Training at VERTICON 2026: Why Elevations courses matter As VERTICON 2026 approaches, you may notice a category in the registration system labeled “Elevations” and wonder what it includes. Formerly known as Professional Development Courses, or PECs, Elevations are VERTICON’s in-depth, preconference training courses, designed for professionals looking for focused learning before the exhibit hall opens. VERTICON 2026 takes place Mar. 9–12 (exhibits open Mar. 10–12) in Atlanta, Georgia. Offered by VAI, Elevations courses take place in the days leading up to the conference and are structured as half-day, full-day, or multiday sessions. These are full courses, not short briefings or introductory sessions, and they are intended to give participants dedicated time to explore operational and safety topics in depth. Elevations courses are built around real-world applications. They allow participants to engage directly with experienced instructors, work through scenarios, and share perspectives with peers from across the industry, creating a learning environment that supports practical takeaways and informed discussion. Why Register Elevations courses are a great opportunity to invest in professional development ahead of the conference. Companies may choose to send employees to courses that align with their operational needs, helping reinforce shared practices and expectations across teams. Because the courses are offered before the exhibit hall opens, participants can dedicate time to learning without competing demands from meetings or floor traffic. Registration for an Elevations course also includes complimentary access to the VERTICON 2026 exhibit hall, allowing attendees to combine structured training with time to engage exhibitors and industry peers throughout the week. Some Featured Courses for 2026 The Elevations program includes a wide range of course options, allowing organizations to tailor training to specific roles and mission profiles. Among the courses drawing strong interest for 2026 are several new and updated offerings: SAR in Action: Building Real-World Response Capabilities This course will focus on the realities of modern search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, including mission planning, crew coordination, situational awareness, and decision-making in dynamic environments. The course is led by a panel of experienced, active SAR instructors, bringing real-world operational experience and current perspectives into the classroom. Accident Prevention and Safety Management System Implementation in the Real World This course will examine practical approaches to accident prevention and safety management, with an emphasis on building and applying a safety management system that fits the needs, size, and operating environment of individual organizations. Maintenance Check Flight Training Course This course will address the planning, coordination, and operational considerations unique to maintenance check flights, with relevance for both pilots and maintenance personnel involved in these specialized operations. The IIMC Course for Pilots and Managers (2 Days) This course will center on recognizing, preventing, and responding to inadvertent IMC, offering perspectives applicable to both flight crews and operational leaders. All This and More These courses represent only a portion of the Elevations offerings available for VERTICON 2026, with additional topics spanning operations, safety, leadership, and technical disciplines. Elevations courses set the stage for a strong start to VERTICON 2026—see you in Atlanta this March!
