#United States #Monterey #Monterey Bay #Advanced Air Mobility #LIFT Summit

Gathering for the Future of Aviation: LIFT Summit 2026

The upcoming LIFT Summit, set to take place in Monterey, California from March 31 to April 2, 2026, promises to be a crucial event for stakeholders in the aviation sector. This summit will bring together leaders from various sectors, including government, education, and industry, to discuss advancements in advanced air mobility (AAM) and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Organized by Monterey Bay DART, this engaging event focuses on forging collaborations essential for the growth of the low-altitude economy.

What to Expect at the Summit

Scheduled at the scenic Monterey Conference Center, the LIFT Summit will begin with an exciting opening reception at the Monterey Jet Center. Attendees can anticipate a comprehensive experience that includes bus tours and live flight demonstrations at the Airspace Integration UAS Test Range, as well as the La Selva Beach and Marina Municipal Airport. The summit offers a unique platform for participants to engage directly with technology innovators and thought leaders in the aviation industry.

Keynote speakers include:

• - Michael Sanders, Director of the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies
• - Peter Irvine, Staff Lead and Member of the Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group for the United States, U.S. Department of Transportation
• - Samuel Assefa, Director at the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
• - Emily Warren, Deputy Secretary for Innovative Mobility at California State Transportation Agency
• - Parimal Kopardekar (PK), Program Director for the Airspace Operations and Safety Program at NASA
• - Huy Tran, Director of Aeronautics at NASA Ames Research Center
• - Susan Shaheen, Co-Director at the Transportation Sustainability Research Center, UC Berkeley

Engaging with Participants

Along with these esteemed speakers, representatives from aerospace companies such as Joby Aviation, Wisk, and more will also take part in discussions and workshops throughout the event. The agenda is designed to cater to various aspects of advanced air mobility, including workforce readiness, infrastructure development, policy frameworks, and economic initiatives.

Event Highlights

• - Expo Day (March 31, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM): A full-day immersive experience featuring airfield tours and live flight demonstrations from leading AAM and UAS companies.
• - VIP Opening Reception (March 31, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): An exclusive event hosted at the Monterey Jet Center for sponsors, speakers, and distinguished guests.
• - Conference Days (April 1-2, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM): Two days filled with keynote addresses, expert panels, and workshops aimed at fostering collaboration.
• - Networking Reception (April 1, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): A high-level networking opportunity connecting leaders from industry, government, and academia.

Looking Ahead

Josh Metz, Executive Director of DART, remarks, "The summit emphasizes implementation. When industry, education, and government align on actionable steps, we can drive meaningful progress in advanced air mobility."

The LIFT Summit encapsulates the growing role of Monterey Bay as a central hub for pioneering innovations in aviation, offering a vibrant platform for dialogue and exploration of the future of flight. Participants can gain insights into the emerging trends that will shape the aviation landscape in the coming years.

For more information about registration and sponsorship opportunities, visit Monterey Bay DART's website.

About Monterey Bay DART

DART, or Drone, Aviation and Robotics Technology, is a non-profit organization aimed at advancing the low-altitude economy through workforce development, infrastructure activation, and ecosystem building. Active in the Monterey Bay region, DART fosters partnerships among industry, education, and government to enhance access to high-quality careers in aviation and robotics.