(March 19, 2025 — Marina, CA) The Central Coast is poised to become a hub for advanced aviation and aerospace innovation, driving economic growth and high-wage job creation. The roadmap to fully realize that vision will be the focus of a panel discussion at the upcoming Lift Summit, March 26-28 at the Monterey Conference Center.
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya will be joined by REACH Central Coast President & CEO Melissa James and Ventura Economic Development Collaborative President & CEO Bruce Stenslie in a panel session on “California Economic Blueprint – Creating More High-Paying Jobs in Advanced Aviation/Aerospace.” In an exploration of how regional collaboration, policy initiatives, and infrastructure development are shaping California’s aerospace future, their discussion will delve into strategies to expand industry opportunities, attract investment, and develop a skilled workforce to meet the needs of this evolving sector.
The session will be moderated by Marek Gootman, a nonresident senior fellow at Brookings and the leader of Global Cities Initiative, a project aimed at helping U.S. and international metro areas strengthen their global economic connections and competitiveness.
Dedicated to shaping the future of Advanced Air Mobility(AAM) and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), MBEP member Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (MBDART) will host the LIFT Summit to bring together industry innovators, policymakers, educators, and workforce development experts to drive growth in California’s AAM ecosystem. The three-day event launches on Wednesday, March 26 with an immersive bus tour, flight demonstrations from leading companies, and a firsthand look at the latest advancements in AAM technology. Day two (Thursday, March 27) focuses on Preparing and Scaling Advanced Air Mobility – Workforce and Infrastructure, and day three (Friday, March 28) on Innovating Forward – Policy and Practice.
Check out the full agenda and registration info.
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP):
Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.