November 19, 2025
Routes are being set, ropes tensioned, gear checked: The fifth edition of the Vertical Pro is about to begin. From November 21 to 22, 2025, Messe Friedrichshafen will become the international platform for rope access technology, working at height and rescue, climbing and bouldering halls, as well as high ropes and forest ropes courses. Together with the renowned industry get-together "Halls & Walls" of the German Alpine Club (DAV), the trade fair shows the whole variety of work at height.
A prime example of this variety is the Start-up Area, in which 37 young businesses present their developments and concepts for work, safety and sports in the vertical world. "Vertical Pro has established itself as a key fixture in the trade fair calendar. As a central platform for the vertical industry, it sets key impulses for the market, knowledge transfer and new collaborations," says Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen.
Project manager Sharon Kommer adds: "With around 200 exhibiting companies from 30 nations, a specialist program with over 100 hours of lectures, workshops and live demonstrations plus numerous product innovations, we are showing how dynamic and innovative the vertical industry is – both in sports and professional applications."
"Halls & Walls": Expertise and industry networking with the DAV
As a long-standing partner of Vertical Pro, the German Alpine Club (DAV) is once again shaping a central part of the trade fair with "Halls & Walls". The accompanying program of lectures, workshops and panel discussions offers space for exchange and knowledge transfer within the climbing and bouldering hall industry, addressing topics such as hall safety, route setting or professional training. In Halls A7 and A5, companies will present their innovations in wall construction, hold design, training systems and gym management.
Innovative AI solution for climbing sports
One of these innovative companies is Lizcore from Spain. The start-up is developing a digital ecosystem for climbing gyms that connects operators, brands, route setters and climbers on one platform. With the new upgrade to its "Safety Gate" system, Lizcore adds an AI-supported module for auto-belay devices, enabling the transition from passive to active safety. Through intelligent maintenance control and real-time monitoring, it helps make climbing both safer and more interactive. "With the 'Safety Gate', we are opening a new chapter in indoor climbing. Our goal is to combine safety, technology and the climbing experience and to further develop the future of climbing together with the international community," says Edgar Casanovas, founder and CEO of Lizcore. Live demonstrations will take place on both days of the trade fair.
Intelligent safety systems for climbing applications
ipf electronic GmbH is also focusing on smart safety systems for climbing sports. This year, the company is making its debut at Vertical Pro, presenting "BelayCheck", an innovative warning system for use in climbing gyms. "BelayCheck automatically detects whether climbers are correctly hooked in when using auto-belay climbing systems and immediately issues visual and acoustic warnings if the safety connection is missing. This significantly helps raise safety standards in indoor climbing and reduce the risk of serious accidents – without requiring additional staff,” says Gülcan Aydin of ipf electronic. Interested parties can get an idea of the range of features at the climbing wall in Hall A6 on Friday and Saturday.
Fast and safe rescue: Experience CatchPack live
When every second counts in the field, every move matters. For situations like these, ropesolutions has developed the "CatchPack". It's a knot-free fall protection system specifically designed to meet the needs of fire departments and rescue services. The system enables reliable and intuitive use, making it ideal for time-critical missions. "With 'CatchPack', we offer a safe and robust fall protection system without unnecessary frills," explains Marco Lechmann from ropesolutions. "During our live demos, visitors can experience the ease of use and the well-thought-out design for themselves." Live demos will take place at the platform in the Demo + Test Area in Hall A6 on both days of the trade fair.
International aid in action: I.S.A.R. Germany at Vertical Pro
I.S.A.R. Germany (International Search and Rescue), a globally recognized organization specializing in disaster-area search and rescue operations, will be represented at Vertical Pro for the first time. The team of experienced specialists is part of the United Nations' international disaster relief operations. At the trade fair, the height rescue team from I.S.A.R. Germany will demonstrate how people can be safely rescued from difficult terrain and how rescue dogs are lowered from heights to locate missing persons in inaccessible areas. "With our demonstrations, we aim to showcase what modern height rescue is capable of today. At the same time, we look forward to exchanging ideas with professionals and sharing our commitment to international aid with a broad audience,” says Gerd Federer, recovery specialist and SRHT instructor at I.S.A.R. Germany. The demonstrations will take place on Friday at 12:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.
"Women at Height" – two days of networking, expertise and visibility
The "Women at Height" network format is back this year with its own booth, complete with stage and lounge area in Hall A6, present on both days of the event. Women from the fields of rescue, industrial climbing, tree care, route setting and climbing gym management will report on their everyday work and give insights into their experiences and challenges at height. The program invites all trade fair visitors to get to know new perspectives and talk to the female experts.
Outlook: Expansion of the professional sector in 2026
The Vertical Pro is looking ahead and opening a new chapter for the industry: Starting in 2026, the Professional sector will expand to include the topic of "Vertical work at height amid natural hazards". The aim is to foster exchange between professional groups dealing with natural hazards and complex working environments at height.
This year's kick-off will take place with an introductory session between 3 and 4 p.m. on Friday, where Carsten Beinhoff (Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture) and Marco Einhaus (Technical University TU Munich) will discuss the specific challenges of these work situations together with the Gütegemeinschaft Hang- und Felssicherung e.V. The event is aimed at all interested parties and free of charge for Vertical Pro visitors.