The gear is in place, all the lines are tied off and taut, and now nothing stands in the way of the Vertical Pro’s initial ascent to new heights. Heavyweights and newcomers to the indoor and outdoor climbing industry as well as the business of rope and safety engineering make up the core of the new trade fair event taking place in Friedrichshafen on 19 and 20 November 2021. “After more than a year without relevant face-to-face events, the Vertical Pro is an indispensable venue for interdisciplinary exchange. We are pleased to be able to offer an innovative live platform to all professionals of the ‘vertical’ industry”, says Messe Friedrichshafen Managing Director Klaus Wellmann. Project Manager Dirk Heidrich adds, “With 130 registered exhibitors in two exhibition halls, we currently are able to represent the entire spectrum of the vertical world. The comprehensive approach of the Vertical Pro consolidates the wide-ranging topics of climbing sports and professional work at height into one event for the first time.”

In partnership with the German Alpine Association (DAV), the climbing hall conference “Halls & Walls” will be a major component of the Vertical Pro: In Hall A7, many national and international companies exhibiting in the areas of climbing and bouldering walls, grips and handholds, accessories and software/hardware will be offering everything relating to the topic of climbing installations and route setting for installation operators, institutional facilities, sport venues and those working in related professions. In addition to global players and brands such as Edelrid, Skylotec, Petzl, La Sportiva, Black Diamond, Benky Climbing, Bänfer, T-Wall and DMM, start-ups and newcomers to the climbing scene will also be offering exciting products. In the Demo + Test Area, which includes a climbing wall and boulder block, the latest products and techniques can also be tried out, extensively tested and demonstrated directly on site.

Safely making their way to the top: athletes, mountaineers, climbers and all those who do their jobs at lofty heights will find just what they are looking for at the Vertical Pro. The products and services of the many exhibitors are used in both recreational and industrial climbing. The turntable ladder and practice tree will be used for technical and product demonstrations. Whether you are looking for tips on rope access techniques, tree care or rescue at heights, experts from the German Association for Rope Access (FISAT), the International Adventure Park Association (IAPA), Germany’s Employer’s Liability Insurance Association for the Construction Industry (BG Bau), Bergwacht Mountain Rescue Service and the Working Group for Rescue at Height will provide comprehensive advice and information on the subject of work and safety at heights.

Professionals coming together at eye level is what you can expect from the extensive Vertical Pro lecture programme, which offers a variety of panel discussions, keynote speeches and valuable opportunities for cross-industry exchange. Expert presentations and practical workshops in the IAPA Area in Hall B5 as well as Conference Centre East will provide trade visitors with an overview of the key players and trends in the adventure park industry. At the Vertical Pro, special innovations and developments will also get the chance to be honoured with an IAPA Innovation Award, which will be presented on the first evening of the fair. On both days of the fair, BG Bau’s Divisional Head Professor Marco Einhaus will be giving a talk on how to prevent accidents at work by using fall protection and anchoring devices. Whether in regard to tools, materials or creative processes, the DAV events will offer expert advice and information about important new ideas, particularly in the area of route setting. The speakers include Jan Zbranek, Chief Route Setter of the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC), who will be expounding on the topic of “Route Setting in Competitive Sports”. Another presentation on “Occupational Safety and Prevention” will be held by two experts on safe and healthy route setting, Alexander Reichart of Germany’s Employer’s Liability Insurance Association for the Administrative Professions and Julius Kerscher, a professional route setter and grip shaper. New trends and insights will be offered in cooperation with German trade magazine “KLETTERN”, and two blue-ribbon panels on the topics of “Indoor and Outdoor Equipment” and “Anchoring to Rock” will round out the supporting programme of the Vertical Pro.

The Vertical Pro will be held as a trade fair for the first time on 19 and 20 November 2021, in Friedrichshafen, where it will be subject to the venue’s proven Safety and Hygiene Concept.

INFO: Vertical Pro