interlift 2023 in Short

Hello to everyone,

I would like to try and interpret the interlift Expo, which is the center of attraction for the entire lift industry. You will be able to read a more extensive and comprehensive article about the expo in the next issue of ELEVATOR WORLD Türkiye.

On the way to the expo, the problems experienced in the visa-obtaining process due to late delivery of visas after the appointment and application, and even the fact that people who had repeatedly visited and left the country received a visa rejection from the consulate, brought woes to the fore. For those with visas, there were other problems … The troubles that began at the Munich Airport demonstrate how difficult Germany was as an organization. Waiting at the passport control desk for about an hour was a strain on patience. Not to mention the extremely challenging questions …

It was again the booths of Turkish companies that made the exhibition hall a sensation. From Hall 1 to Hall 7, 59 registered companies not only displayed great attentiveness to their visitors but also successfully promoted their products, as well as Türkiye. Compared to last year’s expo organization, this year’s expo was held in a truly expo-like atmosphere, attracting many more visitors. However, visitors from war-torn Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East who could not get visas were unfortunately not able to visit this year’s expo. 

After all, interlift Expo is the meeting hub of the industry and is a very productive event both for displaying products and for seeing the new products emerging in Europe. The interlift Expo is definitely the right place to make sales, especially to the “Nordic” Scandinavian countries. The industry rules in these countries are also particularly helpful in terms of encouraging our companies to improve themselves.

I noticed that all visitors were pleasantly impressed by the variety of products, designs and advancements presented at the Turkish booths. Some of our companies even took a visionary step ahead and exhibited their products through virtual reality goggles. Our freight lifts, panoramic lifts, control systems, complete package lifts and accessible systems were among the product groups that were highly admired. In fact, it was a source of pride that the only operational escalator on display at the expo belonged to a Turkish company. I was delighted to witness that we are now in a position to easily compete against Europe. 

The only real power European companies have at their disposal is “brand” perception, thanks to the familiarity they have cultivated over the years. If our companies succeed in advancing further without compromising performance, we may soon begin to easily see our own brands in the European lift industry. Once we master documentation and after-sales services, we will be able to provide much faster service to European countries. Making a sale does not just end with shipping the product. You must also be able to support the products you sell.

The expo also had particular importance for me, as it was the last one to be held in Augsburg following the recent decision to move interlift to Nuremburg. It was quite emotional to say goodbye to this expo in Augsburg, which I have attended many times both as an exhibitor and as a visitor with different companies throughout my career spanning more than 30 years in the industry. We have numerous memories on the streets of Augsburg with many of our friends. These memories will keep the past alive.

See you at Messe Nürnberg in 2025 …