Lift Industry Newsletter
March 2026

SoVT is for everyone

SoVT is open to everyone — women included — and you don’t need an engineering background to get involved.” Gemma Moore, Dewhurst

 That message from our very own Gemma couldn’t be clearer — and it couldn’t be more important.

 The Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT) was built on the belief that our industry should reflect the diversity of the world it serves. Vertical transportation isn’t just about engineering — it’s about project management, operations, design, safety, sustainability, digital innovation, and leadership.

 And the shift is happening.

 Since launching in September 2025:

📊 12% of all those joining SoVT are women

📊 13% of our members who are professionally registered are women, representing EngTech, IEng or CEng

📊 For SoVT Student membership, women make up an encouraging 23% 

 These numbers matter — not because they tick a box — but because they represent capability, leadership, and talent entering (and reshaping) our profession.

  • You don’t need to come from a traditional engineering route.

  • You don’t need decades of experience.

  • You don’t need to “fit the mould.”

  • You need curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to contribute.

 Inclusive industries are stronger industries. When we widen the door, we widen the talent pool — and that benefits everyone.

 If you’ve ever thought vertical transportation wasn’t for you, this is your reminder:

It is. And there’s space for you here.

SoVT News

SoVT Annual Meeting

The Society of Vertical Transportation invites you to attend its Annual Meeting and technical seminar on 9 April 2026, to be held at CIBSE, 91-94 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QP from 16:30 to 19.00.

It’s an important opportunity to engage with the direction and development of the vertical transportation profession and will include an update on the Future Vision Survey of the SoVT.

After the AGM, there are technical presentations from leading experts starting at 5.30:

  1. Mass Migration of Lift Alarm Connections - Presenters: Mathew Davies & Chris Holmes

  2. Artificial Intelligence in Lift Systems - Presenter: Matthew Appleby

  3. BS 5655-11 – modification of existing lifts – draft for public comment  -Presenter: Nick Mellor

This is your chance to connect with fellow members and have your voice heard.

Book your ticket HERE.

SoVT Ken Dale Bursary

Want to study the high-speed lift systems inside Shanghai Tower, explore the vertical mobility solutions keeping Tokyo's ultra-dense districts moving, or investigate how the world's next generation of supertalls are rethinking people movement from the ground up?

The Ken Dale Travel Bursary was designed for engineers who want to bring world-class insights home - and share them with an industry that needs them.

SoVT members, up to £4,000 is available. Applications close 24 April. 🔗 Apply HERE.