Center from March 26-28, this summit brings together industry innovators, policymakers, educators, and workforce development experts to drive growth in California’s AAM ecosystem.

Over three transformative days, attendees will explore groundbreaking developments in AAM and UAS, participate in hands-on workshops, engage in dynamic panel discussions, and network with key players in the industry. With a focus on workforce readiness, infrastructure requirements, and policy frameworks, this summit aims to create actionable pathways for regional economic development and career opportunities in the AAM sector.

Exposition Day: March 26 – Bus Tour to Airspace Integration (Pivotal) and Marina Airport (Joby)

Embark on an immersive bus tour and flight demonstrations from leading companies and get a firsthand look at the latest advancements in AAM technology.

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS: Exposition Day is restricted to government, educational, and nonprofit employees, and attendees MUST be willing to sign multiple non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to participate in the Exposition Day.

7:00am – 8:30am | Registration in Lobby at Portola Hotel & Spa

8:15am – 8:30am | Shuttle Pick-up in front of Monterey Conference Center

8:30am | Depart for Airspace Integration

9:00am – 10:30am | Demonstrations

10:30am | Depart for Marina Airport

11:00am – 1:30pm | Demonstrations and Lunch

2:00pm | Arrive at Monterey Conference Center

Day 1: March 27 – Preparing and Scaling Advanced Air Mobility – Workforce and Infrastructure

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Breakfast Networking 

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Opening Remarks & Welcome

Join us as we kick off the LIFT Summit with a warm welcome from DART Executive Director Josh Metz, and Monterey County Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Lopez. These distinguished leaders will set the stage for an engaging and impactful event, sharing insights on the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), regional innovation, and the collaborative spirit driving industry transformation.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Special Guest Opening Remarks: How Aerospace Innovation Fuels Economic Growth

Congressman Dick Gephardt takes the stage to share his insights on the critical role of aerospace innovation in driving economic growth. Drawing from his extensive experience in public policy and industry leadership, he will discuss how advancements in aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) are shaping the future of regional and national economies, fostering job creation, and expanding opportunities in the aerospace sector

9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Panel Session: 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

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Coffee Break

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | Local Models for Advanced Manufacturing and Aviation Workforce Development

The Monterey Bay region is pioneering innovative, homegrown workforce development strategies to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in advanced manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, and drone operations. This panel highlights successful multi-sector collaborations that are strengthening local talent pipelines through apprenticeships, education programs, and industry partnerships. Learn how these initiatives are creating sustainable career pathways while reducing reliance on imported talent.

Moderator: Josh Metz, Executive Director, DART

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Session: What’s Working? Lessons from National Aviation Economic and Workforce Development Efforts

Across the country, states and regions are pioneering innovative strategies to strengthen aviation workforce pipelines and drive economic growth. This panel brings together national leaders to share successful models and lessons learned from Texas, Ohio, New York, and beyond. Discover how collaborative partnerships, policy initiatives, and workforce training programs are shaping the future of aviation and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) while creating new opportunities for communities nationwide.

12:15 PM – 1:10 PM | Lunch 

1:10 PM – 1:30 PM | Keynote: Eric Allison, Head of Product, Joby Aviation

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | 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

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Coffee Break

2:45 PM – 3:45 PM | 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

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | 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)

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Networking Reception

Day 2: March 28 – Innovating Forward – Policy and Practice

8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Breakfast Networking

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM | Morning Welcome
Join us as we kick off the final day of the LIFT Summit with a brief welcome from See Monterey CEO Rob O’Keefe, and DART Executive Director Josh Metz.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 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.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Coffee Break 

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM | 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

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | The Route Ahead for Autonomous Flight

As autonomous flight technologies advance, the path to full integration into the national airspace system and our overall multimodal transportation system remains a complex challenge. This panel brings together national and industry leaders to explore the vision for autonomy, the infrastructure needed to support it, and the regulatory landscape shaping its future. Experts will discuss the latest innovations in AI-driven flight systems, air traffic management solutions, and ground infrastructure, as well as the collaboration required between government, industry, and research institutions. Attendees will gain insights into the opportunities and roadblocks ahead as we move toward a more autonomous and interconnected airspace and multi-modal transportation system.

12:15 PM – 12:20 PM | Closing Remarks

The Summit Chair reflects on key takeaways and highlights upcoming initiatives, events, and opportunities to stay engaged (upcoming workshops, the 2026 LIFT Summit, and DART’s Podcast & Webinar Series).

Agenda subject to change. Be sure to check back for updates!