19.09.2023

Newcomer’s perspective of Platformers

Our latest Vertikal recruit - journalist Imogen Campion - made her overseas trade show debut at Platformers' Days this month. The following is her take of the show along with a few more photos from the event.
See Platformers Days photo review
According to several people at this year’s show "Platformers is 'the mother of local access shows'." There is something to this in that it predates Vertikal Days, GIS and the current JDL in France, although I am told that there were crane and access shows in the UK and France before Platformers but they were more heavily tilted towards cranes.

This was the second Platformers Days event to be held at the Karlsruhe exhibition centre, and was, according to most exhibitors, a success, with more than 100 companies exhibiting and an initial count 1,500 trade visitors. From start to finish, the scorching days matched the fervour of the attendees.

The show itself was well organised with more than 20,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition space and 12,500 square metres in the hall.

Having spoken to exhibitors and attendees, opinion was divided about the Karlsruhe venue. A good many preferred the original rural venue in Hohenroda, central Germany, saying that it was "more intimate and fun". Others feel that Karlsruhe is "much better with the solid ground needed for such large machinery".

Zoomlion made its Platformers' Days debut this year and took the opportunity to present its new spider lift, the first time it has appeared in Europe. Director, Jason Liu, commented: "Our first day was very busy, it’s well organised and nice to see familiar faces. It also gives us another opportunity to develop our brand image."

Having already booked its stand for next year, Carsten Bielefeld of Jekko Germany said: "Platformers’ Days was a successful fair for us. We are already looking forward to next year."

To quote another Industry expert: “The most important thing about the Platformers' Days is the evening event. “The whole thing here” - he points to the trade fair exhibits and stands around him - “is actually just banter.”

The second day unfolded with a more subdued vibe compared to day one. It was LGMG’s second year at Platformers' with Carsten Sacher, sales manager for Germany agreeing: "The first day was busier with more visitors to our stand, it is quieter for us today", which seemed to be the consensus for most exhibitors.

The following pictures round out our coverage of the event.

Overall, another successful Platformers' Days, mark your calendars for the 6-7th September 2024 for next year's show.