Elevator U – Conference 6/19/17 to 6/22/17 University of Virginia

Every year there is a conference that many Universities and Colleges get together and talk about their elevators called Elevator U.  This year it is at University of Virginia 6/19/17-6/22/17. If you are a college or university I would recommend getting involved. I have taken some information from their website for a quick preview.  An institution should be aware of some of the pit falls of maintenance, modernization, proprietary equipment, new equipment design[MRLs], these items are discussed at their conference.  

www.elevatoru.org

Elevator U's Mission/Purpose Statement

“There is a need for colleges, universities, government agencies and public institutions to have an organized vehicle to promote excellence in design, construction and maintenance of all forms of vertical transportation. ELEVATOR U is a voluntary association of individuals the purposes of which are exclusively charitable and educational.

As technologies, materials and business practices continually change, we need to ensure we have an organization to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise to properly build and maintain vertical transportation that is safe, durable and efficient.

§  To create a forum where stewards of vertical transportation systems can exchange ideas and information.

§  To accumulate technical information and make it easily accessible to members.

§  To provide information and education for the benefit of the elevator industry.

§  To provide a regular opportunity for gathering to share fellowship, information and education.

§  To acquire means to reinvest in the charitable and educational interest of ELEVATOR U.

The purpose of ELEVATOR U is to provide a medium at the national level for advancement of the objectives of the Organization, to promote closer relations and cooperation among the professions, contractors, manufacturers, trade associations and societies which are engaged in, or directly connected with, the vertical transportation industry.”

Our History

At the 2006 VTCCU (Vertical Transportation Conference for Colleges and Universities) the decision was made to formally organize and operate as a nonprofit corporation chartered in the state of Georgia. The group voted to change the name of the organization to Elevator U. The elected officers and directors are: Terri Flint (University of Michigan) president, Ed Jaskowak (Penn State University), vice president; Marty Waterfill (Georgia State University), secretary/treasurer; Patty Erickson (University of Minnesota), director; John Blatt (John W. Blatt Elevator Consulting, Inc.), director; and Glenn Duncan (Parts Specialists, Inc.), director.

We recognized a need for colleges, universities, government agencies and public institutions to have an organized vehicle to promote excellence in design, construction and maintenance for all forms of vertical transportation.

We believe working with all sectors of the elevator industry is the best way to accomplish the objectives and goals of Elevator U. We all bring different experiences and knowledge to the industry and must share it for the sake of the safety of the riding public.

Many times universities and government agencies are unable to take advantage of the other vehicles that exist in our industry for the exchange of information due to strict and tight budgets; many being required to choose only one convention or conference to attend annually. In the interest of providing the most diverse and widely experienced individuals possible; Membership to Elevator U is open to all sectors of the industry; including consultants, manufactures and contractors.

Location History for Past Conferences

§  2016 – Illinois State University

§  2015 – The Ohio State University

§  2014 – University of Nebraska

§  2013 – Iowa State University

§  2012 – Michigan State University

§  2011 – Penn State University

§  2010 – Purdue University

§  2009 – University of Illinois – Champaign, Urbana – Quincy, IL

§  2008 – Arizona State

§  2007 – University of Maryland

§  2006 – Georgia State

§  2005 – Georgia State

§  2004 – University of Michigan

§  2003 – University of Michigan

§  2002 – Purdue University

§  2001 – University of Michigan

§  2000 – University of Michigan

§  1999 – Purdue University

§  1998 – Purdue University

While Colley Elevator is not a part of ElevatorU I am a big proponent of the organization and can put you in touch with one of the directors if you want more information.  You can also get the contact information off their website.  As always feel free to contact us at www.colleyelevator.com, email Craigz@colleyelevator.com or call 630-766-7230.