Destination: interlift

Momentum builds for world’s leading lift industry trade fair in new Nuremberg, Germany, location. 

submitted by AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH

Since its beginnings in 1991, interlift has grown continuously and, with nearly 19,000 visitors from more than 110 countries, the event has cemented its status as the world’s leading trade show for the lift industry. Five hundred exhibitors helped shape the final edition in Augsburg, Germany, and are waiting in the wings for the Nuremberg premiere on October 14-17. But numbers alone are not enough to describe the most important platform for the global lift community.

interlift enables close encounters and in-depth insights, serving the important function of paving the way for industry newcomers to make valuable contacts. Massimiliano Petrolli, responsible for marketing at Munich-based lift door specialist Meiller, described the added value as follows:

“In an increasingly digital world, direct dialogue at trade fairs like interlift remains irreplaceable. No other event or communication platform enables such close encounters and in-depth insights. At the same time, the trade fair offers the opportunity to present products that require explanation in detail with direct dialogue.”

Informal encounters are what make interlift so appealing, Wittur Group Marketing Manager Federica Codalli observed, as it brings together lift component factories from all over the world. She said:

“It’s the informal encounters with industry players that make the real magic of the show. A chance encounter, an open and face-to-face conversation happens and suddenly the seeds of a groundbreaking connection are planted. Business collaborations that have influenced the market often didn’t start in the boardroom, but between glasses raised to toast at interlift.”

Important Driver for the Construction Industry and Smart Infrastructure

The professional sponsor of interlift is the Association for Lift Technology/VFA Interlift e.V. It brings together the interests of small and medium-sized lift and component manufacturers. Association Chairman Achim Hütter observed:

“Our industry is robust overall. Topics such as urbanization, accessibility and energy efficiency continue to drive strong demand. Despite geopolitical tensions and volatile supply chains, the industry remains an important driver for the construction industry and the development of smart infrastructures.”

Nuremberg: A More-Relaxed Hotel Situation

Association Deputy Chairman Michael Gubisch said interlift’s size and internationality position it as the global trade show for the lift industry. He expects more than just more modern infrastructure and a more relaxed hotel situation from the move to Nuremberg. “The excellent international connections will noticeably improve accessibility,” he said. The larger space, meanwhile, will create added value for everyone involved with more spaciousness and new services, he said. The change of location was discussed in advance with all important partners.

Even More International Appeal

Exhibitors also have high hopes for Nuremberg. Wittur’s Codalli, for example, believes the overall experience for exhibitors and visitors will be improved. “We also believe that the new location will contribute to an even more international flavor of interlift,” Codalli added. Petrolli from Meiller expects optimal conditions thanks to more functional space. “The Nuremberg exhibition center presents itself as an ultra-modern venue with well thought-out logistics and optimal connections,” Petrolli continued.

Great Interest in the New Nuremberg Venue

interlift Project Manager Michael Löffler confirmed the great interest in the new location. He said more than 50 companies have already traveled to Nuremberg to get an impression of the new home of the trade show. “Naturally, the opportunity was also taken to familiarize interested parties with other advantages of the location by taking short tours through the picturesque old town,” Löffler said. At the exhibition center, interlift will span Halls 1, 3, 3A, 3C, 4 and 4A. It will be accessed via the Eingang Mitte (Central Entrance — for public transport travelers) and the Eingang Ost (East Entrance — for individual travelers).

Broad Spectrum of Visitors

The results of the last visitor survey paint an impressive picture of interlift. They show: 

• 84% of visitors have procurement expertise
• 9% of visitors come from North and South America, 71% from Europe, 3% from Africa and 16% from Asia/Australia
• The top three areas of interest are lift components, doors and lift systems. Controls/regulators, cabins and safety technology are also very popular.
• The top three industries among visitors were lift construction, maintenance/repair and installation. However, lift technology, mechanical engineering and trade were also widely represented.
• 92% rated the program as very good to satisfactory — an increase of nine points versus the previous event.
• A total of 93% confirmed a positive overall impression.
• At 92%, the recommendation rate and the intention to return are only slightly lower.

Key Dates and Visitor Services

The next interlift will take place on October 14-17 at Nürnberg Messe. Nuremberg is easily accessible from all directions. Traveling by train is particularly environmentally friendly, with the underground taking travelers from the main station to the exhibition center in just 8 min. Nuremberg Airport offers numerous direct flight connections from all over Europe or worldwide via daily hubs in Amsterdam and Istanbul. For hotel bookings, there are booking portals for the Nuremberg Congress and Tourism Centre and the Nuremberg region. For further details about travel and accommodation, visit interlift.de/en/travel-accomodation and interlift.de/en.