Highlights of Vertical Pro 2025: Powerful Voices and Innovative Impulses

• Women at Height creates space for exchange and visibility – experts from climbing sports, rescue services and industrial climbing share experiences, knowledge and inspiration
• The sports sector contributes insights on safety, leadership and inclusion – with fresh perspectives from both practice and research
• At the Professional Area and the Future Wall, the spotlight will be on presentations covering technical innovations, rescue strategies and sustainable solutions for working at height

Friedrichshafen – When the doors to Vertical Pro open on November 21 and 22, 2025, Messe Friedrichshafen will once again become the meeting point for the international rope access and climbing community. For two days, experts from the climbing, rope access, mountaineering and occupational safety sectors will come together to explore the latest trends, network and share knowledge. This year, special attention is being given to the lecture and supporting program, which promises fresh inspiration and fascinating insights. "In 2025, our program is more diverse and distinguished than ever before. We bring together voices from climbing, rope access, mountaineering and occupational safety – offering unique inspiration for the entire vertical community,” project manager Sharon Kommer emphasizes.

Women at Height: Female experts share their perspectives from above

One of the outstanding voices this year is renowned volcanologist and photographer Ulla Lohmann, who will enrich the program with two lectures and an exhibition of her expedition photography. In her keynote "Journey to the Centre of the Earth," she recounts her expeditions into active volcanoes. In her second talk, "Reaching new heights as a woman. A life spent on and dedicated to expeditions – even with a child?" she explores the balance between family life and adventures. "At just 19, I dreamed of venturing into the depths of an active volcano. Many years later, I made that dream a reality, standing 600 meters deep inside the Earth. Today at Vertical Pro, I’m showing how dreams like these can come true, despite setbacks, and just how powerful big dreams can be. At the same time, I want to show that adventure, family and responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive but can go hand in hand with courage, passion and good planning," says Ulla Lohmann. With this message, Lohmann also creates a connection to the networking format Women at Height, which will take place for the second time in 2025. Here, female experts working at height share insights into their daily professional lives, exchange experiences and create space for dialogue and inspiration. 

Also contributing to Women at Height is professional route setter and journalist Alexandra Schweikart, who will host expert talks with women from various fields on both days of the trade fair. On Friday, the spotlight will be on rescue operations with Pauline Sänger from DRK Bergwacht (German Red Cross Mountain Rescue) and industrial climbing with Stephanie Kleisser (blauschnur seiltechnik GmbH). On Saturday, the program continues with insights into tree care from Vicki Tough and Sylvana Alta, as well as climbing gym management with Judith Günther (DAV Climbing Center Reutlingen). The open-format session "Women at Height Open Talk" will focus on the topic of retaining female employees. Moderated by Sarah Burmester, the session invites participants to share their experiences and collaboratively develop solutions. In addition, there will be hands-on "Meet the Expert" sessions, where specialists like Elena Fergnani (Edelrid) and Ronja Brinkmann (Petzl) will answer questions, ranging from tailored protective equipment to current industry topics. 

Sporty segment: Focus on the DAV and inclusion

In 2025, the German Alpine Club (DAV) is again the official partner of Vertical Pro and will contribute to the sport climbing program with its Halls & Walls format. Gym manager Rebekka Schütze shares insights into the unique challenges of leadership roles in climbing gyms and highlights how managers can realistically assess and effectively leverage the skills of their team members. Another key focus is presented by Dr. Tanja Ganz and Lorenz Berker, who unveil the findings of a recent survey on the use of auto-belay devices. "Auto-belay devices have now become a standard feature in many climbing gyms. They allow climbing without a belay partner and are therefore very popular. However, our analysis also reveals that critical incidents continue to occur. In our presentation, we will outline the conclusions drawn from these findings and share the DAV's recommendations for safe operation,” explains Elias Hitthaler from the German Alpine Club (DAV). 

In addition, the DAV is introducing the new "Bouldering Certificate for Children and Teenagers" – a two-step check system designed to help minimize injury risks and support smooth sports operations. Another highlight of the DAV program is the Routesetting Roundtable, where experts such as Peter Zeidelhack and Julius Kerscher engage in collegial discussions on experiences and best practices. The sporty program is rounded off by two program items on the topic of inclusion. With "Creating Access – Routes That Connect“ the DAV shows how inclusive route setting promotes diversity on climbing walls. Furthermore in a presentation titled "More than Just Sport: the Influence of Climbing on Self-Confidence, Participation and Inclusion" Marc Böhme (German Sport University Cologne) discusses key findings from a recent study and showcases the Buddy Climbing project, which demonstrates how shared climbing experiences can break down barriers and promote inclusion in practice.

Professional segment: Safety, technology and rescue

Vertical Pro also offers valuable insights and opportunities for visitors from professional and industrial sectors. Numerous presentations will focus on practical safety measures, technical innovations and rescue concepts. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marco Einhaus from the TU Munich Technical University talks about the safe installation of photovoltaic systems and then leads a panel discussion with Carsten Beinhoff (Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture), Peter Zeidelhack (DAV), Peter Biegel (FISAT) and Hans-Christian Meyer (FSBS). Together, they will discuss how the organization of rope-based rescue operations can be further improved in the future. "Rescue is a complex system that only works when procedures are realistically planned and regularly practiced. In the discussion, we aim to show how responsibilities and communication among all involved parties can be seamlessly coordinated – so that in an emergency, every move is spot-on," says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marco Einhaus.

In his presentations, Thomas Reykers of ABS Safety GmbH emphasizes the critical role of proper documentation in occupational safety and how well-crafted assembly instructions can be life-saving. He also explores the "History of Permanent Anchorage Devices," tracing their journey from personal protective equipment to certified construction products – with a forward-looking view on the new harmonized EN 17235 standard, a key milestone for the industry.

Tree care is also part of the supporting program: In a hands-on workshop, Max Olesko and Valentin Dresely demonstrate the use of friction hitches in rope techniques, directly on the tree. They illustrate the function, benefits and risks of this traditional technique and invite participants to engage in a hands-on dialogue. For fire departments and rescue organizations, the team from ropesolutions is presenting a new type of fall protection system – catchpack® – which operates entirely without knots. The system saves valuable time, simplifies handling and significantly enhances safety during operations.

The professional segment is rounded off by contributions from Thomas Wahls, who shares his expertise in multiple sessions. In his presentations, he examines both the current state of winch use in rope-based systems and the opportunities and limitations of small rope diameters. This is complemented by a hands-on workshop at the trussing setup in Hall A6, where visitors can test the systems themselves and exchange insights directly with the expert.

Future Wall: Sustainability at a glance

Exhibiting companies showcase innovative and sustainable approaches to climbing at the Future Wall. Here, they present projects, services and innovations focused on environmentally conscious practices, offering insights into sustainable concepts in the industry. This gives visitors a concise overview of the current state of technology and practical solutions for greater sustainability at height. The exhibition is further enriched by the panel discussion "Climbing for a Better Future – How the Climbing Industry Can Help to Reduce Social Inequalities." "Under the title "Climbing for a Better Future," we’re creating a platform to collectively rethink the future of climbing. Associations, individuals and companies contribute their perspectives – from fair production and inclusion to responsible business models. At Vertical Pro, we’re creating a space for connection, dialogue and concrete action. “Let’s do good – and talk about it,” says Linus Peter, host of the panel discussion and managing director of KAEMP 8848.

Opening hours and prices 

Vertical Pro will take place in Friedrichshafen on November 21 and 22, 2025. Opening hours: Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available online only. Day tickets are available for 44 euros and 2-day tickets cost 52 euros. 

Vertical Pro Homepage: www.vertical-pro.de
Follow on Instagram: @verticalpro_official

Press contact:

Emil Weikinn, Manager Media Relations
Phone: +49 7541 708-308
E-Mail: emil.weikinn@messe-fn.de

About Vertical Pro

Vertical Pro brings together all height professionals – from both the sports and professional sectors. The trade fair presents topics for operators of high-rope courses, climbing gyms and bouldering halls, people working at height, rescue and aid organizations. The focus is primarily on interaction: equipment such as ropes, climbing holds or carabiners as well as safety systems can be tested and compared in the Demo and Test area. The supporting program offers a wide range of opportunities for knowledge building and inspiration. The concept focus of Vertical Pro creates new synergies for sporting and industry climbers, providing the ideal meeting point for exchanging ideas across industry and country borders. 

About Messe Friedrichshafen

Messe Friedrichshafen GmbH is one of Germany's leading trade fair companies and is based on Lake Constance at the nexus of four different countries. Founded in 1950 to promote the region's economy, it has made a name for itself worldwide as an organizer and marketer of leisure and trade fairs. Congresses, corporate and sporting events as well as TV productions and live concerts complement the broad portfolio. Every year, Messe Friedrichshafen attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and thousands of exhibiting companies from more than 100 countries to Lake Constance. A total of 87,500 m² of exhibition space spread over twelve exhibition halls and two multipurpose foyers as well as the two open spaces in the inner courtyard of 15,500 m² and the static display of 20,000 m² offer unique possibilities for eventful trade fair days. The compact exhibition grounds with its own lake in the immediate vicinity of the airport as well as halls with hangar doors allow for a wide variety of potential uses.