German Alpine Association and Messe Friedrichshafen renew partnership

Friedrichshafen – Climbing professionals from all fields of professional working at height met at the international trade fair for climbing and bouldering halls, rope access technology, working at height and rescue as well as high-rope courses at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen from November 22 to 23, 2024. Over 2,618 visitors flocked to the fourth edition of Vertical Pro and exchanged views on current trends and innovations with around 200 exhibiting companies. The multifaceted topics of working at height and rescue were presented in Hall B5. The annual industry meeting Halls & Walls for the national and international climbing hall community in Halls A6 and A7 was also embedded in the event. The successful format of the German Alpine Association (DAV) has developed into the largest relevant trade fair for indoor climbing and was inaugurated in 2024 occupying two exhibition halls. Now it is clear that this success story is set to continue.

"Our long-standing partnership with the German Alpine Association is a great enrichment for all sides," explains project manager Sharon Kommer. "Therefore, we are very pleased about the contract renewal for another two years up to and including 2026. This not only ensures planning security, but also enables us to further develop our top-class supporting and exhibition program for climbing hall operators." Since the Halls & Walls format found its new home at the Friedrichshafen trade fair location in 2021, it has always been a major attraction for exhibitors and trade visitors. "The success story of Halls & Walls continued and will continue as part of Vertical Pro. In cooperation with Messe Friedrichshafen, we set trendsetting impetus for climbing gyms and bouldering halls every year," says Dr. Wolfgang Wabel, Managing Director of Climbing and Mountain Sports at DAV.

Platform for professional exchange and innovation

This year's edition of Halls & Walls at Vertical Pro was expanded with another exhibition hall and is even more diverse. For the first time, the latest hold sets, wall elements, counter systems and accessories were on display in Halls A6 and A7. The introduction of two specialized startup areas was another new feature, allowing the innovative young companies from the sports sector to showcase their portfolio specifically to the climbing hall community, while the up-and-coming companies involved with industrial climbing were located in Hall B5. Whether static or with tremendous momentum, on large volumes or on micro-crimps – climbing and bouldering are more diverse than almost any other sport. Accordingly, the requirements for attractive route construction or possible areas of application for artificial intelligence (AI) are demanding and dynamic. DAV 2024 dedicated itself to these topics in its two-day presentation program, including the popular route setting roundtable and various workshops on dealing with AI.

The next Vertical Pro will take place in Friedrichshafen on November 21 and 22, 2025.