For Immediate Release

October 12, 2022

For additional information, contact:

Lori Wolking, National Development Officer

770-760-9660 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NAEC PROUDLY SHARES SUCCESS OF THE 2022 ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPOSITION

Louisville, KY, September 18-21, 2022 - Approximately 2,000 elevator industry professionals from 16 countries and 40 states gathered in Louisville, KY, for the 2022 Convention & Exposition. Considered Louisville’s iconic hotel, The Galt House was a wonderful site for the largest vertical transportation event in North America.

The Convention and Exposition gave the industry’s leading suppliers the opportunity to highlight the latest trends, technology and products as well as to provide networking, education, and camaraderie with old friends and new. With 160 exhibitors from all facets of the vertical transportation industry, the Expo offered an invaluable opportunity for face-to-face interactions among industry professionals.

Recognition of achievements in the elevator industry were highlighted. At the General Business Member Session, attendees were welcomed by President Hope Evans, who shared an overview of the past year and the exciting future direction of NAEC. NAEC proudly welcomed the 2022 incoming Board members: Travis Carlisle, Vice President of Murphy Elevator; Phil Isaac, Midwest Operational Manager of Gable Elevator Powered by 3Phase; Bill McGrath, President & CEO/Owner of South Jersey Elevator; Anita Seymour, President of Expert Service Solutions Inc.; and Matt Yelland, National Sales Manager of Peelle Company.

At the Awards Breakfast, Hope Evans honored her husband, Larry Evans, with the President’s Award. She oversaw the installation of the 2022 Board Officers: President, John Tolar of United Elevator Services, LLC; Vice President, Sean Madden of DC Elevator Company; Secretary, Mike Jennings of Virginia Controls, LLC; and Treasurer, Karen Kennedy Dodds of Kencor, Inc.

In addition, booth Awards were presented. The 2022 winners: Best Single Booth was awarded to Kohtler, Opa-locka, FL; Best Multiple Booth to RIMEX Metals, Edison, NJ; Best Island Display to James Monroe Wire and Cable Corp., South Lancaster, MA; Spirit of NAEC to Hyperion, Memphis, TN; and the Contractor’s Choice Award to Wurtec Inc. of Toledo, OH.

NAEC presented the industry’s most prestigious recognition—The William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award. Long-time industry leader Mark Boelhouwer of American Elevator Group was the deserving 2022 recipient.

With a primary focus on education, the Convention kicked off its three days of education with Keynote Speaker Anirban Basu with “No Time to Buy” who gave an in-depth analysis of the major factors shaping economic outcomes and a forecast for the year to come. The convention included educational sessions which offered members the opportunity to earn Continuing Education credits.

There was plenty of fun and networking to be found this year. The annual Golf Tournament, a member favorite, was held at Champions Pointe Golf Club. For the 40 and under group, the NexGen Committee hosted a luncheon that focused on attracting talent to the industry. And the Women in Motion group hosted a panel on building your workforce.

The first-ever New Member/First Time Attendee Reception allowed new members and first-time attendees an opportunity to meet and hear from NAEC leadership. Members enjoyed visiting with each other and enjoying “one-of-a-kind” entertainment at the Welcome Reception and Tuesday night Cocktail Reception.

Finally, NAEC celebrated its famous ‘Dregs Party’ at Tavern on Fourth, a popular venue in downtown Louisville, with a rocking DJ and interactive games that closed out another successful Convention & Expo.

NAEC is preparing to welcome the industry to the 2023 Convention & Exposition in Reno, Nevada, September 10-13, 2023.

OUR MISSION: The NAEC serves the interests of the elevator, escalator and accessibility equipment industry by promoting safe and reliable vertical transportation through education, networking with peers and exposure to new technologies. NAEC is an association that provides extraordinary value and support for its members.

OUR VISION: To be the premier Association that provides safety training and education to all facets of the elevator, escalator and accessibility equipment industry.

For more information on NAEC, please contact us at 770.760.9660 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Quality Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification has received ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) approval. NAECs newly certified individuals will receive their QEI credentials. To maintain certification, the Inspector must annually pay a renewal fee and fulfill the requirements of ASME QEI-1 Standard for the Qualification of Elevator Inspectors Section 2.3. which include obtaining 1.0 continuing education unit (CEU) [10 contact hours] by participating in continuing education and professional development activities acceptable to NAEC.

BENEFITS

Uniform Criteria for:

• Qualifying and training of inspection personnel for government agencies, insurance companies, elevator companies, building owners and managers.
• Providing guidance for accredited certifying organizations and as a guideline for certification program requirements.
• Upon awarding of a QEI Certification, a NAEC certified inspector* may use the respective NAEC QEI logo and/or status on his or her uniform, clothes, business cards, letterhead, and other business items.

*In all instances, the use of the QEI logo and/or status is an individual-based logo and/or status and may only be used by the individual duly authorized by the NAEC Certification Board.

REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must meet one of the following:

1. Four (4) years’ verifiable documented education and experience in the mechanical and/or electrical aspects in the elevator industry and is a person deemed to meet the A17.1 Code definition of “elevator personnel” and has at least one year’s experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in 1 Sections 8.10 or 8.11 and A18.1. This year may be concurrent with the 4 years’ experience.

OR

2. Two years of college courses in an elevator industry related engineering field (Documentation of education is ) AND at least one year’s verifiable experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in A17.1 Sections 8.10 or 8.11 and A18.1.

OR

3. Meet the definition of “elevator personnel” * and have documented training and at least one year’s verifiable experience performing inspections and performing or witnessing tests as specified in A17.1 and A18.1 as one of the following:

1. 1. an Elevator Inspector performing inspections for an enforcing authority, or
   2. an Elevator Inspector trainee working under the direct supervision of an Elevator Inspector performing inspections for an enforcing authority, or
   3. an Elevator Inspector performing inspections and licensed by or under the jurisdiction of an enforcing authority,
   4. or an Elevator Inspector trainee licensed by or working under the direct supervision of a licensed Elevator Inspector performing inspections and working under the jurisdiction of an enforcing authority.

*A person deemed to meet the A17.1 Code definition of “elevator personnel” described as: “Persons who have been trained in the construction, maintenance, repair, inspection, or testing of equipment.”

SCOPE OF NAEC QEI

The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Quality Elevator Inspector (QEI) certification has received ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) approval. NAECs newly certified individuals will receive their QEI credentials. To maintain certification, the Inspector must annually pay a renewal fee and fulfill the requirements of ASME QEI-1 Standard for the Qualification of Elevator Inspectors Section 2.3. which include obtaining 1.0 continuing education unit (CEU) [10 contact hours] by participating in continuing education and professional development activities acceptable to NAEC:

• hoisting and lowering mechanisms, equipped with a car or platform, that move between two or more landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • elevators (ASME A17.1/CSA B44) and, in Canadian jurisdictions, special-purpose personnel elevators (CSA B311)
  • platform and stairway chairlifts (ASME A18.1 or CSA B355)
• power-driven stairways and walkways for carrying persons between landings. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  • escalators (ASME A17.1/CSA B44)
  • moving walks (ASME A17.1/CSA B44)
• hoisting and lowering mechanisms equipped with a car that serves two or more landings and is restricted to the carrying of material by its limited size or limited access to the car.

This equipment includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• dumbwaiters (ASME A17.1/CSA B44)
• material lifts and dumbwaiters with automatic transfer devices (ASME A17.1/CSA B44)
• hoists and elevators (ANSI/ASSE A10.4 or CSA Z185) that are
  • not an integral part of buildings
  • installed inside or outside buildings or structures during construction, alteration, or demolition operations
  • used to raise and lower workers and other personnel connected with or related to the structure

EXAM & FEES

The QEI exam consists of 160 multiple choice questions for 8 hours including mandatory 30-minute break. Special accommodations are available for applicants with a disability per ADA.

Exam fees:  $250 NAEC members / $500 non-members (Join)
Retesting fee:  $100
Renewal fee:  $100

For more information on QEI certification visit NAECs website here or contact Mary Beth O’Hara at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

QEI Program in Landing Zone

NAEC is pleased to update you that the journey to achieving ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) accreditation for QEI certification is on the horizon. We recently submitted the final paperwork with ANAB, and the progress remains positive as we wait for this last review.

Attaining ANAB accreditation will mean that those who already passed the QEI exam will then receive an ID card from NAEC and be considered QEI certified. For those wanting to obtain their QEI, check out this next QEI Code Prep Course coming up soon.

This has been a long process, and the patience of the many individuals who have taken the QEI exam is appreciated. We hope that our next update on QEI certification will be soon. Until then, keep watching this space as we share any new information on this program.

NAEC values your commitment and continued support in this endeavor. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Beth at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

NAEC’s most prestigious and elite award, the William C. Sturgeon Distinguished Service Award, is presented annually to the individual who most merits the elevator industry’s recognition – an individual who has given unselfishly of his or her time and energies to the benefit of the association and the industry – an individual who unerringly supports and participates in the activities of the association. Please give this serious attention and provide us with candidates who you believe meet the recipient qualifications no later than June 3. The winner will be announced at the 2022 NAEC Convention and Expo, which will be held Sept. 18-21 in Louisville, KY.

The Contractors’ Choice Award is an opportunity for Contractor Members to identify a Supplier Member who stands out, a company that deserves a hearty “thank you” from its customers and the association. Let us hear from you! Complete details and a nomination form can be found on NAEC.org. Submit your completed nomination no later than June 3 and let’s recognize a company that warrants this award. The winner will be announced at the 2022 NAEC Convention and Expo, which will be held Sept. 18-21 in Louisville, KY.

Contact Danielle at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for questions.

The NAEC Annual Convention & Exposition draws the elite decision makers in the elevator industry.

Increase brand awareness, enhance customer relationships and connect with new business partners through sponsorships.

Sponsors of the 2022 NAEC Annual Convention & Exposition have an open door to a select audience of industry leaders in the elevator industry. Sponsorship puts your company’s name foremost in the eyes of your target market. It brings industry positioning, brand awareness and positive exposure to key decision makers.

We encourage you to take advantage of these unique opportunities and participate as a sponsor of the 2022 NAEC Annual Convention & Exposition. The sooner you sign up as a sponsor, the more coverage you will receive throughout the coming months. Click here for a descriptive list of the 2022 Convention sponsorship offerings. Click on the box below to secure your sponsorship, or contact NAEC National Development Officer Lori Wolking at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you have trouble logging in to select your sponsorship package, contact Tripp Cook at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 770-760-9660 for immediate assistance.

CLICK HERE TO SECURE YOUR CONVENTION SPONSORSHIP

Click here for Convention Sponsorship Descriptions