Nuremberg Interlift 2027: event guide

Interlift – International Trade Fair for Elevators, Components and Accessories is the international trade fair for lift technology organised by AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH, with VFA-Interlift as its professional sponsor. The next edition is scheduled for 12–15 October 2027 at Messe Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany. The organiser lists visitor opening hours of 09:00–18:00 each day; exhibitor access is listed as 08:00–19:00. The event runs on a two-year cycle and first took place in 1991.

Interlift is more than a display of finished elevators. Its published product range spans complete lift systems, prefabricated assemblies, shafts, drive units, cabins, doors, controls, safety and monitoring equipment, escalators, moving walks, lifting platforms, services and accessories. That breadth makes the fair relevant to professionals comparing a complete installation as well as buyers looking for a specific component or supplier. The 2025 edition was the first Interlift in Nuremberg; the organiser reported more than 500 exhibitors from 43 countries, over 25,000 visitors from more than 100 countries and 50,000 square metres of gross exhibition space.

Why Nuremberg Interlift matters to lift professionals

Compare complete systems and components

Lift projects depend on how equipment, controls, doors, safety elements and installation requirements work together. Interlift’s published categories cover complete elevator systems alongside components and prefabricated assemblies. Visitors can use that range to compare solutions at different levels: a whole system, an assembly, or an individual item such as a drive unit, car door or operating element. Define the application before you arrive so that comparisons focus on relevant technical requirements rather than surface appearance alone.

Explore adjacent vertical-transport products

Escalators, moving walks and lifting platforms extend the event beyond passenger elevators. Professionals responsible for building access or vertical movement can examine the distinctions between these product areas and identify where separate suppliers or technical questions may be relevant to a project. The fair’s breadth can also help buyers identify products that sit outside their usual purchasing category.

Meet a concentrated international industry audience

The organiser’s 2025 figures describe a substantial international trade gathering: more than 500 exhibitors from 43 countries and over 25,000 visitors from more than 100 countries. These are figures for the 2025 edition, not a forecast for 2027. The scale suggests a useful setting for comparing a wide range of lift-industry products and for arranging conversations with manufacturers, component suppliers and technical peers. It does not guarantee that a particular supplier, product or contact will be present in 2027.

Who should visit Nuremberg Interlift?

Lift-system manufacturers and engineering teams

Use the product range to review components and prefabricated assemblies that may be relevant to system design, installation or modernisation projects. Prioritise exhibitors whose products match your technical specifications, then compare compatibility, configuration options and documentation. A focused visit can help engineering teams identify where a supplier discussion or a deeper technical review is warranted.

• Compare complete lift systems with component-level solutions.
• Review drive units, shafts, frames, cabins and door systems against defined project needs.
• Prepare questions about interfaces, rated performance, installation conditions and maintenance requirements.

Component buyers and procurement teams

Buyers sourcing parts for new installations, replacement or modernisation work can use the fair to compare product categories side by side. Begin with a short specification: dimensions, system compatibility, intended application, required approvals, delivery needs and service expectations. Where more than one product appears suitable, record the exact model and documentation required for a like-for-like evaluation after the fair.

• Identify suppliers of control and operating equipment, drives, doors, ropes, safety systems and accessories.
• Ask how product compatibility and installation requirements are documented.
• Separate immediate sourcing needs from longer-term market or technology research.

Installers, maintenance and service professionals

Service-oriented visitors may focus on how equipment is installed, monitored, maintained and supported. The published range includes services, monitoring and safety systems, operating elements and accessories, alongside complete lift products. Use conversations to clarify what support a supplier provides, which technical information is available and what site conditions affect the solution. These are questions to investigate with each supplier; the organiser has not published a guarantee of specific service offerings.

• Compare access to installation and maintenance information.
• Ask about inspection, troubleshooting and replacement-part documentation relevant to your work.
• Note any system dependencies that should be checked before proposing a component change.

Distributors, representatives and international suppliers

Companies building a lift-technology portfolio can use Interlift to map product categories, meet manufacturers and assess whether a supplier’s range fits their customer base. International attendance at the 2025 edition indicates cross-border participation, but does not establish commercial terms or future buyer availability. Prepare a clear company profile and target-market description so that discussions can move beyond an introduction to product fit, support, certification responsibilities and next steps.

• Compare product coverage and identify gaps or overlap with your existing range.
• Ask which markets, applications and technical configurations a product is intended to serve.
• Record the documentation and follow-up needed before considering a distribution relationship.

What can you find at Nuremberg Interlift?

Elevators, shafts and prefabricated assemblies

The official profile lists elevators, shafts, complete lift systems and prefabricated components. These categories are relevant to manufacturers, installers and buyers evaluating a full installation or a system-level solution. Compare the scope of each offer carefully: a complete system, a shaft-related product and a prefabricated component are not interchangeable categories, even when they contribute to the same project.

Drive units, frames and cabins

Drive units, elevator car frames and elevator cars are among the published product groups. Visitors may use the exhibition to see how suppliers present these systems and components, then ask about the design assumptions, interfaces, installation conditions and technical documents that matter for their own application. For a defined project, bring the key dimensions and system constraints that are permissible to share.

Landing doors, car doors and operating equipment

The range includes landing doors, elevator car doors, operating and display elements, steering units and control devices. These products can affect the way a lift is operated and integrated into a building. When comparing options, distinguish visible finish from functional requirements: ask about compatibility, access, controls, safety-related requirements and the supporting documentation available for review.

Controls, monitoring and safety systems

Control devices, monitoring and safety systems are specifically represented in the existing event information. Technical visitors can identify relevant suppliers and frame questions around interfaces, system configuration, testing and evidence of conformity. Avoid treating a display or verbal claim as a substitute for product-specific technical documentation; note exactly what evidence is needed for your project or procurement process.

Escalators, moving walks and lifting platforms

Interlift also covers escalators, moving walks and lifting platforms. Their inclusion makes the event relevant to professionals looking beyond conventional passenger elevators, including teams that compare several forms of movement or access equipment for a building project. Decide which applications matter to you before allocating time to these categories.

Services, accessories and industry information

Services and accessories sit alongside the main equipment categories, and the official profile also lists trade press and associations among the information areas. Visitors can use this breadth to find supporting products or identify where they need further technical or industry information. The 2027 exhibitor search is available through the organiser’s site; check it as the event approaches to confirm current participants and product details.

What makes Nuremberg Interlift distinctive?

Interlift combines the elevator supply chain with adjacent vertical-transport categories in a dedicated international trade fair. The official product profile ranges from entire lift systems to individual components, services, escalators, moving walks and lifting platforms. This makes it possible to move between a system-level view and component-specific comparisons within the same event context.

The event began in 1991 and follows a two-year cycle. The 2025 edition was the first held in Nuremberg, and the organiser described it as the largest edition to date. Its published 2025 figures—more than 500 exhibitors from 43 countries and over 25,000 visitors from more than 100 countries—provide a recent scale reference, not a promise of equivalent participation in 2027. The organiser also identifies the VFA-Interlift professional sponsorship and has featured a VFA Forum in its 2025 material; check the current organiser information for the 2027 programme as it develops.

What should you try to achieve at Nuremberg Interlift?

If you are evaluating systems for a project

Set an objective such as: Identify a shortlist of lift systems and components that meet my project’s documented technical constraints. Bring a project brief with the building context, required capacity and configuration, relevant dimensions, installation conditions and decision timetable. Ask each supplier the same core questions and record where an answer requires engineering review.

If you are sourcing components

Set an objective such as: Compare suitable suppliers for a defined component category and record the evidence needed for procurement approval. Use one comparison sheet for intended application, compatibility, conformity documentation, service support and next action. Do not equate a brief conversation with a completed technical or commercial evaluation.

If you are building a product or distribution portfolio

Set an objective such as: Map relevant product groups, identify potential manufacturer conversations and define the follow-up needed to assess portfolio fit. Note whether a product complements or duplicates your existing range, which customer applications it serves and what support a local distributor would need to provide.

How to prepare before Nuremberg Interlift

1. Define the problem you want to solve

Write down the project, purchasing or market question that makes the visit worthwhile. Examples include comparing a control solution, evaluating replacement components, identifying suppliers for a lift modernisation project or understanding the range of escalator and moving-walk products. A precise question helps you decide which halls and exhibitors deserve priority.

2. Review the current exhibitor and product information

The organiser provides an exhibitor and product search for 2027. Use the directory when planning, and recheck it closer to the fair because participant information can change. Search by the product category you need, then make a shortlist of companies for direct comparison. Do not assume that a previous-edition exhibitor is participating in 2027 unless the current directory confirms it.

3. Create an A, B and C priority list

• A – Must discuss: suppliers whose documented product range directly matches a project or purchasing requirement.
• B – Useful to compare: alternative suppliers, adjacent product groups or technical approaches that may fit your needs.
• C – Explore if time allows: broader industry information, new categories or contacts relevant to future planning.

Keep the list focused. The event spans several halls and broad product groups; a short, reasoned shortlist is more useful than trying to see every stand without a purpose.

4. Prepare technical questions

Adapt your questions to the product rather than using a generic supplier checklist. For a lift system or prefabricated assembly, ask about configuration, rated application, dimensions, interfaces, installation conditions and technical documentation. For a drive, control or monitoring product, ask about system compatibility, operating environment, maintenance information and how changes affect the wider installation. For doors, cabins or operating elements, clarify dimensions, materials, access requirements and the information needed to assess suitability.

Across categories, useful questions include: What application is the product designed for? Which system interfaces must be checked? What conformity and safety documents are available? What installation or maintenance conditions apply? Which details require confirmation by a qualified engineer? What is the next step for obtaining a complete technical specification?

5. Plan conversations and information capture

Where the organiser provides current contact or exhibitor information, identify the companies you want to speak with and use the organiser’s official channels to check current participation arrangements. Prepare a short introduction describing your role, project or target application. Bring a consistent note-taking format: Company → Product → Application → Evidence needed → Contact → Next action. Share confidential project information only through appropriate channels.

6. Check practical arrangements close to the visit

Opening hours published for visitors are 09:00–18:00 each day; exhibitor access is listed separately as 08:00–19:00. Confirm the current visitor information, registration requirements, hall plan and travel arrangements through the organiser before departure. Do not rely on older edition details for tickets, access, transport or accommodation.

How to make the most of the exhibition

Start with the product groups that directly support your objective. Use the hall plan and current exhibitor information to route between priority stands, leaving time for technical conversations and note-taking. Interlift’s 2027 profile lists halls 1, 3, 3A, 3C, 4 and 4A; use the organiser’s current plan rather than assuming the same placement for every product or exhibitor.

At each stand, record the exact company and product, the application discussed, any compatibility or conformity questions, the documents promised and the person responsible for follow-up. If you compare several products, ask the same questions of each supplier and separate confirmed specifications from points that still need written confirmation. Photograph or collect only materials you are permitted to keep, and label them while the conversation is fresh.

Do not treat the number of brochures collected as a measure of progress. A focused visit should produce a small set of useful comparisons, specific technical questions and clear next steps. If a stand cannot answer a question immediately, record who will provide the information and when you should follow up.

Plan your time realistically at Nuremberg Interlift

The event is scheduled across six halls and the organiser reported 50,000 square metres of gross exhibition space for 2025. That scale makes it sensible to plan routes rather than walk randomly. The figure is a 2025 reference and does not by itself establish the final 2027 layout.

One day

A one-day visit may suit a narrowly defined sourcing task or a short list of priority exhibitors. Arrive with the current hall plan, the exact companies you need to see and a small set of questions. Protect time for conversations and write notes immediately after each meeting; rushing through several halls without recording comparisons can make follow-up difficult.

Two days

Two days may allow a buyer or technical visitor to separate core products from adjacent categories. Use the first day for priority meetings and the second for comparisons, missing information and follow-up conversations. Keep a reserve period for a supplier that needs a longer technical discussion or for an important category you did not reach.

Several days

A longer visit may be useful for professionals covering several product families, multiple projects or exhibitor responsibilities. Group meetings by hall and category, but leave space to revisit the strongest options. For exhibitors, the published visitor opening hours and separate exhibitor access hours should be treated distinctly; confirm operational arrangements with the organiser.

Beyond the Nuremberg Interlift exhibition floor

The organiser’s 2025 material includes a VFA Forum, and VFA-Interlift is identified as the fair’s professional sponsor. This provides evidence of a professional forum element in the previous edition, but the information reviewed does not establish the 2027 session topics or schedule. Check the organiser’s current programme information before making a visit plan around talks or other activities.

If a 2027 forum or conference programme is published, select sessions that answer a defined technical or business question, then allow time to connect the session topic with relevant products and suppliers. Treat previous-edition programme material as context, not as a promise that the same format or subjects will return.

Networking at Nuremberg Interlift

Technical conversations are more productive when both sides understand the application. Prepare a brief introduction covering your role, the type of lift or component you work with and the decision you are trying to make. For a supplier discussion, bring non-confidential requirements and ask what additional information is needed to assess fit.

After each conversation, record one next action rather than a vague note to “stay in touch”: request a specification, verify a compatibility point, arrange an engineering review or compare a documented offer. If the discussion concerns a potential distribution or service relationship, clarify which territories, product responsibilities, support expectations and compliance duties would need further review. These are topics for follow-up, not terms established by attending the fair.

Travelling to Nuremberg Interlift

The organiser identifies Messe Nürnberg as the venue and maintains visitor information for travel and accommodation. Check that information close to the event for current directions, local transport, parking, entrances and accessibility details. The event’s hall plan and opening hours can help you decide when to arrive and how much time to reserve, but this guide does not assume a particular route or transport service.

Bring a project brief to Nuremberg Interlift

Visitors responsible for a lift installation, replacement or modernisation project can make supplier conversations more specific by preparing a concise brief. Include the building or application context, intended system type, known dimensions, capacity or performance requirements, constraints on installation, relevant interfaces and the stage of the decision. Mark information that is confirmed separately from assumptions that still need engineering review.

For component sourcing, list the existing system and model details that a supplier would need to check compatibility. For controls or safety-related products, identify the technical and conformity documentation your organisation requires. For doors, cabins or drive equipment, note the application, dimensions and installation conditions. Do not share sensitive building or customer information publicly; provide additional details only through suitable professional channels.

After Nuremberg Interlift: turn conversations into decisions

Within a short time after the fair, classify contacts by follow-up priority. A – Immediate: products or suppliers tied to an active project or procurement decision. B – Potential: relevant companies requiring additional technical, service or commercial information. C – Market intelligence: useful contacts or product categories to monitor for later planning.

Send each supplier a concise reference to the product and discussion, then request the next piece of evidence needed for your decision: technical specifications, compatibility details, conformity documents, installation requirements, service information or a formal commercial proposal. Compare responses on the same criteria and involve the appropriate engineering, safety, procurement or legal colleagues before making a commitment.

For exhibitors, follow up with the contacts who expressed a specific product or application interest, and record which questions remain unanswered. For visitors, keep the comparison sheet with the project file so that a promising conversation does not become an unsupported purchasing assumption.

Who should consider exhibiting at Nuremberg Interlift?

The published product range suggests relevance for manufacturers and suppliers of elevator systems, prefabricated components, shafts, drives, frames, cabins, doors, controls, monitoring and safety products, escalators, moving walks, lifting platforms, accessories and related services. The organiser’s 2025 facts show an international exhibitor and visitor mix, but they do not guarantee a particular audience or commercial result for an individual stand in 2027.

Before exhibiting, define the business question: introduce a new product, meet existing customers, explain a technical approach or assess interest in a defined application. Decide what evidence will show whether the event was useful, such as qualified technical discussions, product demonstrations completed or follow-up requests received. Prepare clear product information, trained staff and a process for recording enquiries. Confirm current stand options, deadlines, fees and participation conditions directly with the organiser; these details are not assumed here.

Exhibitors of safety-related components should be ready to explain product scope and provide appropriate conformity information. Suppliers entering a new market should distinguish product interest from confirmed purchasing demand and should validate commercial, regulatory and service requirements independently.

Nuremberg Interlift visitor checklist

Before the visit

• ☐ Write down the project, sourcing or technical question you want the visit to answer.
• ☐ Check the current 2027 exhibitor and product search and shortlist priority companies.
• ☐ Review the current hall plan and organise the route by hall and product group.
• ☐ Prepare the relevant dimensions, system details and technical questions you can share.
• ☐ Confirm registration, opening hours, travel and access information through the organiser.
• ☐ Set a realistic list of must-see and optional product categories.

During the visit

• ☐ Record company, product, application, evidence needed, contact and next action.
• ☐ Ask suppliers consistent questions when comparing similar products.
• ☐ Separate confirmed specifications from verbal points requiring written follow-up.
• ☐ Note compatibility, installation, maintenance and conformity questions for technical review.
• ☐ Keep time for priority conversations and revisit stands where important details remain open.

After the visit

• ☐ Sort contacts into immediate, potential and market-information follow-up.
• ☐ Request the documents or technical confirmations needed for each live decision.
• ☐ Compare offers against the same project criteria and include relevant engineering colleagues.
• ☐ Record what remains unverified before progressing to procurement or a partnership decision.

Is Nuremberg Interlift worth visiting?

Interlift is most relevant to professionals whose work touches elevator systems, lift components, controls, safety, installation, maintenance or adjacent vertical-transport products. Its published categories create a reason to attend for system comparisons, component sourcing and discussions with manufacturers and suppliers. The reported 2025 scale indicates an international trade event, while the organiser’s current exhibitor search provides a route to check the 2027 participant list as it develops.

The value of a visit depends on preparation. If you arrive with a defined project or sourcing question, a shortlist and a consistent way to compare products, the broad product range can support useful decisions. If you only walk the halls without priorities, you may leave with information but little clarity about what to do next.

Nuremberg Interlift 2027 at a glance

The 2025 statistics describe the previous edition; check the organiser’s current information for 2027 participation and programme details.

Make Nuremberg Interlift a purposeful visit

Choose the systems, components or technical questions that matter to your work, then use the fair to compare relevant options and decide what needs follow-up. Specify. Compare. Verify. Follow up.

Lift-technology opportunities in Germany

Market size and demand

No current, verified country-level figure for the German lift market’s size or demand was established from the available evidence, so this guide does not estimate sales, installed units or growth. The regulatory context is clearer: EU Directive 2014/33/EU, covering lifts and safety components for lifts, is in force; EUR-Lex identifies a consolidated version dated 30 May 2026.

Regulatory and market-access conditions

The directive harmonises Member State laws relating to lifts and lift safety components. It assigns conformity-assessment responsibilities to manufacturers or installers for lifts and requires importers placing safety components on the EU market to ensure that the relevant conformity procedures and documentation are in place. The specific obligations depend on the product and the economic operator’s role, so companies should assess the applicable rules and obtain current compliance advice for their products.

What this may mean for exhibitors

Manufacturers and suppliers exhibiting lift systems or safety components may use technical discussions to explain product scope, conformity evidence and the documentation available to customers. This could help buyers understand what further checks are needed, but the directive does not establish product demand or guarantee commercial access.

What this may mean for visitors

Visitors sourcing lifts or safety components can ask suppliers how products are assessed against the applicable EU requirements and which documents support that assessment. Comparing the answers may help identify technical and compliance questions for later review. No current German market-size or demand figure was verified, so commercial decisions should be based on product-specific evidence rather than broad market assumptions.