LIFTEX 2025 Exhibitor Briefing

Meeting provides important details for June event — set to be the biggest LIFTEX ever.

On 11 February, exactly four months ahead of LIFTEX 2025, the LIFTEX team held an in-person briefing at ExCeL London. The briefing was meant to assist exhibitors, particularly first-time exhibitors, who might find the exhibitor manual overwhelming. It was a chance for organisers and exhibitors to meet in person and an opportunity to ask questions related to the planning of one’s booth.

The meeting room, on the second floor overlooking the Docklands, was full well ahead of the official starting time of 11.30. Registration opened from 11.00, and refreshments were available as participants mingled and took the opportunity to catch up with friends from the industry. Many people stated they were looking forward to listening to all the information and understanding more about what they needed to do, and when. It was also mentioned that it would be useful to hear the various questions of others.

Representatives from key contractors were also in attendance, providing an excellent opportunity to ask questions of them directly. The following companies were represented: Creative Live (stand fitting, electrics, carpets and furniture), DSV (lifting and freight forwarding), DB Pixel House (audio visual) and ExCeL hospitality (catering). 

This was the third time LIFTEX held such an in-person event. Although LIFTEX 2025 has been preceded by two online briefings (both during 2024), this in-person event was very well attended. Up to a quarter of the exhibitors were represented, totalling more than 50 people.

Oliver Greening, event director, kicked off the meeting by reiterating the gathering’s purpose and encouraging everyone to ask questions. Stephen Ingram, sales manager, then shared that the show is completely sold out, and he is still receiving enquiries about participating. LIFTEX 2025 is the biggest the show has ever been. There are 104 confirmed exhibitors, of which 21 are exhibiting for the first time. The exhibitors represent 12 countries, and the total-sold exhibition space is 2,780 m² (compared to 2,570 m² in 2022). 

Marisa Beckman, operations manager, presented next. She mentioned that the full exhibitor manual is now available online in each exhibitor’s E-zone. She also introduced key suppliers present at the event, all of whom were ready to answer any questions. Beckman highlighted key deadlines and reminded everyone about the limited time available for both buildup and breakdown, asking everyone to bear this in mind when planning their booths. She also said that LIFTEX aims to reduce single-use materials to less than 5%. She added that, if material cannot be reused, then exhibitors should try to make it recyclable.

There were three things Beckman wanted all exhibitors to remember: 

• Read the manual.
• Keep deadlines in mind.
• Do not panic.

If an exhibitor has any questions, Beckman is available and aims to answer all emails within 24 h. 

For the first time, LIFTEX is offering private meeting rooms free of charge with approximately 40 slots available over the event’s two days on a first-come, first-served basis.

Charlotte Aldiss, marketing manager, and Emma Mackley, public relations and social media manager, then presented on the marketing of the event. They encouraged all exhibitors to make the most of the free marketing tools available to them. New this year are a monthly LinkedIn newsletter, as well as a personal URL registration page, i.e., a chance for each company to invite their customers. There is also an easy “60-s interview,” where you answer a few questions online and upload a photo. This information will then be included by the marketing team in the marketing communications. There are also many other free resources available: promotional A5 flyers, e-flyers, LIFTEX logos, personalised email banners and social media banners. Aldiss and Mackley also reminded everyone to follow LIFTEX and tag them on social media using hashtag #Liftex2025 (X: @Liftexshow; LinkedIn: LIFTEX 2025; Instagram: LIFTEX Show).

Greening finished the presentations by talking about the seminar programme that takes place on both days of the event. The programme is led by Lift & Escalator Industry Association, and this year, the focus will be Building Safety plus the latest updates on standards and other regulations. The seminars are usually very well attended. 

After 45 min of presentations, there was a light buffet lunch including wraps, salad and snacks provided by ExCeL hospitality. During this time, it was possible to ask questions of the suppliers and organisers. 

One participant, David Simoes from Dewhurst, said he thought the briefing was a very good one, and the event really becomes the kick-off for them in terms of planning. Another participant, Andrew Saltmarshe from Garan Elevator Load Weighing Systems, mentioned he had solved two “headaches” after speaking to the contractors.

Shaun Roberts from DB Pixel House said the briefing proved a good opportunity for exhibitors to ask questions and for contractors and organisers to give them advice. This feeling was echoed by many of the participants your author spoke to during the event. The open forum was very much appreciated. 

There were quite a few participants who had exhibited at LIFTEX previously. Many participants expressed that the briefing acts as a good reminder, and a chance to meet other people from the industry. 

Although two participants from Jackson Lifts had arrived by cable car, travelling across the river from Charlton, other participants had travelled somewhat further to be part of the event, with one representative travelling specially from Italy. 

Ingram reiterated that LIFTEX is the only lift industry show in the U.K., and as it only takes place every three years, it is great to see this kind of briefing so well attended and for people to meet each other in person. 

All the slides from the day’s presentations were to be shared with all exhibitors via email as not everyone could participate. 

LIFTEX takes place at ExCeL London, 11-12 June. The LIFTEX floor plan is live