SILC 2024: Redefining Innovation and Connectivity in the Lift Industry

The second Santander International Lift City cements its status as a key event in the elevator industry.

From September 25 to 26, the region of Cantabria, in Northern Spain, once again hosted Santander International Lift City (SILC), gathering more than 200 professionals from the vertical-transportation (VT) sector. The event, organized by IMEM Lifts, confirmed its status as a leading conference for the industry.

The second edition of SILC focused on the transformational forces of digitalization, which have completely changed the scenario in all industries, and the pivotal role of connectivity, as lifts are now smart and connected devices that interact not just with intelligent buildings but also smart cities and societies. Participants from more than 20 countries engaged in lively discussions on the present and future of elevators and enjoyed a program of presentations by world-class experts from across the globe, which cemented SILC as a boutique event designed to drive the industry forward. 

IMEM Lifts Managing Director Antonio Pérez, who initiated SILC, highlighted the relevance of bringing together expert voices not only from the elevator sector, but also from converging industries in the fields of telecommunications or cybersecurity: 

“This conference is a platform to strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our industry. The rapid evolution of technology requires us to come together and face the challenges ahead with confidence; and for this, we need to broaden our knowledge beyond just one industry, as we can only grow and properly serve society if we advance in partnership with all parties involved in building the digitalized, super-connected global communities we already live in.”  

This vision was echoed by other participants as they explored how smart cities, or AI, are reshaping the sector. 

Digital Transformation and 5G Connectivity

The first day of SILC 2024 started at the Botín Centre, a building designed by architect Renzo Piano that is not just a relevant hub for art, culture, knowledge and creativity, but also an icon for the city. From the stage of its luminous auditorium overlooking the beautiful bay, Gema Igual, mayor of Santander, officially opened the event. Then, attendees were greeted by Pérez, whose passion for innovation in the lift sector set the tone for the day’s discussions.

The morning’s agenda began with Dr. Juan de la Guardia, who after many years at TK Elevator, is now managing director of Advantere School of Management. He tackled the question of how small to medium-sized enterprises can harness digitalization to improve profitability. His presentation laid the groundwork for the event’s broader focus on the impact of technology on businesses of all sizes.

The role of 5G technology as an accelerator for smart industries was explored by Francisco Vallejo, Vodafone Spain head of Product & Enterprise Solutions, whose insights on the transformative power of private 5G networks captivated the audience. Vallejo highlighted real-world applications, such as collaborative robots and digital twins, which are already revolutionizing the operational landscape for companies worldwide.

Safety, a constant concern in the industry, was the focus of Elena Mauro, Functional Safety Certification expert at Liftinstituut. She presented the integration of Programmable Electronic Safety Systems (PESS) into lift designs, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new safety technologies while maintaining reliability.

Ralf Arnold, head of Product Management at ZIEHL-ABEGG DRIVES, brought his wealth of experience to the stage with a presentation on the interaction of components and digitalization. He explained how the digitalization of elevator components is leading to significant cost savings, enhanced quality and quicker response times for customer needs, and emphasized that the industry’s move towards digitalization also requires its workforce to acquire new skills to handle the challenges and opportunities that come with these technological advancements. 

David Cooper, CEO of LECS (UK) and LECS (U.A.E.), took to the stage for the final presentation of the day. A veteran of the lift industry since 1980 and widely regarded as an authority on lift engineering, Cooper offered a more human-centric perspective on the industry’s digital transformation. While acknowledging the importance of digitalization and connectivity, Cooper reminded the audience that these advancements are only part of the story. He delved into the critical role of knowledge management, communication and talent development within the sector, underlining that success in this fast-evolving industry requires strong relationships and a continuous focus on developing the next generation of talent. Cooper’s rich academic background and his long list of accolades, including an MBE for services to lift engineering, lent weight to his call for the industry to focus on both technological and human factors.

The expert panel that concluded the first day of SILC 2024 brought a discussion on the critical topics of “Digital Transformation and Connectivity.” The panel included the day’s speakers, Cooper, de la Guardia and Vallejo, as well as Alfredo Gómez, Technological Innovation Consultant from the Aragon Institute of Technology, scheduled to speak the following day. They were joined by Vicente Pacheco, R&D and Engineering director at IMEM Lifts, who has led numerous innovation projects and is widely respected for his technical contributions to the field. 

Chairing the panel was Jesús Alonso, director at Global Lift Equipment, a key company within the IMEM Group. He guided the discussion as the experts dug into the challenges of adopting the right approach to digital transformation and connectivity in the lift industry, ensuring the conversation addressed both the technological advancements and their practical applications.

Before the panel commenced, a special, heartfelt moment was dedicated to remembering the late Dr. Gina Barney, the world-renowned academic and lift consultant who had participated in SILC’s first edition in 2022. Barney, who passed away in July 2023, spent more than 50 years contributing to the VT industry. Her involvement in the inaugural SILC event remains a source of pride for the conference organizers, and her legacy was honored with a round of applause from the audience.

On the evening of the first day, all guests relaxed from the tiredness of the day with the unique flavors of the exquisite Cantabrian cuisine at the Real Sociedad de Tenis de La Magdalena restaurant.

Smart Cities, AI and the Legal Framework

The second day of SILC 2024 unfolded in the idyllic town of Comillas, one of Northern Spain’s most picturesque gems. This charming fishing village is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, scenic squares and beautiful sandy beaches. Beyond its natural beauty, Comillas boasts remarkable architectural treasures, including the magnificent Pontifical University, now the Espacio Comillas, the exquisite venue where the event took place.

The day began with a welcome from María José Sáenz de Buruaga, president of the Government of Cantabria, who opened the session with a speech highlighting her government’s commitment to digitalization projects across the region. She praised companies like IMEM Lifts for their role in driving innovation and economic growth, affirming that Cantabria is proud to support initiatives that position the region as a hub for technological advancement.

Former Spanish Minister of Development and Public Works Iñigo de la Serna delivered a keynote address on the current state of smart cities. De la Serna’s deep expertise, drawn from his tenure as mayor of Santander and his leadership in smart city initiatives, underscored the crucial role of all urban mobility solutions in the success of connected societies. 

Gómez then offered a compelling presentation on “Digital Tools and Advanced Technologies in Lift Design.” His insights highlighted the crucial role that digitalization processes play in accelerating innovation within the industry, emphasizing the importance of incorporating these technologies into every stage of product development. From digital twins to predictive maintenance and virtual tests, Gómez highlighted how these tools can lead to smarter, more efficient lifts that meet the evolving needs of modern buildings and smart cities.

Another standout presentation during SILC 2024 was delivered by Miguel Tablado, Chief Technology officer at Kyndryl, and Javier Menéndez Pallo, the company’s AI advisor and co-creator of the Spanish chapter of the Global AI Community. Their session, focused on the integration of AI in various industries, centered on building a 360° AI model. Tablado and Menéndez provided several real-world examples of how AI is transforming industrial processes, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships in designing effective AI strategies. They discussed the industrialization of AI, stressing the need for careful planning when migrating existing data and platforms to new AI-driven models.

In addition, they addressed the growing importance of AI regulation, referencing the European Parliament Act of 2026, which mandates strict monitoring, lineage and traceability for AI applications. Tablado and Menéndez explained how these regulations are shaping the responsible deployment of AI across industries. Their insights left attendees with a clear understanding of how AI can drive innovation while ensuring compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks.

SILC Chapter for Property Management Professionals

As part of SILC 2024’s commitment to fostering collaboration across all key stakeholders in the VT sector, a special session was held for property managers from various regions in Spain. Understanding the critical role that property managers play in the smooth operation and maintenance of buildings, the conference included a series of presentations dedicated to aligning the lift industry with the needs and concerns of this important group. These sessions ran concurrently with the main event on the second day of the conference at Espacio Comillas, addressing topics central to the day-to-day responsibilities of property managers.

The first presentation, focused on “Industrial Security in Lifts,” was led by a panel of seasoned experts, including José Carlos Frechilla, director at FEEDA (Spanish Elevator Business Federation); Isabel Linares, head of Industry & Equipment Market Surveillance at UNE (Spanish Association for Standardization); and José Manuel Flórez, Industry Division director at TÜV SÜD ATISAE. Together, they shared their extensive experience and technical knowledge, discussing the latest safety standards and regulations that govern lift security. Frechilla, with his long-standing career in the lift sector, provided valuable insights into compliance and safety improvements, while Linares highlighted the importance of standardization in safeguarding users. Flórez delved into the critical role of inspections and monitoring to ensure that lifts meet stringent industrial safety requirements, making these systems safer and more reliable.

Following the technical discussions, Alberto Ruiz Capillas, president of the Professional Association of Property Managers in Cantabria, delivered a talk about the importance of close collaboration between building administrators and the lift industry. With his vast legal expertise and decades of experience as a property manager, Ruiz Capillas stressed the need for property managers to stay informed about regulatory changes and technological advancements in VT, enabling them to make more informed decisions for their buildings and tenants.

Looking Ahead: SILC’s Role in the Industry

As SILC 2024 drew to a close, the conference took a unique and inspiring turn with a motivational talk by David Meca, the world champion swimmer known for his incredible endurance and record-breaking feats. Bringing such a renowned figure to an industry event highlights SILC’s broader mission — not just to create a forum for knowledge exchange and innovation, but to foster a true sense of community among all industry players. SILC aims to unite companies and professionals in a collective effort to shape a stronger, more resilient future for the elevator sector.

Meca’s talk perfectly embodied this ethos. He spoke of perseverance, teamwork and determination — values that vibrate deeply with the spirit of SILC. With 28 world swimming championships, more than 100 international titles and several world records, Meca is no stranger to pushing limits. He remains the only athlete to win four medals in a single World Long Distance Swimming Championship, and his legendary accomplishments include a 130-km swim from the Iberian Peninsula to Ibiza; setting the world record in crossing the Strait of Gibraltar; and his famous “escape from Alcatraz Prison,” which he repeated after 25 years, just two days before flying to Santander to talk at SILC. In his talk — which was as inspiring as it was emotional, he drew parallels between his experiences and the challenges faced by anyone, be it an individual or a whole industry, emphasizing that just like in sports, overcoming obstacles requires resilience, collaboration and shared goals. His message reinforced SILC’s spirit of unity, reminding attendees that real success comes when everyone works together to drive the industry forward.

SILC 2024 demonstrated the elevator industry’s commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. SILC has successfully positioned itself as a biannual event where global experts gather to discuss the forces shaping VT, with a clear focus on the practical implementation of cutting-edge technologies.

The event also offered valuable networking opportunities and a cultural immersion in Northern Spain, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants. The next edition, scheduled for 2026, promises to build on this momentum, ensuring that SILC remains a key event in the global elevator industry calendar.