August 27, 2025
Next hold, next step: Vertical Pro continues to be the go-to platform for the height industry, fostering exchange in knowledge, practice and innovation. On November 21 and 22, 2025, the international experts for rope access technology, working at height and rescue, climbing and bouldering gyms as well as high-rope courses will meet in Friedrichshafen. Around 200 exhibitors will showcase their innovations across three exhibition halls during the fifth edition of this trade fair, with highlights including a new hall layout, an expanded "Women at Height" format and a top-tier lecture program. "We offer more than just exhibition space. We listen closely to what our exhibitors need and translate those needs into new formats and optimized hall arrangements," says project manager Sharon Kommer. "That’s how Vertical Pro remains the meeting point where the height community continues to evolve."
New hall layout unites sport and professional sectors
For the first time, Vertical Pro will span three halls along the A-axis, introducing a fresh structure. Hall A7 will host the "Halls & Walls" platform by the German Alpine Association (DAV). Hall A6 will bring together the industrial sector and the centrally located Demo + Test area, while Hall A5 is also all about "Halls & Walls," featuring a bouldering block for hands-on testing. This new layout puts interaction front and center: the Demo + Test area becomes the heart of the fair, with exhibitors arranged around it. Start-ups will also have dedicated spaces: young companies from the sports sector will present their innovations in Hall A5 and companies from the professional sector in Hall A6.
Realistic training and equipment comparison
Hands-on testing remains a hallmark of Vertical Pro and will be even more diverse in 2025. A new platform extension to the high-rope course will cater specifically to industrial and rescue organizations. At a height of six meters, professionals will simulate emergency scenarios in front of the audience using various climbing and safety elements. The Demo + Test area, centrally located in Hall A6, will feature proven stations such as a container tower, turntable ladder, climbing tree, climbing wall and trussing system. The bouldering block will be located in Hall A5.
Two days dedicated to women in the height industry
Whether industrial climber, alpinist or route setter – the successful "Women at Height" networking format will now span both days of the fair, spotlighting the everyday work of women in the height professions. The diverse program of lectures, workshops and discussions is free of charge for all visitors. A highlight will be Ulla Lohmann, who will share her experiences as an expedition photographer and volcano researcher. Her talk "Journey to the Center of the Earth" offers behind-the-scenes insights into extreme expeditions and explores how to travel with family while conducting research. An exhibition about her expeditions will also be on display in Hall A6.
Expert insights and new evening formats
Across stages in Hall A6, the East Foyer and the conference area, trade visitors will find a wide range of lectures and workshops. Renowned speakers will address topics such as occupational safety, leadership and route setting. Alexandra Schweikart explains why ratings in climbing gyms are more than mere numbers and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marco Einhaus provides information on the safe installation of photovoltaic systems. Thomas Reykers from ABS Safety GmbH highlights the critical role of documentation, installation instructions and the development of permanent anchor systems. The expert highlights how these factors, caught between bureaucracy and practical application, ultimately determine safety and trust.
Friday evening offers space for both professional and personal exchange. At the DAV booth, the climbing gym community will gather, while the Reel Rock 18 film tour showcases four extraordinary climbing stories from Japan, Ukraine, Peru and Mallorca. Another highlight is the route setting showdown: In a moderated panel discussion, routes set by four route setters will be evaluated after being climbed by professionals earlier in the day. Relaxed networking lounges in the East Foyer will keep the fair buzzing until 10 p.m.
Special areas and services
Popular formats such as the Future Wall, the Science + Research Hub and the Job Market will also return. The Job Market will now also be open to rescue and aid organizations looking to recruit new members. Free parking and camping facilities on the exhibition grounds make visiting easy.