Agenda
Monday, September 15
Tuesday, September 16
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1:00pm - 2:00pm
Education Session: From Reactive to Proactive: How IoT Data is Transforming Elevator Service Delivery & Creating New Sources of RevenuePresentation Title: From Reactive to Proactive: How IoT Data is Transforming Elevator Service Delivery & Creating New Sources of Revenue
Description: This session explores how real-time data from connected devices enables a shift from reactive to proactive maintenance. We’ll explain how this technology improves technician efficiency, reduces callbacks, and lays the foundation for predictive service—while also delivering measurable business outcomes. If you’re looking to drive smarter operations, better customer service, and a stronger bottom line, this session is for you.
Speakers: Jonathan Taub, FIELDBOSS & Santiago Arambula,Cedes
Bios:
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.
Santiago Arambula is a strategy and operations professional helping companies adopt digital transformation initiatives successfully. Santiago brings 20+ years of experience across industry verticals, including civil engineering & management consulting, and is focused on value creation for Vertical Transportation companies.
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2:15pm - 3:15pm
Education Session: Elevator Maintenance Reimagined: Implementing Task-Based Preventative Maintenance Strategies leveraging IoT for enhanced equipment care, sales opportunities, and The Customer Experience!Presentation Title: Elevator Maintenance Reimagined: Implementing Task-Based Preventative Maintenance Strategies leveraging IoT for enhanced equipment care, sales opportunities, and The Customer Experience!
Description: This presentation will focus on the three fundamental "must haves" in an elevator service business in order to provide superior levels of service and a world class customer experience. These fundamentals include: a functional structure, empowered culture, and vision followed by all! Once the fundamentals are in place and functional, a company can then grow, scale, and achieve goals that align with the stated vision, including a major change in operation regarding the approach to providing elevator preventative maintenance.
Speaker: Christopher Short, South Jersey Elevator
Bio:
Christopher Short is an executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the elevator industry. Chris is currently the Vice President of South Jersey Elevator and is the President of his consulting firm Rise Ventures. Prior leadership roles on the contractor side included Service Manager, Business Developer, Director of Sales, Director of Operations, and CEO. Mr. Short attended the University of Connecticut majoring in communications. He lists among his many successes positive growth in interpersonal communication, team collaboration and motivation, and is a champion of servant leadership. Chris currently resides in Raleigh North Carolina, along with his wife Michelle of 30 years, their three children, their spouses, and three grandchildren.
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2:15pm - 3:15pm
Education Session: AI in the Elevator IndustryPresentation Title: AI in the Elevator Industry
Description: The presentation will cover the impact of AI as it relates to technical support/problem solving, predictive maintenance, and back office support.
Speaker: Dan Walsh, Vantage Elevator Solutions
Bio:
Dan Walsh is the Director of Marketing for Vantage Elevator Solutions, overseeing strategic marketing initiatives to enhance brand awareness, generate leads, and drive growth. Previously, he held leadership roles at KONE Americas, including Director of Modernization Major Projects and Smart Building Technologies, where he managed high-profile modernization projects across the Americas and spearheaded smart building technology integration. He also served as Area Offering Manager for KONE’s modernization product line in North America. Before KONE, Dan was Director of International Sales at Kinetek Industries, shifting market strategy to a direct sales model and expanding operations to Dubai and Istanbul. He also served as Director of Worldwide Sales at Draka Elevator Products, managing global sales teams and integrating joint ventures in China. Dan began his career at Walsh Associates, Ltd., eventually becoming VP of Project Management, leading consulting services for over 75 clients in NYC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University, was a member of the Speech and Debate Team, and speaks Spanish and German.
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3:15pm - 4:30pm
Education Session: Women in Motion: Love Languages in the WorkplacePresentation: Love Languages in the Workplace
Description: Join us as we work to discover our natural love language of appreciation in the workplace. Participants will leave the session knowing what their natural love language of appreciation is and how to turn this knowledge into a powerful tool for building a dynamic workplace culture. Although this session is sponsored by Women in Motion, this session is not only for the women in our industry. We all have a natural love language of appreciation in the workplace, and everyone is invited to come learn how to be a more effective communicator at work. If all your exes live in Texas, then this is a must attend session for you!
Speaker: Vong Keovongsa, Elevator Services Group LLC
Bio:
Vong Keovongsa, MSHM, has been working in the field of human resources for over 25 years. Vong works closely with business leaders to provide guidance on tale nt recruitment, human resources, change management, leadership effectiveness, and organizational development. Vong graduated with an MS in Human Resources Management from Villanova University and an MBA from Tampa College.
Vong started in the vertical transportation with ThyssenKrupp elevator in 2009 and has also held senior HR roles with Oracle Elevator and Madden Elevator. Today, Vong runs Elevator Services Group, a company he co-founded with Susie Madden. The company provides recruitment and human resource solutions for the elevator industry.
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3:30pm - 4:30pm
Education Session: Tuckman’s Model & Team DevelopmentPresentation Title: Tuckman’s Model & Team Development
Description: Explore Bruce Tuckman’s five stages of team development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—and learn how NextGen professionals can navigate each stage to build strong, productive teams. This session, led by Amber Catlin-Kolodziej, will provide practical strategies to enhance collaboration, leadership, and team dynamics at every stage of development.
Speaker: Amber Catlin-Kolodziej, Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF)
Bio:
Amber Catlin-Kolodziej is a seasoned nonprofit leader and safety advocate with a career spanning community development, public safety education, and industry outreach. As the Executive Director of the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF), she leads national efforts to educate the public on the safe use of vertical transportation systems. Amber brings a unique blend of hands-on leadership, strategic communications, and a deep commitment to equity, having previously worked with marginalized communities, youth programs, and grassroots initiatives. She is also the co-founder of Team CK7, a consulting firm focused on leadership coaching and mission-driven strategy.
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3:30pm - 4:30pm
Education Session: Safety on the Job for Field & Sales Team MembersPresentation Title: Safety on the Job for Field & Sales Team Members
Description: Safety is a cornerstone of our industry, ensuring the well-being of both customers and employees. This course emphasizes the importance of safety for field mechanics and sales staff, focusing on best practices when visiting job sites and planning work. It also highlights how safety aligns with our Forward messaging to protect everyone involved.
Speaker: Craig Jones, Country Home Elevator
Bio:
Craig Jones is one of the most requested presenters of Accessibility and Residential topics. With 30 years in the Elevator Trade, he has seen most of the safety problems firsthand. As a member of the Missouri Elevator Safety Board and Previous NAEC Board Member, Craig is vested in the trade, learning and creating the next generation of Safety leaders.
Wednesday, September 17
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10:00am - 11:00am
Education Session: The Impact of Consolidation and Globalization on The U.S.A. MarketPresentation Title: The Impact of Consolidation and Globalization on The U.S.A. Market
Description: Explore the multifaceted effects of consolidation and globalization on the US market with insights from a 38-year Elevator Industry veteran. This session delves into the benefits—such as increased efficiency, economies of scale, and innovation—and the drawbacks, including monopolistic risks, economic disparities, and challenges to local industries. Gain a balanced perspective on how these forces reshape market dynamics and discuss strategies to navigate their implications for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Speaker: Don Gelestino , Champion Elevator
Bio:
Don Gelestino, Founder, CEO & President – Champion Elevator Corp.He is a veteran of the elevator industry with nearly 40 years of experience. He began his career in 1986, founded Ver-Tech Elevator in 1993, and grew it into a leading company before its sale to United Technologies in 2010. He then led the integration of Ver-Tech and Unitec before founding Champion Elevator Corp. in 2015, where he currently serves as CEO and President.
Don has held leadership roles with the National Association of Elevator Contractors, including serving as President in 2020, and was honored with the William C. Sturgeon Award in 2021. He also serves on several boards, including Cross County Savings Bank, SUNY Old Westbury, and The Maurer Foundation, and is a dedicated supporter of numerous charitable organizations.
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10:00am - 11:00am
Education Session: Educate Your Technicians with Code Knowledge to Make Them Your Best Salespeople While Making Elevator Equipment SaferPresentation Title: Educate Your Technicians with Code Knowledge to Make Them Your Best Salespeople While Making Elevator Equipment Safer
Description: Our industry has continually evolved, learned, and developed codes that improve the safety and reliability of elevators. These improvements often come from what was learned during elevator accident investigations, spawning improved technologies. These improved code requirements are built into A17.1 Code for Elevators and Escalators every 4 years, however, implementation often waits for states to adopt the new codes, which is often many years down the road. This delays the enforcement of these new elevator safety codes, leaving existing elevators without these important improvements. It’s imperative that elevator companies keep up with new code updates so they can educate their team and inform their clients of the benefits these codes provide to the riding public.
We will dive into several of these code updates, providing proactive ways for technicians to approach clients with these improvements, ultimately providing a safer and more reliable elevator to our riding public.
Speaker: Sean Madden, Southern Elevator Company
Bio:
Sean Madden is the Innovation Manager at Southern Elevator Company and the founder of the Elevator Strategic Hub. With over 35 years of experience in the elevator industry, Sean has held a wide range of roles that span operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Prior to his current role, he founded and served as CEO of Madden Elevator Company, a business he launched in 2010 alongside his wife Susie from the basement of their home, with no capital, no clients, and a bold vision to build a company grounded in integrity, reliability, and quality.
Sean proudly follows in his father's footsteps, carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship and care in the elevator trade. His passion lies in empowering others to reach their full potential and in advancing the elevator industry through education and innovation. He is especially focused on promoting the use of technology to enhance service quality, improve safety, and deliver more reliable experiences for the riding public.
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11:15am - 12:15pm
Education Session: Elevating Safety: Culture, Code, Collaboration and Best Practices in the Elevator IndustryPresentation Title: Elevating Safety: Culture, Code, Collaboration and Best Practices in the Elevator Industry
Description: Join us for an insightful and engaging seminar that focuses on understanding the latest safety codes to foster a strong culture of safety in the elevator industry. Industry professionals will be empowered to embrace safety as a core value, foster collaboration across all levels of the workforce, and understand recent code developments protecting elevator personnel.
Speakers: Eric McClaskey & David Griefenhagen, International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
Bios:
Eric McClaskey is the Director of Safety for the International Union of Elevator Constructors where he preserves the safety of 32,000 members across North America. Prior to taking this role in 2024, Eric was the Director of Codes & Standards advancing a program to codify engineered solutions to provide a safe work environment for elevator personnel and the riding public. With over 30 years of experience in the elevator industry, and a journeyman mechanic, Eric has a vast understanding of safety, codes and standards across various sectors. He is a Certified Safety Professional, Qualified Elevator Inspector, and an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer. Eric is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1 Electrical, Mechanical Design, and Earthquake Safety committees. He is also a member of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) Working Group12 Cybersecurity and Working Group13 New Technologies committees.
David Griefenhagen is the Assistant Director of Safety for the International Union of Elevator Constructors where he focuses on developing and supporting joint labor-management safety committees throughout North America. David has over 20 years of experience in the elevator industry as a licensed journeyman mechanic and an educational instructor holding credentials as a Safety Trained Supervisor Construction, Qualified Elevator Inspector and an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer. David is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17 Electrical, Inclined Elevator, and New Technology working committees. He is also a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals serving on the A10 – Safety Requirements for Construction and Demolition Operations committee as well as A10.04 – Personnel Hoists & Employee Elevators, A10.05 – Material Hoists, and A10.18 – Temporary Floor Holes, Wall Openings, Stairways & Other Unprotected Edges committees.
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11:15am - 12:15pm
Education Session: From Risk to Readiness: Navigating Code Shifts for Elevator CommunicationsPresentation Title: From Risk to Readiness: Navigating Code Shifts for Elevator Communications
Description:
Speakers: Don Holloway & Daniel Goldstein, Kings III Emergency Communications
Bios:
Don Holloway has been in the elevator industry for over 20 years and has spent the last 12 with Kings III Emergency Communications as the Chief Manager of Field Services. He holds a QEI, CET, CET-S and elevator mechanics license in over 20 states. He also holds a CEI in Florida, an electrical contractor’s licenses SP-EL for North Carolina and sits on the ASME Electrical Code Committee.
With over a decade of experience, Daniel Goldstein is a seasoned product manager known for delivering innovative solutions across industries like elevators, specialty chemicals, and consumer goods. He helped develop the two-way video messaging product at Rath-Janus and now works with Kings III to educate those impacted by the new video code updates.
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1:15pm - 2:15pm
Education Session: Safety & Code Compliance when Installing Elevator Cab Shells & InteriorsPresentation Title: Safety & Code Compliance when Installing Elevator Cab Shells & Interiors
Description: The session aims to enhance awareness of code compliance and safety, with a focus on evaluating whether a product meets code requirements and assessing the safety of its installation.
Speakers: Nick Lee & Jonathan Adair, MAD Elevator Inc.
Bios:
Nick Lee is an R&D engineer and product developer at MAD Elevator, an elevator fixtures and interiors company, He is dedicated to driving innovation in the vertical transportation industry. With a solid foundation in mechanical engineering and a keen eye for design for manufacturing, he thrives in the dynamic world of developing cutting-edge elevator products. His primary goal is to understand customer needs and translate them into practical, visually appealing solutions that meet industry standards and regulations. Through continuous research and development, he constantly explores new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to enhance the performance, safety, and user experience of our elevator fixtures and interiors. He is motivated by the belief that elevators can be more than just functional machines - they can be thoughtfully crafted pieces that elevate the human experience.
Jonathan Adair brings over 42 years of diverse technical experience spanning multiple high-impact industries. His background includes aerospace engineering, microchip design, enterprise software development, and advanced AI technologies. In recent years, he has applied his deep technical knowledge to the vertical transportation industry, focusing on the development of elevator interiors and shells at ECR, a division of MAD Elevator. Jonathan’s multidisciplinary expertise and innovative approach make him a valuable contributor to advancing safety, design, and code compliance in elevator systems.
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4:00pm - 5:00pm
Education Session: Safety First: Unpacking the 2025 Safety HandbookPresentation Title: Safety First: Unpacking the 2025 Safety Handbook
Description: During the NAEC Spring Education Conference, NAEC and NEII will present an in-depth look at the updated 2025 Elevator World Field Employee Safety Handbook. NAEC’s David Smarte and NEII’s Dot Mynahan will highlight key updates, including new sections on silica safety and re-roping checklists, aligned with OSHA Alliance standards.
Speakers: Dot Mynahan, National Elevator Industry Inc (NEII) & David Smarte, National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)
Bios:
Dot Mynahan is the Senior Director of Safety and Workforce Development for the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII). Dot focuses on policies and protocols that help prevent rider and worker incidents and injuries, improve safety codes, create comprehensive safety resources, and develop safe workplace best practices. Prior to joining NEII, Dot worked for Otis Elevator for 33 years before retiring as the Executive Director of Field Operations for the Americas in December 2023.
David Smarte is the Global Education and Safety Officer for NAEC. He previously served on the NAEC Board of Directors, and was most recently Chair of the NAEC Education & Safety Committee. He had previously served as the Director of Safety and Education for Delaware Elevator. David is a licensed Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) and holds a Certified Elevator Technician (CET) and Certified Accessibility and Residential Technician (CAT) Certifications. Mr. Smarte has over 40 years in the elevator industry and 18 of these years he concentrated on Safety and Training and Special Projects.
Thursday, September 18
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11:30am - 12:30pm
Education Session: The World of a VRC and going deeper and looking at the steel!Presentation Title: The World of a VRC and going deeper and looking at the steel!
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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11:30am - 12:30pm
Education Session: Understanding Automatic Door Operation in Residential ElevatorsPresentation Title: Understanding Automatic Door Operation in Residential Elevators
Description: This session explores the role of automatic door operation in residential elevators, highlighting its critical impact on safety, including compliance with ASME A17.1 Part 5.3 and the reduction of gap requirements. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, advancements in door technology, and practical considerations that position automatic doors as a safer, more reliable choice for modern residential elevators.
Speaker: Walter Barnes, Electronic Controls Inc.
Bio:
Walter Barnes, co-founded Electronic Controls Inc. (ECI), alongside his father in 1983 as an electronics repair facility in Miami. Initially focused on servicing elevator control boards in South Florida, ECI expanded its operations nationwide and became a prominent player in the elevator industry. Walter assumed leadership in 1998 and relocated the company to Cape Canaveral while opening offices in Los Alamitos (ECI West) and acquiring Denver Elevator Systems. Under Walter's guidance, ECI diversified its offerings, developing proprietary products such as door operators, LCD door boards, CabLite® LED lighting, auto light controls, MerLite® emergency battery backup, cartop stations, and PitSafe® safety systems. Walter's expertise and dedication have led to numerous presentations and speaking engagements at both state and national levels, establishing him as an innovative and respected figure within the elevator industry.
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12:00pm - 1:30pm
NexGen Keynote Luncheon (by invitation)Presentation Title: Financial Business Model: From Revenue to EBITDA
Description: This presentation explores the financial journey of an elevator company from revenue to EBITDA, with a focus on understanding both operational segments and key financial metrics. We'll examine the primary business lines—maintenance, repair, modernization, testing, and violations—and break down how each contributes to revenue and cost structure. Attendees will gain insights into direct costs and gross margins at the segment level, followed by a look at indirect costs and contribution margins. We’ll also cover SG&A expenses and how all these components ultimately impact EBITDA. Whether you're in finance or operations, this session will help clarify how the elevator business turns service into profit.
Speaker: Joe Corrado, Champion Elevator
Bio:
With 24 years of experience in the elevator industry, Joe Corrado began his career as an apprentice with Robert Elevator, a privately owned company based in New York City, specializing in modernization and construction through Local One. After completing his apprenticeship, he became a modernization mechanic and later transitioned into a Sales Account role, managing accounts in NYC’s outer boroughs. He then joined TEI Group, where he managed major accounts including SL Green, Vornado, TF Cornerstone, Newmark Knight Frank, and many others. In 2015, he partnered with Don Gelestino to co-found Champion Elevator Corp as a startup. Helping grow Champion Elevator from the ground up has been the highlight of his career, and he remains proud of the company’s continued growth and success.
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1:00pm - 2:00pm
Education Session: Modern drive concepts in the elevator - Interaction of components and digitalizationPresentation Title: Modern drive concepts in the elevator - Interaction of components and digitalization
Description: Expectations on Elevator systems and its main components increase. In this presentation we will discuss various reasons for adjusting products and tools, due to trends and expectations in new construction and modernization. Furthermore we will point out the crucial role of digitalization.
Speaker: Marc Hirsch, Ziehl-Abegg
Bio:
In 2016 Marc Hirsch joined Ziehl-Abegg Drive Division in Germany in the form of a cooperative study - industrial engineering with emphasis international technical sales. After receiving the bachelor’s degree, he started in the technical sales support department of Ziehl-Abegg to build a well-founded knowledge about products, technologies, and solutions in the elevator industry. Through further special projects, he gained international experience in the elevator industry. In 2022 he transitioned to the Area Sales Management to manage market activities in Scandinavia, Central Europe, and South America for Ziehl-Abegg. Since January 2023, Marc Hirsch relocated to the Ziehl-Abegg US Subsidiary in North Carolina to locally support the market entry of Ziehl-Abegg Drive Division in the North American elevator market.
