LIFT Summit Agenda

March 31 – April 2, 2026 | Monterey Conference Center

Agenda

Sneak Peek: 2026 LIFT Summit Topics

The full agenda and speaker lineup will be announced soon. Until then, here’s your first look at a few of the conversations set to shape the next phase of the low-altitude economy:

Airport Integration: Lessons from the Field

See what early eVTOL operations are revealing about infrastructure, regulation, and what airports must get right now to prepare for scaled activity.

Perspectives on State & Federal Actions

Break down rapidly evolving policies and understand how new federal and state actions directly impact OEMs, operators, airports, and communities.

Airspace in Transition: IFR & VFR Challenges

Explore where mixed-use airspace is headed, and what early case studies show about safely blending eVTOL, UAS, and traditional aviation.

Meeting the Moment: In-Demand Low-Altitude Economy Skills

Discover the workforce capabilities most in demand across manufacturing, ATC, and aircraft maintenance, and what it will take to build them.

Stay tuned – More insights, speakers, and agenda details are coming soon. Make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter so you don’t miss a moment.

Tues., March 31

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM – EXPO DAY**

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

**IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Expo Day is only available to government, educational and nonprofit employees, and attendees MUST be willing to sign multiple non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in order to participate.

Wed., April 1

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – CONFERENCE: DAY 1

Details to be announced

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM – NETWORKING RECEPTION

Connect and engage with leaders across AAM and UAS innovation, workforce training, infrastructure development and policy planning, from government, education, and industry.

Thurs., April 2

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – CONFERENCE: DAY 2

Details to be announced

Tues., March 31: Exclusive Opening Reception at the Monterey Jet Center

The LIFT Summit Opening Reception is an exclusive, invitation-only kickoff event at the distinguished Monterey Jet Center. Reserved for LIFT sponsors, speakers, and VIP guests, it convenes top executives and innovators across the low altitude economy, offering unparalleled networking and brand-elevating opportunities in a premier, luxury setting.

Learn More

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More details will be announced along the way.
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2026 LIFT Summit Programming Committee

For the first time, the LIFT Summit is guided by a dedicated Programming Committee, Chaired by distinguished regional leader Mary Ann Leffel. Leaders from across sectors shaping the summit’s themes, sessions, and overall experience.

We’re grateful for their expertise and time, and we can’t wait for attendees to connect with them in person at the 2026 summit!

2026 LIFT Summit Chair

  • Mary Ann Leffel

    Monterey Regional Airport Board | Commissioner of LAFCO, Monterey County

Programming Committee:

  • Toni Gomez

    GO-Biz
    Business Development Specialist

  • Rhonda Simmons

    DART
    Strategic Advisor, Workforce Development

  • Patrick Gould

    Skyway
    Chief Commercial Officer

  • Pamela Gutman

    California Community Colleges
    Regional Director, Advanced Transportation and Logistics

  • Matt Nelson

    Salinas Municipal Airport
    Airport Manager

  • Kaitlin Penry

    Naval Postgraduate School
    Director of Research Innovation

  • Erin Sheelen

    Kimley-Horn
    Transportation Planner

  • Emilien Marchand

    Wisk
    Director, Ecosystem Partnerships

  • Don Berchoff

    TruWeather Solutions
    CEO

  • Cody Cleverly

    Joby Aviation
    Workforce Development Lead

  • Adam Cohen

    University of California, Berkeley
    Senior Research Manager