Vertical Pro provides platform for climbing professionals

From adventure parks to rescue organizations and boulder walls: On November 25 and 26, 2022, the specialist trade show for the indoor and outdoor climbing industry, rope access, and safety technology will commence once more at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen, Germany. “After a successful premiere in 2021, the second edition of the Vertical Pro as a central platform for work at height and sport climbing, will once again bring together professionals from every vertical application area. It will afford them an opportunity to meet and exchange notes on current topics, trends, and developments both within and across sectors,” explained Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen.

In cooperation with the German Alpine Association (DAV), the International Adventure Park Association (IAPA), and other partners including the German Association for Rope Access (FISAT), the alpine rescue service of the Württemberg regional association of the German Red Cross, and – for the first time – the working group for rescue from heights of the fire departments of the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Vertical Pro will display the entire spectrum of rope access techniques and technologies in two exhibition halls. “From sustainability in climbing, to social media strategy, to rescue from heights and depths, there will be a huge variety of interesting new topics to discover this year,” says project manager Annika Raff. “The comprehensive program including lectures and workshops, and the Demo + Test Area will top off the two-day expo.”

Diversity in routesetting and climbing gyms: DAV-Climbing hall meeting Halls & Walls 

There is no question that climbing has become a popular recreation and sport, especially now that it has been introduced as an Olympic discipline. However, behind the trendy sport lies an industry of diverse professions, from route setting, climbing hold production and climbing gym management, to the development and sales of indoor, outdoor, and safety equipment, all the way to training sport climbers, whether amateur or competitive. At the ‘Halls & Walls’ specialized dealers and discriminating consumers can discover and discuss the latest trends and innovations in climbing and bouldering facilities.

As a recognized nature conservation organization, the German Alpine Association (DAV) campaigns for the preservation of nature and the environment – with regard not only to the outdoor climbing segment but also to the operation of climbing and bouldering gyms. “Our program of lectures at this year’s Vertical Pro places a clear emphasis on sustainability. Energy conservation and climate protection measures are indispensable for reaching sustainability goals, as are social and economic aspects,” said Elias Hitthaler, DAV expert on climbing gyms. In forums and panel discussions, experts will be providing information on corporate responsibility, health, and diversity in routesetting and in climbing operations. 

Safety at height: FISAT and IAPA

Climbing and safety equipment is relevant not only in the area of sport climbing. Other professions whose workplaces are high up in the air include industrial climbers, rescue climbers, arborists, and high ropes course operators. The Vertical Pro will exhibit a diverse range of rope access and safety technology and products for professional and commercial applications. In addition, it will provide a platform for the climbing sector (both indoors and outdoors) to exchange its professional expertise. Once again, the FISAT will be supplying useful expert input in the lecture program.

The International Adventure Park Association will also be returning, with Philipp Strasser, board chairman of the IAPA, looking forward to the event this fall, saying, “The Vertical Pro is a chance to get together and exchange notes for workers from the areas of high ropes courses, safety and inspection, production and construction.” In the IAPA area, experts will be giving talks on topics such as the care and maintenance of wooden structural elements, social media marketing strategies, and the impact of climate change on trees in high ropes courses. Furthermore – whether an innovative climbing harness, a safety mechanism for carabiners, or an app for inspection and maintenance – the IAPA Innovation Awards will be given at the Vertical Pro for particularly promising and visionary developments in the high ropes and adventure course segment.

The rescuers: in the mountains and at height

They come to the rescue when things go badly in rough terrain: Regardless of the weather, the alpine rescue service always answers the call when someone is in trouble in the mountains or forests. At the Vertical Pro, the alpine rescue service of the Württemberg regional association of the German Red Cross will provide demonstrations and emergency response simulations to offer insight into their rescue work at height and from the air. A premiere this year: the working group for rescue from heights of the fire departments of the state of Baden-Württemberg will be in attendance for the first time, explaining the differences between fall protection, simple and special rescue from heights and depths.

Putting equipment to the test in the Demo + Test Area 

Climbing professionals can take the latest equipment and product innovations for a test drive at the booths of the exhibitors as well as the Demo + Test Areas. A trussing system, turntable ladder, bouldering wall, high ropes course elements and containers will be available for workshops, product demonstrations, and emergency response simulations – the perfect set-up for thorough and realistic tryouts of equipment, from climbing shoes to safety harnesses and rope winches. 

The second Vertical Pro will take place on November 25 and 26, 2022, in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Opening hours: Friday, 25 Nov, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 26 Nov, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available online: single-day for 40 euro, and two days for 47 euro. This specialist trade fair is targeted at manufacturers, associations, commercial users, organizations, operators, professional-level consumers, and specialized trade.