The carabiners will click shut again in November and ropes will run through belay devices and trained hands: For the third time, vertical professionals will come together to share information, try out products and network at Friedrichshafen's trade fair for rope access technology, work at heights, climbing and bouldering halls as well as ropes courses and rescue at heights. "Vertical Pro combines a trade fair and a symposium, focusing on interdisciplinary exchange," explains Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen. "We are delighted to once again be able to bring the international field together at an authentic live location with numerous opportunities for demonstration and testing."

"Our long-standing partnerships underline the versatility of the operating ranges when working at heights," says show director Sharon Kommer, referring to the close cooperation with the German Alpine Association (DAV), the International Adventure Park Association (IAPA), the DRK Mountain Rescue Württemberg and the German Association for Rope Access (FISAT) as partners in the supporting program. "With this, the entire range of climbing and rope access technology will be presented in two halls at the Vertical Pro in November, not only in the exhibition area, but also in the professional forums." 

Varied route setting and expedition adventures

At "Halls & Walls," the DAV's climbing hall meeting at the Vertical Pro, operators of climbing halls and facilities can find out about the latest trends in climbing hold sets, wall elements, counter systems, and equipment. Whether static or dynamic moves, on big volumes or on micro crimps – climbing and bouldering is a multifaceted sport. As a result, the requirements for attractive and inclusive route setting are demanding and dynamic. "The DAV is looking forward to another edition of Halls and Walls as a platform for all topics in and around climbing and bouldering halls. In 2023, the focus will be on the topic of route setting, which is very important for climbing halls," says Dr Wolfgang Wabel, Head of the DAV's Mountain Sports Department. "The synergies offered by Vertical Pro complement the focus on topics beyond the "fringes" of climbing halls. Messe Friedrichshafen offers the usual excellent setting for this."

This year's summit of the "klettern" magazine on Friday, November 24, will focus on safety. With Robert Jasper, alpinist and world-leading extreme mountaineer as well as alpine guide and extreme mountaineer Dörte Pietron, the expert forum shines with adventurous personalities who not only provide insights into their recent expeditions, but also share their views on the topics of safety methods and routines as well as personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Professional work at heights and fall protection

Anyone who works at heights or has to overcome height differences not only needs high-quality equipment, but also practical and theoretical expertise. "In addition to the exhibitors, whose products and industry-specific expertise are tangible for everyone, an incredible transfer of knowledge and exchange takes place on the stages at Vertical Pro as well," says Sven Drangeid, head of the FISAT office. “There is always new input or something new to learn. We are delighted that FISAT can contribute to the supporting program in the third year of the trade fair again."

Adventure at Heights: IAPA Area

The International Adventure Park Association is also part of the show this year: "The IAPA has set itself the task of promoting and networking adventure parks worldwide and setting the highest standards in terms of safety, experience and environmental compatibility. By participating in Vertical Pro, we can offer a platform where our members, experts and interested parties can come together," says Philipp Strasser, Chair of IAPA. Specialists also provide information about new trends in the outdoor sector, inspection, maintenance, protection, certification and how to successfully handle the shortage of skilled workers. 

Mountain rescue and rescue from heights

Under the motto "Advancing safely – together into the future," the DRK Mountain Rescue Württemberg will present itself this year together with Tyromont, its co-exhibitor and partner for alpine rescue equipment. From recovery in rough terrain to rescue by helicopter, emergency medical services and nature conservation: At Vertical Pro, the experts of the mountain rescue services will address all facets of their field of work and provide insights into their daily work with live demonstrations and simulated rescue missions.

Demo + Test Area 

Climbing professionals can convince themselves of new equipment and product innovations directly on site with the exhibiting companies as well as in the demo and test areas. Available for workshops, product demonstrations and simulated rescue missions: Trussing system, climbing tree, turntable ladder, climbing and bouldering wall, ninja course, high-rope-course elements, and containers. Here, equipment can be tested individually, free of charge, extensively and in a realistic environment. 

Innovation and science

Young companies can benefit from the synergy effects of the trade fair. The start-up area in Hall B5 is therefore completely new this year. There, companies that are not older than 5 years have the opportunity to present themselves and their products to climbing experts and talk to experienced vertical professionals from various industries. Visitors to the Science + Research Hub can discover new projects, scientific findings and empirical surveys of universities and research groups that are relevant to the industry.

Opening hours and prices

Vertical Pro will take place in Friedrichshafen on November 24 and 25, 2023. Opening hours: Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day tickets are available online for 42 euros and 2-day tickets for 49 euros. The trade fair is aimed at manufacturers, associations, commercial users, organizations, gym and high ropes course operators, and specialized trade. Find more information under www.vertical-pro.de, on Instagram @verticalpro_official and #verticalpro.