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 Convention 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.

Highlights of the Summit

Day One

Demo Day
(March 26)

Embark on an immersive bus tour and flight demonstrations from leading companies and get a firsthand look at the latest advancements in AAM technology. Check back soon for announcements about the companies and technologies we’ll be visiting!

Day Two

Sessions & Workshops
(March 27)
  • Join a diverse lineup of sessions beginning with a keynote on the future of AAM in California and followed by discussions on California’s Jobs First framework and strategies for regional economic growth.
  • Participate in specialized workshops on workforce training programs, AAM future workforce, and the infrastructure needs for a scalable AAM ecosystem.
  • Connect with experts and peers during a Networking Reception and Expo, showcasing innovative solutions and partnership opportunities.

Day Three

Day 3: Policy and Partnerships
(March 28)
  • Dive deep into policy strategies, public-private partnerships, and funding opportunities critical to accelerating AAM deployment.
  • Explore case studies and best practices tailored to the Central Coast’s workforce pipeline and engage in breakout sessions on environmental sustainability, transportation integration, and community engagement.
  • Conclude with an inspiring closing keynote on the future of AAM and UAS careers, outlining emerging career paths and in-demand skills.

This summit is your opportunity to be at the forefront of California’s AAM and UAS revolution. Join us to network, learn, and be part of the dialogue that will define the future of AAM workforce, infrastructure, and policy development in California.

Agenda

  • Embark on an immersive bus tour and flight demonstrations from leading companies and get a firsthand look at the latest advancements in AAM technology. Check back soon for announcements about the companies and technologies we’ll be visiting!

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

  • Check-in and networking breakfast to connect early with industry leaders, policymakers, and educational representatives.

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

  • Opening by California economic development representatives and regional leaders.
  • Keynote: The Future of AAM in California: Opportunities for Job Creation and Economic Growth

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Plenary Session 1: California Jobs First – AAM and Regional Economic Development

  • Discuss California’s Jobs First framework and how it aligns with AAM growth in the state, including workforce readiness and regional economic benefits.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM | Networking Break

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel Discussion: Building a Skilled AAM Workforce for the Central Coast

  • Panelists from industry, community colleges, workforce boards, and state agencies discuss the demand for skills, certifications, and pathways to careers in AAM.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Lunch & Fireside Chat: Workforce of the Future

  • Fireside chat with female AAM and UAS leaders on shaping the future workforce and needs.

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM | Workshop: Workforce Training Programs and Partnerships for AAM

  • An interactive workshop on successful training models, apprenticeships, and educational partnerships to prepare local talent for AAM careers.

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Coffee Break

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Panel Discussion: Infrastructure Needs for a Scalable AAM Ecosystem

  • Examining the infrastructure essential to support AAM, from vertiports and air traffic management to charging and maintenance facilities.

4:15 PM – 5:30 PM | Breakout Sessions: Sector-Specific Workforce Needs

  • Breakout sessions on:
  • Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Technician Training
  • Autonomous Navigation and Software Development Careers
  • Sustainable Infrastructure and AAM Operations Management

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Networking Reception and Expo

  • An evening reception featuring exhibits from AAM and UAS companies, education providers, and technology innovators.

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

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Keynote Panel: Policy Pathways for AAM and UAS Expansion in California

  • State and federal representatives discuss regulatory advancements and policy strategies to accelerate AAM deployment and support regional economic growth.

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM | Panel Discussion: Public-Private Partnerships for AAM and Infrastructure Development

  • Highlighting successful public-private partnerships and their role in developing a strong AAM ecosystem across California’s regions.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Networking Break

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM | Workshop: Securing Funding for AAM Workforce and Infrastructure Projects

  • An in-depth workshop on grant opportunities, financing strategies, and private investment for AAM workforce and infrastructure initiatives.

12:45 PM – 2:15 PM | Luncheon Panel: Central Coast Case Study – Building the Region’s AAM Workforce Pipeline

  • Case studies on current programs, challenges, and successes in building an AAM workforce pipeline specifically tailored to the Central Coast’s unique economic landscape.

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Breakout Sessions: Critical Challenges in AAM Deployment

Breakout sessions on:

  • Early adopter AAM cases: logistics, EMS
  • Dual-use Development Pathways – P3 and DoD
  • Integration of AAM into Existing Transportation Networks
  • Community Engagement and Equity in AAM Expansion

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Coffee Break

3:45 PM – 4:45 PM | Closing Keynote: The Future of AAM and UAS Careers in California

  • An inspiring talk on emerging career paths and the skills in demand for the future of California’s AAM and UAS industries.

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Next Steps

  • Summary of key takeaways, commitments to action, and announcements for follow-up initiatives to drive AAM workforce and infrastructure development.

Subject to change. Be sure to check back for updates!

This two-day summit is designed to foster collaboration, align AAM growth with California’s workforce needs, and equip attendees with the tools and insights to support continued development in the region.