Popular expo changes hands, education kicks off, and Olympics affiliation shows support.

IEE Expo Sold

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of global trade fair organizer Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, has acquired the International Elevator and Escalator (IEE) Expo from Virgo Communications and Exhibitions. The acquisition further broadens Messe Frankfurt’s participation in the building-technology sector, marking the 20th event the Indian subsidiary organizes.

Wolfgang Marzin, President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, explained:

“The IEE Expo is the only dedicated show focusing on [the] elevators and escalators market in India, making it an important addition to our portfolio of business-to-business fairs. This acquisition allows us to strengthen our position in the building-technology sector, and we are excited about the new opportunities this will create for our growth.”

The IEE Expo is considered by Messe Frankfurt and Virgo as the fourth-largest elevator and escalator fair in the world and is to continue to facilitate business and networking as a niche brand in the company’s Technology and Production segment. Both the organizers are to continue to work together closely to enhance the exhibition experience and ensure a seamless transition for its next iteration, to take place in 2018.

Anitha Raghunath, Virgo director, expounded:

“IEE Expo has been instrumental as a business growth and networking platform for the vertical-transportation industry in India. Having established a strong foothold in the industry, we believe we have found the right partners in Messe Frankfurt, [which]. . . can take the fair to greater heights. Virgo will provide full support to Messe Frankfurt, while continuing to focus on developing other potential markets like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and South Africa, for the benefit of our industry patrons in India, giving them an opportunity to expand their business to newer markets.”

CPD Seminars to Debut at LIFTEX 2016

The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) is planning a continuing professional development (CPD) seminar program focused on modernization during LIFTEX 2016 on May 25-26 in London. For the first time, seminar attendees can earn CPD credits. Topics include modernizing lifts for firefighters and understanding the implications of the new British safety regulations. LEIA Technical Director Nick Mellor states:

“This looks to be a challenging year for those involved in the design, manufacture, specification and management of lifts. With new regulations and standards coming into force, and many new developments in the industry, the pressure is on for professionals to keep up to date. The free program has been designed to address these issues, and offers straightforward information and guidance supported by interactive Q&A sessions.”

For a complete seminar itinerary, visit liftex2016.com.

Mitsubishi Electric Named Tokyo 2020 Partner

Mitsubishi Electric has been named a Tokyo 2020 Official Partner in “Elevators, Escalators & Moving Walkways,” joining approximately 30 other partners that are supporting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As an Official Partner, Mitsubishi Electric will “facilitate safe, secure and convenient movement of athletes and visitors alike” and, in turn, have the rights to use Tokyo 2020 logos and imagery.