From November 21 to 22, experts and interested parties from the fields of climbing and mountaineering, working at height, and safety will once again meet at the Vertical Pro trade fair in Friedrichshafen. All information about this year's program and exhibitors.
On November 21 and 22, 2025, the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center will once again be transformed into a meeting place for the height community. For two days, the Vertical Pro trade fair will bring together around 2.700 professionals from climbing and bouldering halls, rope access technology, high ropes courses, rescue and aid organizations, tree care, and fall protection to experience new trends, network, and exchange knowledge.
In 2025, our program will be more diverse and high-caliber than ever before.
Project Manager Sharon Kommer
More than 200 exhibitors from 30 countries are expected this year on over 16.000 square meters of exhibition space. A diverse exhibitor directory, program, and many interactive elements create space for diverse ideas from various specialist areas. The final exhibitor directory and hall plan will be available approximately five weeks before the start of the trade fair at the Vertical Pro website published.
Program highlights: Visibility, inclusion, sustainability
This year, too, an extensive supporting program offers numerous opportunities for exchange and networking. Some program highlights have already been confirmed.
Women at Height: Experts report from height
The Women at Height networking event will take place for the second time in 2025. Experts from the heights will report on their daily professional lives, share experiences, and create space for exchange and inspiration.
Volcano researcher and photographer Ulla Lohmann describes her expeditions as part of her impulse »Journey to the Center of the Earth« and talks in the article »High up as a woman« about the Balancing family and adventureRoute builder and journalist Alexandra Schweikart will also be bringing together experts from various fields for talks on both days of the fair. On Friday, the topics will be Rescue with Pauline Sänger (DRK Mountain Rescue) and Industrial climbing with Stephanie Kleisser (blauschnur seiltechnik GmbH) in focus.
On Saturday, insights into the tree care with Vicki Tough and Sylvana Alta as well as Climbing hall management with Judith Günther (DAV Kletterzentrum Reutlingen). In the open format »Open Talk« the topic Employee retention The focus is on the topic, where participants can share experiences and develop solutions under the moderation of Sarah Burmester. There are also Meet the Expert sessions, in which specialists from brands such as Edelrid and Petzl answer questions.
Sports sector: DAV and inclusion in focus
The German Alpine Association (DAV) will also be contributing to the sports-themed lecture program as a partner of Vertical Pro in 2025 with its Halls & Walls format. Hall manager Rebekka Schütze will speak about the special requirements of Management positions in climbing facilities and shows how managers can realistically assess the skills of their employees and use them effectively.
Dr. Tanja Ganz and Lorenz Berker also focus on the results of a recent survey on Use of automatic belay devices As an integral part of many climbing gyms, they allow climbing without a belay partner and are accordingly popular. Nevertheless, critical incidents do occur from time to time.
We will outline the conclusions the DAV has drawn from these incidents involving automatic belay devices and the recommendations we have developed for safe operation.
Elias Hitthaler (DAV)
Route building & inclusion
In addition, the DAV is introducing a two-stage check system with the new bouldering certificate for children and young people, which is intended to help minimize injury risks and promote smooth sports operations. Another highlight of the DAV program is the Routesetting Roundtable, where experts such as Peter Zeidelhack and Julius Kerscher discuss experiences and best practices.
The sporting area is rounded off by two program items on the topic barrier-free route construction as well as inclusion and diversity on the wall. Marc Böhme (German Sport University Cologne) will present key findings from a recent study and illustrate, using the buddy climbing project, how joint climbing breaks down barriers and Inclusion in practice promotes.
Future Wall: Sustainability at a glance
Exhibiting companies at the Future Wall will demonstrate how climbing can be rethought and reconceived in a sustainable way. Here, they will present projects, services, and innovations related to environmentally conscious action and provide insights into sustainable concepts and solutions in the industry.
The exhibition will be complemented by the panel discussion "Climbing for a Better Future – How the Climbing Industry Can Balance Social Inequalities." Clubs, individuals, and companies will contribute their perspectives – from fair production and inclusion to responsible business models.
Info & tickets
Vertical Pro will take place in Friedrichshafen on November 21 and 22, 2025. Tickets are available exclusively online. Day tickets are available for €44, and two-day tickets cost €52.
Opening hours
- Friday: 9 p.m. to 18 p.m
- Saturday: 9 p.m. to 17 p.m
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Credits cover photo: Messe Friedrichshafen