August 27, 2026
- New hall layout creates short distances between application, testing area and professional exchange
- Professional area strengthens its profile with new and returning exhibitors
- Expert Forum makes its trade fair debut and enhances knowledge transfer and networking together with Women at Height
Friedrichshafen – More than just new holds: Vertical Pro 2026 is consistently developing its role as a platform for professional exchange, practice and innovation. On November 13 and 14, 2026, the international experts for rope access technology, working at height and rope rescue, climbing and bouldering gyms as well as high-rope courses will meet again at the Messe Friedrichshafen trade fair grounds. Around 200 exhibiting companies will present the latest products, services and applications in three exhibition halls.
"Since the last event, we have worked closely with our partners and exhibiting companies and are now translating their input into concrete measures. The result: more hands-on experience, more exchange and stronger links between the sports and professional sectors," explains show director Sharon Bareth. While Halls A5 and A7 with the Halls & Walls of the German Alpine Club will continue to serve as the central hub for topics related to climbing and bouldering facilities, Hall A6 will bring together professional applications and sports-focused providers. The new Expert Forum will complement the program with interactive presentations from exhibiting companies, fostering opportunities for dialogue.
New paths through the vertical industries
Vertical Pro 2026 is restructuring its subject areas to create greater clarity, highlighting connections that have long existed in practice. Hall A6 is at the center of these changes: Previously dominated by the professional sector, it will now also be open to exhibitors from the sports segment. The new layout reflects feedback from across the industry, recognizing that many companies develop products and solutions for both fields of application: for work at height, rescue operations and occupational safety as well as for the sports and climbing environment.
Professional and industrial segment gains profile
Vertical Pro is further strengthening its profile in the industrial and professional sectors, both through its exhibitor base and its network of partners. I.S.A.R. Germany is represented for the second time, and the German Firefighters' Union (DFeuG) is a new addition. The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is joining the event as a partner for the first time and is contributing its own content to the supporting program. The FISAT and FSBS industry associations will also contribute their expertise again. The exhibitor portfolio is further enhanced by renowned manufacturers and providers of safety-at-height and access solutions, including ABS, Petzl, Edelrid, DMM, Delta Plus, Kölner Seil Kommando, Ropesolutions, YOKE, Giga Safety, Line Grip and Oben.
Demo + Test Area remains a hub for practical experience
The Demo + Test Area remains one of Vertical Pro’s defining features, offering a unique opportunity to see, test and compare products, safety systems and working methods in a live environment. In Hall A6, the set-ups range from a high ropes course including platform, shaft, inclined surface, ascending ladders and climbing wall to climbing trees, trussing and a container tower. The first program elements offer a preview of the live activities on site: Thomas Wahls will showcase practical applications using trussing structures, while Max Olesko and Valentin Dresely will demonstrate techniques on climbing trees. I.S.A.R. Germany and Ropesolutions will present solutions and applications on the industrial platform. In Hall A5, the bouldering wall complements the Demo + Test Area with sporty application scenarios. In addition, Hall A5 will host a range of program features for the first time.
Expert Forum and specialized program bundle knowledge
With the introduction of the new Expert Forum, Vertical Pro 2026 is expanding its supporting program to include a dialogue format in Hall A6. Exhibiting companies will present specialist topics, applications and solutions with short product references in 20 to 30-minute slots. At the heart of the format is a concise and engaging exchange with a professional audience.
The rest of the program will be spread across the stage in Hall A6, the stage in the East Foyer and the conference area. Marco Einhaus will provide insights into the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (GDA) and Building Information Modeling (BIM), while Thomas Reykers from ABS will speak about the recognition of installation training programs and the 17235 standard. Max Olesko and Valentin Dresely will contribute hands-on sessions focused on tree care, while Rebekka Schütze will present practical formats centered on route setting. A separate focus is dedicated to the topic of inclusion in climbing. For example, the DAV with Judith Lattner, Anja Pinzel and Julius Kersher will be showing assisted-braking belay devices as well as climbing holds for inclusive route building. A second session led by Lattner and Pinzel will explore what climbing gyms can learn from inclusion and how this can translate into day-to-day operations. The non-profit organization "Ich will da rauf e.V." [I want to climb] will present its inclusive climbing concept in a workshop and raise awareness of barriers in everyday climbing gym operations, ranging from structural to language-related obstacles.
Established formats such as the Science + Research Hub, the Future Wall and the Job Market complement the supporting program. Women at Height will also continue, with a networking breakfast on Friday, a dedicated booth in Hall A6, a series of lectures and workshops, including with Janina Hintermeyer from IPAF.
Networking into the evening
When the exhibition booths close for the day, the conversation continues. The DAV Halls & Walls Get-together will take place on the Friday of the fair from 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the DAV booth in Hall A7. In addition, the After-Show Party in the East Foyer from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. invites you to continue networking, with a DJ, small dance floor, lounge areas well as food and drinks.
Further information and opening hours
Vertical Pro will take place in Friedrichshafen on November 13 and 14, 2026. It is open on Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free, camping facilities are available.
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 their own lake in the immediate vicinity of the airport as well as halls with hangar doors allow for a wide variety of potential uses.
Note to Editors: Characters (with spaces): 8879
