2020 United Virtual Convention & Exposition 

Unique event includes exhibitors, business, education and honors.

Nearly 900 participants representing the vertical-transportation industry all over the globe took part in the 2020 United Virtual Convention & Exposition on September 14-16. In a time of reduced access to events, this year’s tradeshow and related educational sessions remained online to attendees through the end of October. 

The event traditionally takes place every four years. This iteration was hosted by the Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA), Elevator U, the International Association of

Elevator Consultants (IAEC) and the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC). Originally slated to be a live event in Houston, the global pandemic prompted organizers to

There were 70 exhibitors with more than 80 booths, 11 educational sessions and discussions, and three on-demand educational sessions.

reinvent it in creative ways. During the three-day event, industry professionals gathered online. There were 70 exhibitors with more than 80 booths, 11 educational sessions and discussions, and three on-demand educational sessions. United kicked off on Monday with the partners’ individual business sessions. Exhibitor networking lounges began on the second day. Attendees were able to watch live presentations, network and have one-on-one consultations with experts.

After official welcomes from CECA President Doug Guderian, Elevator U President Eddie Morris, IAEC President John Koshak and NAEC President Donald Gelestino, keynote speaker Robert Stevenson gave an energizing illustration on the importance of embracing change, titled, “If You Don’t Like Change, You Are Going to Hate Extinction.” Following his presentation, exhibit halls opened and attendees browsed through the virtual tradeshow floor and visited booths. They engaged in one-on-one chats with personnel and were able to download exhibitor promotional materials, watch videos and leave their virtual business cards. Just as at a live event, the educational sessions also commenced. Many of the sessions offered continuing-education credits.

The awards presentation opened up the final day of United 2020, with each association president announcing recipients. Recognition was also given at the respective partner business sessions. CECA honored Sean Cowen of thyssenkrupp Elevator with the President’s Award and Allan Hopkirk of Trident Elevator as its newest honorary member. The association also expressed appreciation to longtime members.

Elevator U shared a photo appreciation of members and events of the past year. IAEC honored John Rearick of Rearick & Co.

and Gregory Sacks of Superior Elevator Inspections & Consulting with Qualified Elevator Consultant awards. NAEC presented Zap Supply with the Contractors’ Choice Award, and Gelestino presented both the William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service and President’s Awards to Louis J. Blaiotta, Jr. of Columbia Elevator Products Co. Inc. It was the first time in NAEC history for one person to receive both awards in the same year.

Following the awards presentation, the exhibit halls opened the final day of the virtual tradeshow. The first-ever virtual version came to a close with a few words from Eddie Morris, United chairman:

“I hope that you all enjoyed this unique United as much as I did. It has been an honor to serve as your chair for this year’s event. Like we said at the beginning, we wish we all could have been together in person, but the world had other plans for us. Virtual sure isn’t the same, but it was still wonderful to be able to see and chat with everyone. Thank you so much for participating in this year’s United. We hope to see you all in person very soon — definitely at the next United in Atlantic City in 2024!”