In Memoriam: Joseph Stier

Joseph Stier, who pioneered the establishment of the International Association of Elevator Engineers (IAEE) and its accompanying congress, Elevcon, passed away in November 2021, two weeks prior to the death of his friend and colleague Ami Lustig. Born in 1946, Stier was a man of many and various gifts. His father, Oscar, was a painter and, although his son showed talent as a young man, he preferred to play chess, collect stamps and even play bass guitar in a rock band while he was at university studying math and physics. After graduating, Stier was drawn to the world of advertising, where he developed his unique combination of persuasion and pragmatism. He went on to establish a leading exhibition company in Israel, creating original events for many industries and professions, which continue to this day. Always looking to challenge himself, Stier conceived the innovative idea of an association and congress representing elevator engineers. He sought out the most prominent personalities in the field, gathered them together and launched this revolutionary concept, Elevcon. Hundreds of specialists joined the IAEE, coming together to share their knowledge and experience at Elevcon, held every two years since 1986. His son, Gil, intends to continue his father’s legacy, and looks forward to the international cooperation that Joseph Stier nurtured and enjoyed.