Welcome to the 2026 LIFT Summit!

March 31 – April 2, 2026
Monterey Conference Center

LIFT-Off into the Future of Flight

Experience innovation, insight and connection at the 2026 LIFT Summit – together, let’s shape the next era of air mobility.

Welcome to the 2026 LIFT Summit!

March 31 – April 2, 2026
Monterey Conference Center

LIFT-Off into the Future of Flight

Experience innovation, insight and connection at the 2026 LIFT Summit – together, let’s shape the next era of air mobility.

LIFT Convenes, Connects and Advances the Low Altitude Economy

We look forward to seeing you at the 2nd annual LIFT Summit – a premier event dedicated to shaping the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in California and beyond. Hosted at the stunning Monterey Conference Center from March 31-April 2, 2026, this summit brings together industry innovators, policymakers, educators and workforce development experts to drive growth across the global 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 that can be implemented worldwide.

Join us to connect, engage and collaborate with those shaping the future of flight –
and take part in building the ecosystem that will define the skies of tomorrow.

What to Expect:

  • Expo Day: Exclusive access to flight demonstrations and behind-the-scenes facility tours that showcase the technology transforming aviation.

  • Keynotes: Hear from thought leaders and pioneers redefining the future of flight, from advanced air mobility (AAM) to uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

  • Panels & Workshops: Engage in immersive, action-driven sessions tackling the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the industry.

  • Networking: Build powerful cross-sector connections with leaders from government, education, and industry to advance innovation in workforce training, infrastructure, and policy planning.

  • Who’s Attending: Local, Regional and State Elected Officials, Transportation Agency Executives, International and Regional Airport Managers, National Security Agency, and Leading-edge UAS & AAM companies

2026 LIFT Summit Agenda

We’re excited to announce the 2026 LIFT Summit agenda. These topics reflect the innovation, collaboration, and leadership shaping the future of the low-altitude economy.

At a Glance

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.


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.

More Information Below

Wed., April 1

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – CONFERENCE: DAY 1

  • American Air Leadership: National Strategy, Drone Dominance & the Path to Scaled Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
  • State-Led Visions: Enabling Advanced Air Mobility Through eIPP Leadership
  • Part 108 & The Path to Scale: Unlocking Growth for Mature AAM Startups
  • Building the Talent Runway: DART-network Aviation Workforce Development in Action
  • Meeting the Moment In-Demand Skills for the Low-Altitude Economy

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

  • Funding the Future: Financing Airport Infrastructure through Federal, State & Public-Private Partnerships
  • Leading the Charge: Challenges and Solutions for Powering Vertiports
  • Airspace Management Modernization for Public Good
  • Digital Infrastructure for the Low-Altitude NAS
  • Storming the Market: Weather Risk, Mitigation, and National Strategy
  • Airport Integration: Lessons from the Field

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

Connect with industry leaders in an elevated setting designed to foster meaningful conversation and strategic collaboration. The Opening Reception offers invited guests the opportunity to build relationships ahead of the Summit, engage with key decision-makers, and set the tone for two days of innovation and partnership across the low altitude economy

Registration for the LIFT Summit is required to attend the Opening Reception. If you have already registered and would like to purchase a pass to the Opening Reception, please contact us directly.

Learn More

Registration

Register Now! Tickets available until 3/27/26

Full Passes

All Full Passes include: Expo Day, Two-Day Conference (with Breakfast and Lunch each day) and Networking Reception

General Attendee

$875
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Government Attendee

$700
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Student

$625
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*Registration fees will apply to all passes

Conference Only Passes

All Conference Only Passes include: Two-Day Conference (with Breakfast and Lunch each day) and Networking Reception

General Attendee

$775
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Government Attendee

$600
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Student

$550
Get Tickets

*Registration fees will apply to all passes

Sponsorship Opportunties

Partner with the 2026 LIFT Summit – the premier hub where leaders in AAM and UAS innovation, workforce training, infrastructure, and policy come together
to collaborate and drive progress.

Become a Sponsor to:

  • Stand out with direct exposure to national and regional leaders across industry, government, education and community

  • Connect with changemakers shaping workforce training, infrastructure development, and policy for next-generation air mobility
  • Demonstrate leadership in defining the future of these emerging industries

  • Back groundbreaking initiatives in AAM and UAS innovation

Travel Arrangements

Make your Summit experience seamless and memorable. Take advantage of our special lodging rate at the Monterey Marriott, located just steps from the Monterey Conference Center — ensuring you’re right at the heart of the action.

Beyond the Summit, discover all that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. We’ve partnered with See Monterey to provide resources and inspiration for your visit, from world-class dining and local wineries to the stunning coastline, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions that make this region a destination in itself.

Plan your stay, extend your trip, and experience Monterey while you’re here for the 2026 LIFT Summit.

For additional travel assistance, please contact stephanie@mbdart.org  

Thank You To Our

Sponsors & Partners

With Special Thanks to Our Foundational Supporters