SLM World 2026

Sequel set to exceed the debut event.

by Anitha Raghunath and Raghu G

The success of a new event is obvious when visitors and exhibitors recommend the frequency for subsequent editions and suggest their preferred date options. The inaugural edition of Smart Lift and Mobility (SLM) World 2024, held from March 1-3 at Bangalore International Exhibition Center (BIEC), Bengaluru, comprising an International Exhibition, Interactive Summit, Dedicated Elevator Awards Ceremony and Elevator Safety Run, succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of members of the vertical-transportation (VT) industry and its allied sectors including real estate and architecture. 

SLM World 2024 witnessed several noteworthy launches and was a truly “experiential” expo with visitors queuing up to ride the elevators being demonstrated at various booths and feel the different options, including textured surfaces of the cabs and LOP/COP (Landing Operating Panel/Car Operating Panel) buttons with their hands. The multi-level layout enabled one to stand at a height and get an overview of the massive expo floor.  

VIP buyers had access to a select, “by-invitation-only” designated meeting zone; the “Buy Elevator Lounge” to interface and network with global industry leaders and transact business in a conducive environment. The Buyer-Seller Meet was quite impactful with substantial interactions. 

The sequel of this thoughtfully curated, multi-dimensional, integrated, comprehensive event is to be held from February 5-7, 2026, at the BIEC, Bangalore, Karnataka, and is set to exceed the inaugural edition. 

This integrated event provides opportunities for sectors such as smart car parking solutions, access control systems and gate boom barriers, positioning the Expo as a comprehensive showcase of next-generation mobility solutions. 

Exhibitors will have opportunities to demonstrate their innovations to a highly targeted audience of industry decision-makers, network with key stakeholders, including leading manufacturers, researchers and potential clients. The scope has further expanded to include sectors that are transforming the mobility landscape in India.

The Indian real estate sector has played an essential role in the country’s economic growth over the years. A report by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association (CREDAI) states the real estate sector is expected to touch the market size of US$1.3 trillion (13.8% of projected GDP) by FY 2034 and US$5.17 trillion (17.5% of projected GDP) by 2047. In addition, the report also projects a 7-crore additional housing demand by 2030. 

India’s urbanization rate has substantially increased and is expected to increase to 40% by 2030. It is foreseen that this rise in urbanization will lead to a surge in demand for housing, commercial and retail spaces and improved infrastructure facilities, thereby driving demand for elevators, escalators, mobility solutions and automation, powered by technology-driven solutions with AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) playing a key role.

Technology has been redefining real estate development, which is most visible in integrating VT comprising elevators, escalators and moving walks with building systems. Digitization enables VT to communicate intelligently with building management systems using IoT and cloud computing. From predictive analysis to proactive maintenance activities, the emphasis is on maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime. 

Enhanced safety and security are among the other significant benefits. Access control systems can ensure that only authorized people gain entry to earmarked areas like the lift lobby and the elevators themselves. Intelligent buildings are on the rise with smart homes, offices, hospitality, shopping, leisure and even parking spaces as a given. 

The resultant digital transformation has brought enormous innovation and integration of various systems, making access and people flow management a seamless experience and setting trends in how people move in buildings by facilitating inclusivity and mobility within the premises. 

Developers understand that high-performance buildings are critical to better customer retention, effective maintenance and lower operational costs. Innovative technology is continuously becoming a game changer in reshaping the real estate business, paving the way for the “buildings of the future.”

India is one of the key emerging economies in the Asia-Pacific region in the smart elevators market, owing to tremendous growth in the infrastructure and cohesive government policies. 

SLM World 2026 will take forward this futuristic vision by once again facilitating buyers and stakeholders with a dedicated and customized platform to witness and source the latest products and solutions for their building access and people flow management needs. 

The second edition of this path-breaking event will showcase the technological and digital advancement and integration between building access and people flow management, and most importantly focusing on accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability. The expo will showcase smart technologies and products ranging from the latest in lift and escalators, building access systems, home lifts and parking solutions to various mobility solutions.

It will be a convergence point for VT industry OEMs, component manufacturers, real estate developers, architects and other stakeholders to interact and chart a blueprint for elevating existing benchmarks to much higher levels.