Press releases

Industry innovation, interaction and the ultimate in machine technology heralded the return of this year's Platformers' Days, which took place for the second time at the Karlsruhe trade fair venue and attracted around 2,400 participants, including almost 1,500 trade visitors. The trade fair is the most important event in mobile lifting and height-access technology in the German-speaking region. More than 100 renowned manufacturers from nine countries presented their product ranges, from access platforms and cranes to the latest forklift innovations.

"For two days, the Karlsruhe technology region was a platform for technology transfer, innovative strength and exciting developments,” says Britta Wirtz, Managing Director of Messe Karlsruhe. “Platformers’ Days is a compact showcase for sustainable technical solutions.”

Olivia Hogenmüller, Team Leader Building and Environment, confirms this: "It is important for us to always be close to the market and respond to industry needs. Thus, we listened to the needs of exhibitors and visitors, and further developed the trade fair concept to make it even more professional and relevant. This was reflected in the range of exhibitors who used Platformers' Days to showcase their world premieres, making us even more proud that the industry calls Karlsruhe home."

Trade fair becomes a show of innovation

In addition to opening up new markets, the supporting programme of Platformers' Days is also to be further expanded. The special show "Electro Park" - where exhibitors can present their portfolio of quiet, economical and powerful machine technologies - is being relaunched and will now be supplemented by an expert panel. The platform thus serves the exchange and transfer of knowledge - also across sectors. There, companies can present their best practices in dealing with alternative forms of drive in order to counteract the reservations that still dominate in the industry with regard to, for example, performance and service life. One of the participants of the popular special theme area is Böcker. At the beginning of this year, the company launched the initiative "Böcker Goes Green" and expanded its product portfolio to include sustainable and alternative drives. "We firmly believe that the development of leading e-drive concepts in inclined lift and crane technology is groundbreaking and meets customer requirements. For example, we will be presenting the AK 48e at the trade fair, the first fully electric truck-mounted crane in steel and aluminium construction. We can best meet the emotions that this topic triggers, both positive and negative, in a physical presentation.

This gives us the opportunity to respond directly to enquiries about our technology and the associated concepts", explains Christoph Deuter, national sales manager at Böcker. The "Rough Terrain" special theme area, which was installed for the first time in 2021, will also be right in the middle of the action. It will be renewed with a professionalised show concept - including expert moderation - and will focus on tracked boom lifts. Participants in the Demo Area include Teupen, Rothlehner, Ruthmann, CMC and Hematec. The special theme area shows solutions to increasingly complex challenges in access to heights and gives the audience impulses on areas of application and possible uses in everyday working life.

Demand remains high

Already now - 10 months before Platformers' Days - 90 percent of the space in the outdoor exhibition area is occupied and bindingly booked: JCB, Sahalift, Multitel and Skyjack, among others, will be presenting themselves there. In Hall 1, which has been added as an exhibition area for Platformers' Days for the first time and covers a gross area of 12,500 m², Jekko Deutschland and Haulotte, for example, will be represented with large-scale indoor stands. Around two-thirds of all available space here has already been allocated or is on option. There is particularly great interest in the combined stands, which are being offered for the first time. These offer exhibitors the opportunity to present themselves with the live operation of their machine technology in the outdoor exhibition area as well as the electrified equipment or their service and financing offers in the hall area. Among others, Genie, Magni, Ahern, JLG and Hematec secured one of the highly demanded stands. Full space allocation will be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

In order to continue providing personal customer support and valued service quality even under continuous growth, Messe Karlsruhe is now broadening the "Construction and Environment" team comprising the two trade fairs RecyclingAKTIV & TiefbauLIVE as well as Platformers' Days. Senior Project Manager Olivia Hogenmüller's team welcomes Miso Maksimovic and Sandra Zabinski, who have been contributing to the project's success since this year. "Next year, with Platformers' Days, RecyclingAKTIV & TiefbauLIVE and NUFAM, we will be presenting an extensive portfolio of machinery and vehicle technology at the Trade Fair Centre Karlsruhe, which prompts us to increase our personnel resources and deploy them across projects," says Olivia Hogenmüller.

Karlsruhe, 11 September 2021 – “Live trade fairs are finally back”. That was the collective sigh of relief breathed by exhibitors, visitors and organisers alike following Platformers’ Days triumphant return. After a three-year forced break due to the pandemic, the leading trade fair for mobile lifting and height access equipment in Germany, Austria and Switzerland was finally held from 10 to 11 September 2021 at its new home at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. With everyone involved delighted to see old friends and business partners again, the event also marked the restart of live trade fairs in Karlsruhe. The 23,000 square metres of exhibition space was fully booked months in advance. Over 2,000 visitors attended Platformers’ Days’ debut in Karlsruhe, along with 100 exhibitors from ten countries, all eager to present their latest products, machines and devices in mobile lifting and height access equipment. The event was supported by the IPAF as its conceptual partner, alongside the bbi, VDBUM and BSK associations. It was also sponsored by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism.

Excellent feedback from visitors

Those attending Platformers’ Days at its debut in Karlsruhe were overwhelmingly industry visitors (98 per cent), including many decision makers (70 per cent business owners, executives or managers). 35 per cent of visitors had travelled over 300 kilometres to attend, with many coming all the way from Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. 96 per cent of visitors gave top marks for their experience, with 93 per cent intending to return. 98 per cent of respondents said they would recommend Platformers’ Days to their colleagues and business partners. The event’s special safety and hygiene plan was also praised, with 95 per cent of respondents giving it a top rating.

“We are just so proud, relieved and happy that we were finally allowed to host a trade fair again after so long. The fact that this was the first time we held this event here makes it all the better. With all the height access innovations on show, including national, European and world premieres, Platformers’ Days is the perfect way to show how Karlsruhe is leading the way in digitalisation and e-mobility”, said Britta Wirtz, managing director of Messe Karlsruhe.

Project manager Olivia Hogenmüller summed up the mood: “Our first hosting of Platformers’ Days here was a big success, earning a great deal of praise and recognition. The positive reception among both exhibitors and visitors makes us very proud. We are now full of motivation for the next trade fair and are delighted to have had this opportunity to shape such a well-established event in the industry to meet market needs.”

“The Platformers’ Days premiere in Karlsruhe was a massive success. I am happy that we were able to transfer the spirit of the old location to Karlsruhe so smoothly and I can’t wait for the next event in September 2023”, said founder and strategic partner Oliwer Sven Dahms.

Dedicated exhibition space fully booked

Despite featuring twice as much exhibition space as the previous event, exhibitors had booked every square metre months in advance. A quarter of the regular exhibitors more than doubled their stand space, allowing them to present more products than ever before. The quality of the exhibitors was outstanding according to 99 per cent of respondents. “Coming to Platformers’ Days 2021 in Karlsruhe was an excellent decision. There was lots of information on offer, along with a huge number of innovations and a really good overall concept. The new location is just perfect”, said Dieter Beyer, owner of Beyer Mietservice.

Alongside the countless product premieres, one of the most pleasing things for the organisers was the fact that a fifth of the exhibitors were attending for the first time. Special attention was paid to key trends in mobile lifting and height access equipment, such as digitalization, sustainability and electrification. These were also reflected in the live demonstrations and were the inspiration behind the two new theme areas: “Rough Terrain” and “Electro Park”. Last but not least was the Lecture Cafe, organised together with Z Lab, the digital business incubator of the Zeppelin group.

Focus on networking

Exhibitors used the event to expand their networks, generate leads, catch up with existing customers and provide information. Over three quarters of respondents said they planned to make a purchase after the trade fair. Christian Ross, Head of Sales for Germany at Ruthmann, confirmed this: “The first day of the event in particular was excellent. We had lots of industry visitors and some excellent discussions, so from a quantitative point of view we are very happy. I believe our new products and the many innovations that we showcased here for the first time went down extremely well. We were able to generate a lot of orders here at the trade fair.” Johann Poschner, Head of Sales for Work Platforms at Palfinger Germany, also experienced success: “Messe Karlsruhe are great to work with as an organiser. They are extremely friendly, but also very professional. They have helped make Platformers’ Days a much more professional event, but without losing any of the familiar charm from the old venue. We generated over 50 good leads yesterday alone, so we are very pleased with the result.”

Professionalism, service and infrastructure

Karlsruhe offered exhibitors not only more space and outstanding infrastructure, but also greater service and a dedicated team for personal customer contact. The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre also offered versatile facilities and a modern outdoor area connected directly to the exhibition halls.

Lutz Schwede, Sales Director Germany at JLG Deutschland GmbH, was full of praise for the event team’s dedication: “The preparations went very well and we were very pleased with the support we received. The planning and contact in advance were excellent, regardless of who we were talking to, and the whole team was extremely flexible. We met a lot of customers and did some good business. The atmosphere at the event was amazing. Virtually all of our dealers were there, which made it a very efficient trade fair for us. Above all, we are just delighted to be able to attend a live event and meet our customers again. I think everyone feels the same way. This then contributed to the general good mood throughout the trade fair.”

Old family feel retained

There was a wide range of products on show for users and leasers of lifting and height access equipment from all over Germany and beyond. After so long without in-person events, visitors could not wait to watch demonstrations and experience the machines up close. The event also provided an opportunity to discuss individual needs and solutions together with exhibitors. “We were extremely satisfied. Messe Karlsruhe did a brilliant job in transferring the event to the new location. We also really enjoyed the evening event, where we were able to make some good leads. Everything was very well organised. We made all the contacts that we were expecting. All in all, we are looking forward to being here next time”, said Simon Rath, Key Account Manager for Germany, Austria and Switzerland at Manitou Deutschland GmbH. This view was shared by Susanne Zelic, CEO of Greenmech, who were exhibiting at Platformers’ Days for the first time: “Platformers’ Days offers an amazing all-round package for exhibitors and visitors alike. I love the way the event was organised, particularly the networking evening. We can’t wait to be back in 2023.”

The next Platformers’ Days will take place on 8 and 9 September 2023 at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. More information at www.platformers-days.de.

Platformers’ Days, the leading trade fair for mobile lifting and height access equipment, is set to take place from 10 to 11 September 2021 at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre for the first time. But despite the new venue, the event’s focus on demonstration remains stronger than ever. To underline this, organisers have added two new highlights to the programme: the “Rough Terrain” special theme area and the “Electro Park” special show. “With its special emphasis on demonstration, Platformers’ Days is the industry meeting point for mobile lifting and height access equipment. Visitors can experience machinery live and up close, compare them and get into interesting discussions about customisations, wishes and requirements in order to make the best purchasing decision”, says project manager Olivia Hogenmüller. More information and the link to the online ticket shop can be found at www.platformers-days.de.

Platformers’ Days, the trade fair for mobile lifting and height access technology, is due to celebrate its debut on the grounds of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre on 10 and 11 September 2021, with suitable safety and hygiene measures in place. Following the changes to the state of Baden-Württemberg’s coronavirus regulations that came into force on 7 June 2021, trade fair organisers can now finally begin to plan future events with confidence. This provides a durable basis for planning, especially for trade fairs like Platformers’ Days that take place largely outside. The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre has dedicated 20,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition space to the event, together with another 2,000 square metres in the hall areas.

Major industry players set to exhibit, with exhibition spaces almost fully booked

The debut event at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre is set to welcome some big names from the industry, with the likes of Haulotte, Genie, JLG, Liebherr, Manitou, Oil & Steel, Palfinger, Skyjack, Teupen, Ruthmann and JCB eager to showcase their innovations. Platformers’ Days 2021 will feature around 200 brands, along with discussions on a wide range of topics related to the use of mobile lifting and height access equipment. With three months to go until the event begins, 99 per cent of the exhibition space has already been reserved. Around a fifth of exhibitors come from other countries within Europe, chief among them Italy and the Netherlands.

Visitors will be able to get an all-round insight into the latest developments in the industry, as well as the chance to experience different machines up close and compare them directly. The trade fair will also showcase solutions for current challenges like digitalisation and sustainability, with providers of components, insurance and financing services also in attendance. The event is supported by the IPAF as its conceptual partner, alongside the bbi, VDBUM and BSK associations.

Oliwer Sven Dahms, founder and strategic partner of Platformers’ Days, highlights the event’s significance as an opportunity for in-person networking despite the pandemic: “Digital events simply cannot offer participants the same value as live ones like Platformers’ Days. It is important to be able to stay in touch and experience machinery up close, in order to find solutions together to the challenges facing the sector, specifically digitalisation, electrification and sustainability.”

Comprehensive hygiene and safety measures

This year, the organisers are relying on a clever system of hygiene and safety measures, following continuous coordination with the authorities. They will allow visitors to enjoy the event safely, while still having the space and freedom to network in a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors to the event will require a negative test result from that day, with a testing station on site. Visitors who are fully vaccinated or who have recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection will be exempt from this requirement. The trade fair will continue to provide full catering to all participants. There will be three catering areas at the event, with two of these outdoors.

Platformers’ Days – the trade fair for mobile lifting and height access technology
Industry visitors are certain to find the solutions they are looking for at Platformers’ Days. The trade fair is particularly popular among leasers of lifting and height access technology. Their customers in sectors like facility management and cleaning, gardening and landscaping, glass and structural facings, crane and heavy-load handling to name just a few, use the event to find out about the latest developments and products in each industry. Platformers’ Days will also offer the perfect conditions for networking at its new location on the grounds of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. With its family feel, the industry’s leading event invites visitors to share knowledge, expertise and experience in a laid-back atmosphere.

Time: 10 to 11 September 2021
Place: Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre

More information at: platformers-days.de and facebook.com/PlatformersDays

Over 75 per cent of the exhibitors at Platformers’ Days, the trade fair for lifting and height access technology, have either already booked their stand for the event or reserved an exhibition space. Messe Karlsruhe is confident that the popular industry event will go ahead as planned from 10 to 11 September 2021, and is expecting over 100 manufacturers and dealers of access platforms, cranes and material handling equipment. “The coronavirus pandemic has hit the entire economy hard. Despite this, the flow of new innovations in the industry is as strong as ever. This makes it all the more important for us to offer a stage for investments and face-to-face discussions at Platformers’ Days”, says Olivia Hogenmüller, project manager of Platformers’ Days. In June 2020, the trade fair was postponed to September 2021 due to a lack of planning security. This was because the coronavirus regulations for trade fairs had yet to be passed by the state of Baden-Württemberg.

The organiser of Platformers’ Days, Messe Karlsruhe, has been forced to postpone the trade fair to 2021 due to official coronavirus regulations. The industry event for mobile lifting and powered access equipment was due to take place on 18 and 19 September 2020. It will instead debut at its new home in Karlsruhe on 10 and 11 September 2021. The new coronavirus regulation of the Baden-Württemberg state government that comes into force on 1 July 2020 prohibits events with more than 500 people until 31 October 2020. This therefore removes the legal basis on which Platformers’ Days could have taken place on the original dates.

Despite all of the uncertainties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the initial signs were promising and raised hopes that Platformers’ Days could go ahead as planned. The event was due to take place largely outdoors, with visitors evenly spread out. The organisers had also developed a smart and comprehensive safety and hygiene plan and presented it to the relevant authorities.

Britta Wirtz, CEO of Messe Karlsruhe: “We at Messe Karlsruhe could not afford to wait for coronavirus regulations allowing trade fairs with several thousand visitors to take place so that Platformers’ Days could go ahead in September. We have therefore sadly been forced to postpone the event. We had hoped that the state government would back our plan and give us the peace of mind we needed, but those hopes have been dashed.”

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the exhibitors, partners and staff who have supported us on this long journey,” adds Olivia Kollmer, project manager of Platformers’ Days. Despite the sadness of the postponement, she is looking forward to next year’s event: “We have received many excellent ideas from the industry, which we can now combine with our own expertise to ensure a successful trade fair next autumn. We can’t wait.”

Platformers’ Days, the trade fair for mobile lifting and powered access equipment, is due to take place as planned in September 2020 at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. “We are of course watching the development of the coronavirus pandemic closely. Our current assumption, however, is that Platformers’ Days will go ahead as planned on 18 and 19 September”, explains Britta Wirtz, CEO of the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre. The leading event in the industry is set to take place in Karlsruhe for the first time.

Exhibitors follow Platformers’ Days to new venue

Exhibitors have reacted very positively to the new venue. Over 100 companies with around 200 brands are due to showcase the full range of mobile lifting and powered access equipment across 25,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Platformers’ Days offers industry visitors an excellent opportunity to compare the various systems and machinery on show, with exhibitors from Germany and beyond set to present products and solutions from this fast-growing sector. Among the market players taking part are big names like Genie, Haulotte, JLG, Liebherr, Manitou, Oil & Steel, Palfinger, Skyjack, Teupen and Ruthmann.

Exhibition space expanded due to strong demand

The majority of exhibitors have chosen larger stand spaces on which they can showcase a wider range of products, including those with alternative drives. Due to high demand, the project team has added the Atrium to the available outdoor exhibition space. The trade fair is therefore continuing its focus on the outdoor area, with its total exhibition space of 23,000 square metres (91% of the total), along with comfortable rest areas and wide aisles. Another 2,000 square metres of space are available in the indoor hall areas, offering exhibitors more options for presenting their products and solutions.

Platformers’ Days is all about live demonstrations of systems, machinery and vehicles. The exhibition grounds in Karlsruhe provide the perfect conditions for this, with live demonstrations possible on every surface. Exhibitors also value the newly created special theme areas, which offer more options for presenting equipment and machinery. They are also a must-see for visitors, especially decision makers looking to experience the products live in action.

Industry event with family feel perfect for networking

Industry visitors are certain to find the solutions they are looking for at Platformers’ Days. The trade fair is particularly popular among leasers of lifting and powered access equipment. Their customers in sectors like facility management and cleaning, gardening and landscaping, glass and facade engineering, crane and heavy-load handling, use the event to find out about the latest developments and products for each application. At its new venue, Platformers’ Days 2020 will also offer the ideal environment for networking. The evening events present the perfect opportunity for relaxed discussions. With its family feel, the industry’s leading trade fair invites visitors to share knowledge, expertise and experience in a laid-back atmosphere.

The Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre unveiled the final site plan and exhibitor numbers, with 120 exhibitors expected to present their products and services across 9,300 square metres of exhibition space. With a year to go before the trade fair is held at the new venue on 18 and 19 September 2020, around 40 per cent of the expected exhibitors have already reserved their places.

Preview of next event in Karlsruhe

The event had outgrown its previous venue in Hohenroda near Frankfurt, which was bursting at the seams in terms of infrastructure, hotel capacity and presentation options. The move to Karlsruhe gives Platformers’ Days more room to develop. In her preview of the coming event, Olivia Kollmer, project manager for Platformers’ Days, emphasised: “We want to maintain the family feel of this industry meet-up, while taking the opportunity to develop it further. Karlsruhe offers the best conditions for this”.

The asphalt-covered outdoor exhibition space makes it easy for exhibitors to showcase and demonstrate their products. New special theme areas offer exhibitors additional presentation options, while allowing visitors to watch and compare the machines in action. Many of the exhibitors took the opportunity to see the spaces they had reserved. Alexandra Schawohl from Ruthmann confirmed: “We spent part of our time here looking at the exhibition grounds. Coupled with the anniversary event, we think we made the right decision to exhibit at Platformers’ Days and are already looking forward to the fair”.

Other major players in the industry, including the likes of Genie, JLG, Magni, Manitou and Merlo, have also marked Platformers’ Days 2020 in their diaries. Due to high demand, the project team has added the Atrium to the available stand space, adding another 1,000 square metres for presenting mobile lifting and powered access equipment. This means that Platformers’ Days in Karlsruhe will have a total of 9,300 square meters of exhibition space. The vast majority of this will be across the outdoor area and Atrium, with the trade fair centre’s Event Hall providing an additional 300 square metres for stands.

Looking back at 20 years of Platformers’ Days

The first Platformers’ Days was held from 17 to 19 June 1999 in the town of Hohenroda near Frankfurt. Oliwer Sven Dahms, who co-founded the event and is now responsible for sales, looked back over its successful 20-year history. He thanked the manufacturers and exhibitors to whom the event is so important for their loyalty and the strong working relationship. “It’s been a lot of fun turning Platformers’ Days from a small event to the most important trade fair in the industry. Taking the event forward with a new venue was the next logical step. Just as children grow up and leave their parents’ home, Platformers’ Days is flying the nest and looking forward to a new chapter”.

The change of venue is the result of the collaboration between the event’s previous organiser Vertikal EVENTS and Karlsruher Messe- und Kongress GmbH (KMK).

Britta Wirtz, CEO of KMK, welcomes the latest addition to the calendar: “After hosting RecyclingAKTIV, TiefbauLIVE and NUFAM, we have plenty of experience in trade fairs with a focus on demonstration. We are therefore confident that this experience will help us make Platformers’ Days successful at its new home. Given our focus on commercial vehicles and construction, it is also the perfect addition to our portfolio of events. Vertikal EVENTS will remain the point of contact for customers while aiding us in the strategic focus of the event”.

Oliwer Sven Dahms, owner of Vertikal EVENTS, has high hopes for the future partnership: “As co-founder of Platformers’ Days, it is very important to me that the event continues to evolve successfully. I’m sure that the collaboration with the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre will see it go from strength to strength. Karlsruhe is the perfect venue for Platformers’ Days. I am looking forward to the cooperation”. Dahms will work together with the project team from the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre to transfer the event to the new venue, improve processes such as logistics and visitor management, and develop the event.

Bursting at the seams

In discussions after the last Platformers’ Days, held in September 2018 in Hohenroda near Frankfurt, exhibitors supported the move to the new venue in Karlsruhe. “In Hohenroda, the event was bursting at the seams,” explains Dahms, “The move to Karlsruhe will let us offer exhibitors the greater stand space that they have been asking for and provide better service to visitors and exhibitors alike”. Britta Wirtz adds: “We at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre have the ideas and capacity to make the event a success, along with modern, bright event halls and a large outdoor exhibition area. Our combination of outstanding infrastructure and comprehensive logistics services is ideal for open-air trade fairs like Platformers’ Days that focus on demonstration”.

Excellent infrastructure and accommodation

Karlsruhe is one of the main economic centres in south-west Germany, with excellent transport infrastructure. Visitors arriving to the main station by high-speed rail can reach the trade fair centre via train or shuttle connection. Baden-Baden airport is nearby and there is an hourly high-speed rail service to Frankfurt international airport. The trade fair centre is also located right next to the A5 and A8 autobahns. These excellent connections are ideal for both visitors and exhibitors. Alongside its excellent transport connections, Karlsruhe offers a growing selection of accommodation options, ranging from guesthouses to 5-star hotels.

About Platformers’ Days

Platformers’ Days is the leading trade fair for lifting and powered access equipment in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The number of visitors and exhibitors has grown ever since the event was first held in 1999. Back then, around 100 exhibitors and over 250 brands presented their products and services on around 10,000 square metres of exhibition space. Over 2,000 industry visitors from around the world took the opportunity to find out about mobile lifting and movement on the grounds of the Hotelpark Hohenroda.

The next Platformers’ Days will take place on 18 and 19 September at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre.