Lift AI Partner Summit 2025

A new era of transparency in VT

by Joseph McAnulty

On February 4, your author had the privilege of attending the Lift AI Partner Summit in downtown Detroit hosted by Rob Wurth and the Lift AI team. Reflecting on a much smaller gathering just two years prior — where a group of six industry professionals discussed how transparency and reliability could transform the vertical-transportation (VT) sector — it was remarkable to see how this idea had evolved into a full-scale industry summit.

This year’s event gathered approximately 40 experts from across the elevator industry, including consultants from the U.S. and the U.K., contractors spanning regional independents to major OEMs and international property owners and management firms. Notably, for the first time, elevator manufacturers also had a presence, further reinforcing the collective commitment to industrywide progress.

Setting the Stage for Change

Wurth opened the summit with his perspective on the “State of the Elevator Union” and Lift AI’s commitment to transparency. He then introduced Lift AI’s Head of Product Daneila Fernandez, who showcased the latest advancements in the Lift AI platform. Her demonstration included user-driven enhancements and the unveiling of a new AI chat function designed to answer inquiries based on an elevator portfolio’s ingested data. This tool has the potential to reshape industry decision-making by providing instant, data-backed responses to non-traditional elevator-related questions.

With technology progressing at a rapid pace — particularly in AI-driven tools, chatbots and IoT applications — the industry is better positioned than ever to achieve true transparency and efficiency.

Industry Perspectives: A Shift in Elevator Consulting

Following Fernandez’s presentation, Bob Buckley, CEO of Buckley Belcher, took the stage to discuss the evolving role of elevator consulting over the past two decades. A recurring theme in both his talk and the broader discussions of the day was that elevator owners are demanding greater visibility into their portfolios. Today’s consulting landscape extends beyond specification writing and modernization project management; it now involves active oversight to ensure contracts are upheld, maintenance is performed effectively and portfolio performance is optimized through data-driven insights.

Rich Reggitano from AvalonBay shared his perspective on the unique reliance of the elevator industry on consultants to ensure proper equipment functionality, escalate issues and enforce contract terms. He highlighted how platforms like Lift AI enable his team to make informed decisions by pinpointing underperforming elevators based on callback volume and out-of-contract expenses. With ATIS as its consulting partner, AvalonBay utilizes Lift AI data to prioritize site visits for struggling elevators and hold contractors accountable when costs exceed contractual expectations.

My Perspective: The Future of Elevator Consulting

As a speaker at the summit, I had the opportunity to discuss the future of elevator consulting and the broader industry. Over the past three years, we have seen a significant shift driven by Internet of Things (IoT) advancements and the growing demand for transparency. While the core operation of elevators may not change drastically, the features and data they generate are rapidly evolving.

Historically, data collection efforts have been limited, but as IoT solutions mature, the industry will unlock predictive and targeted maintenance strategies, along with refined traffic studies that enhance building design. I concluded my presentation by addressing the rise of autonomous robots utilizing elevators for security, firefighting, housekeeping and delivery services — an innovation that will further redefine VT.

Breakout Sessions: Collaboration in Action

The afternoon featured three breakout sessions, each designed to foster collaboration. Consultants and elevator owners paired up to discuss their transparency expectations, while elevator contractors engaged with the Lift AI team to explore new contractor-focused platform features. These discussions underscored a rare industry alignment: Participants shared a common goal of improving elevator transparency and were eager to develop solutions together. The conversations could have lasted for hours, and in many ways, they will continue well beyond this summit.

A Unique and Impactful Experience

The day concluded with an industry expert panel that led a discussion with the entire room, offering further insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead. For me, this summit was unlike any other industry event I’ve attended. While large conferences and educational sessions have their place, this experience was a high-level dialogue among 40 professionals, each deeply invested in shaping the future of VT.

The outcome? Everyone left the room having both learned something new and shared their own expertise. With technology progressing at a rapid pace — particularly in AI-driven tools, chatbots and IoT applications — the industry is better positioned than ever to achieve true transparency and efficiency.

The event wrapped up with a well-deserved dinner in downtown Detroit, where the conversations continued in a more relaxed setting. The enthusiasm from the day carried over into the evening, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that made this summit truly exceptional.

As we move forward, the insights and innovations discussed at the Lift AI Partner Summit will continue to shape the way we think about and manage elevator portfolios. And if this event was any indication, the future of elevator technology is brighter — and more transparent — than ever before.