Agenda
Sunday, March 22
Monday, March 23
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2026-03-23
8:45am - 9:45am
Education Session: The Significance of Power and Power Protection in the Vertical Transportation IndustryPresentation Title: The Significance of Power and Power Protection in the Vertical Transportation Industry
Description: An overview of how important reliable power and robust power protection systems are to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted operations of elevators. You will hear about the advancements in surge protection systems and how they help to avoid disruptions, costly repairs to electrical systems, as well as protecting electrical components like PC Boards and sensitive controllers.
Speaker: Bruce Nelson, Hytec Dealer Services, Inc.
Bio:
Bruce Nelson has over 3 decades of service experience, leading executives, management, and field service technicians in different industries. He has worked with many OEMS, independent dealers, and has served on many advisory boards, including current roles with Field Service and The Service Council.This experience in distinct industries gives a unique perspective on this topic.
Tuesday, March 24
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2026-03-24
8:30am - 9:30am
Education Session: AI: What’s Real, What Works, and What’s NextPresentation Title: AI: What’s Real, What Works, and What’s Next
Description: What AI is actually doing in the elevator industry today, with real, current examples. You’ll get a practical framework for where AI belongs, where it doesn’t, and how to think about using it to solve your problems. Examples will focus on revenue growth, but we’ll also break down where AI fits best across all aspects of your business.
Speaker: Brad Hoersten, ElevatorZip
Bio:
Brad Hoersten is the Founder and CEO of ElevatorZip, a software platform built to help elevator companies grow repair sales. Before starting ElevatorZip, Brad spent nearly a decade on the contractor side of the industry with ThyssenKrupp and Schindler, holding roles in the field, sales, and management.
Brad later shifted to the supplier side to build the software tools the industry was missing. For the past seven years, he has led ElevatorZip’s product and growth, and in recent years he has focused on applying AI to practical elevator-industry challenges.
His blend of industry knowledge, software development, and applied AI experience gives him a unique perspective on where the elevator business is headed, and how companies can benefit from the capabilities emerging today
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2026-03-24
8:30am - 9:30am
Education Session: Strengthening Safety – The Synergy between OSHA and The USA Elevator IndustryPresentation Title: Strengthening Safety – The Synergy between OSHA and The USA Elevator Industry
Description: This session examines the renewed alliance between OSHA and the Elevator Industry Safety Partners and its impact on improving worker safety nationwide. Mr. Gelestino will discuss the formation of the five-year alliance, its key initiatives, and how collaboration with industry organizations is addressing major safety risks such as falls and electrical hazards. Attendees will gain insight into how targeted training, data sharing, and unified partnerships are strengthening safety culture across the elevator industry.
Speaker: Don Gelestino, Champion Elevator
Bio:
Don Gelestino is the Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Past CEO and President of Champion Elevator Corp. He is a veteran of the elevator industry with nearly forty years of experience. Don began his career in 1986 as an apprentice and went on to found Ver-Tech Elevator in 1993. Under his leadership, Ver-Tech grew into a major industry presence, ultimately leading Don to take the company thru its sale to United Technologies in 2010. Don then successfully guided the integration of Ver-Tech and Unitec for several years before founding Champion Elevator Corp. in 2015, where he continues to serve as Chairman and Founder.
Don has held prominent leadership positions within the National Association of Elevator Contractors, including serving as President in 2020. His contributions to the industry were further recognized when he received the William C. Sturgeon Award in 2021. In addition to his industry leadership, Don serves on several boards including Cross County Savings Bank, the President’s Advisory Council for Molloy University, SUNY Old Westbury, and The Maurer Foundation.
Don’s commitment to service extends deeply into philanthropic work as he has been honored by numerous charitable organizations and remains a devoted supporter of causes that strengthen communities and improve the lives of others.
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2026-03-24
9:45am - 10:45am
Education Session: Getting the Right People on the Bus: A Practical System for the Elevator IndustryPresentation Title: Getting the Right People on the Bus: A Practical System for the Elevator Industry
Description: Hiring and retention remain some of the toughest challenges in the elevator industry today. This session shares a practical, proven system based on a series of best practices including the Jim Collins concept for “Right People on the Bus”, the Topgrading methodology and other real-world HR best practices. Learn how to select the right candidates and retain your best people through clear goals, values, and appreciation.
Speaker: Anya Codack, Delco Elevtaor Products Ltd.
Bio:
Anya Codack is the President of Delco Elevator Products Ltd., a family-owned supplier of elevator packages, machines, and components serving contractors across North America. She brings a unique perspective to leadership and HR, blending strategic growth planning with hands-on experience in building strong, motivated teams. At Delco, she has implemented a values-driven hiring and retention system rooted in best practices. Anya is passionate about creating sustainable workplaces where people thrive, and she is looking forward to sharing her insights on business leadership, innovation, and team development in the elevator industry.
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2026-03-24
9:45am - 10:45am
Education Session: The World of a VRC and diving deeper in to the steel and install!Presentation Title: The World of a VRC and diving deeper in to the steel and install!
Description: Dive into the critical steps of a successful installation with a focus on code compliance. Learn how to assess the installation area, apply FEA principles, manage approvals and shipping, and ensure proper staging. Wrap up with a look at code requirements and maintenance practices that keep systems safe and up to standard.
Speaker: Khrystyna Cusimano, Pflow Industries, Inc.
Bio:
Khrystyna Cusimano is the Western Regional Manager of Pflow Industries in which she manages the western 13 states. With decades of management experience her passion for the lifting industry started while helping people in wheelchairs and then grew to the world of vertical reciprocating conveyors. With a degree in Marine Science and being a Scuba Professional, you will fully understand why she is eager to share some interesting steel along the way!
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2026-03-24
11:00am - 12:00pm
Education Session: AI ROI Priorities for Elevator ContractorsPresentation Title: AI ROI Priorities for Elevator Contractors
Description: This seminar shows contractors how to achieve real ROI from AI by applying AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot across estimating, service, finance, and operations. Attendees will learn how AI can automate proposals, predict maintenance needs, forecast cash flow, and optimize scheduling to improve win rates, profitability, and efficiency. By mapping AI capabilities directly to contractor priorities, the seminar provides a practical, out-of-the-box roadmap for faster growth and competitive advantage.
Speaker: Jonathan Taub, FIELDBOSS
Bio:
Jonathan Taub is the President of FIELDBOSS. With over 30 years of experience in software and business strategy, Jonathan has a knack for turning complex operational headaches into streamlined solutions. He’s passionate about working with contractors to understand what’s really happening in the field—and building tools that make their lives easier.
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2026-03-24
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Education Session: Primary & Secondary Elevator Brakes: Function, Code Requirements, and Modern Retrofit SolutionsPresentation Title: Primary & Secondary Elevator Brakes: Function, Code Requirements, and Modern Retrofit Solutions
Description: This technical session provides a comprehensive overview of elevator braking systems, including the distinction between primary and secondary brakes, their intended functions, and how they interface with modern elevator safety requirements. The presentation examines ASME A17.1 requirements for emergency braking, including acceptable braking locations and performance expectations. Attendees will gain insight into historical safety concerns, design limitations of legacy equipment, and practical paths for bringing existing installations into compliance through retrofit braking solutions, machine upgrades, and unintended movement protection. The course is designed for elevator contractors, inspectors, engineers, and maintenance professionals seeking a nationwide, code-aligned understanding of braking technologies.
Speakers: Pete McIntosh & Carlos Escobar, Hyperion Solutions
Bios:
Pete McIntosh brings 15 years of experience in the elevator industry, having grown up in the family business at McIntosh Industries. He worked his way from field service mechanic to General Manager, gaining hands-on technical expertise across a wide range of elevator systems and modernization projects. Pete now serves as Director of Business Development – Technical Service at Hyperion Solutions, where he supports customers nationwide with technical guidance, product integration, and modernization solutions. His background uniquely blends field experience, engineering understanding, and business leadership
Carlos Escobar has 18 years of experience in the elevator industry, including the past four years with Hyperion Solutions. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise across multiple elevator brands and technologies. Carlos is passionate about building strong customer relationships and helping clients identify the right technical solutions for their equipment and modernization needs. His broad field knowledge and customer-focused approach make him a trusted resource for contractors, inspectors, and modernization teams across the country.