Platformers' Days 2026: These Highlights Should Be on Visitors' Radar in Karlsruhe
On October 8 and 9, 2026, the industry for aerial work platforms, cranes, and forklifts will meet again in Karlsruhe. The Platformers' Days will focus more on practical applications: Machines will not only be exhibited but also demonstrated under realistic conditions and partly tested by the visitors themselves. Manufacturers, dealers, renters, and users of mobile lifting and access technology will come together on more than 30,000 square meters.
In 2026, there will be some innovations. In addition to the well-known demo area in the open-air section, there will be a special exhibition for forklift trucks and the new Low-Level Access Area. Digitization and AI will also play a bigger role in the program. The PD-Networking-Night on Thursday evening complements the professional part with personal exchange within the industry.
Visitors should keep an eye on these highlights
Demo Area with machines in live operation: aerial platforms from Avant, Genie, and Haulotte, mini cranes from Hoeflon and Jekko, and for the first time a telescopic handler from Merlo will be shown under realistic conditions. New Low-Level Access Area: Compact aerial platforms for low heights can be tried out directly and compared in terms of operation, maneuverability, and safety. Special exhibition Forklift Trucks: Approximately 500 square meters are dedicated to forklifts, attachments, fleet management, and integrated system solutions. Digitization and AI: Speech slots will showcase, among others, intelligent construction elevators and AI applications for scheduling, rental, and workshop. Girls Wanted: The project advocates for more equality and diversity in the rental and construction industry. PD-Networking-Night: On the evening of the first day of the fair, the industry meets for networking in the action hall.
Machines show in operation what they are capable of
A focus remains on the demo area in the open air. There, devices that have come to market in 2026 or were introduced over the course of the year will be presented. Instead of just explaining machines at the booth, moderated live demonstrations will show their functions in operation. Included are aerial platforms from Avant, Genie, and Haulotte as well as mini cranes from Hoeflon and Jekko. Merlo will present a telescopic handler for the first time in this area. Two 45-minute shows are planned per day of the fair. This approach is relevant especially for capital goods. Reach, mobility, or operational comfort can only be assessed to a limited extent from a datasheet. In practical use, renters and users can better assess which machine fits their own fleet and typical operating conditions.
New Low-Level Access Area Celebrates Premiere
A new addition is the Low-Level Access Area. Here, compact manually movable and self-propelled personnel lifts for work at low heights take center stage. Such devices are particularly intended for indoor spaces, tight work areas, and sensitive flooring. Visitors can test different models themselves and directly compare ease of operation, maneuverability, and safety features. Announced devices include those from Safelift, Power Towers, Faraone, and Genie. Not every height job requires a large platform. Smaller devices can be more economical and flexible for maintenance, installation, and building services. This point is directly addressed by the new area.
Forklifts Receive Significantly More Attention
Another focus is on material handling technology. In Hall 1, along with StaplerPlus eG, an approximately 500 square meter special area is being created. On display are traditional forklifts, attachment tools, digital solutions, and integrated systems. Topics include digitalization and process optimization, fleet management, flexible rental and usage concepts, and economic investment strategies. Participants include StaplerPlus, Vetter Industrie, Durwen Maschinenbau, Trex.Parts, Still, Michelin Reifenwerke, and the DLL Group. This expansion fits the target audience of the Platformers' Days. Work platforms and forklifts are often offered in parallel by many rental companies and are commonly used together on construction sites, in industry, and logistics.
AI Also Reaches Rental and Scheduling
Digitalization is also becoming more tangible. In various speech slots, providers showcase how digital systems can change workflows. GEDA, for example, introduces an IoT solution for construction elevators. Infosystem demonstrates with 'leva+ AI Genius' how Artificial Intelligence can be gradually integrated into software for scheduling, rental, and workshop, showing a development that goes beyond the machine itself. For rental companies, it is increasingly crucial how efficiently devices are scheduled, transported, maintained, and utilized. Thus, digital fleet and ERP systems can become as relevant as technical innovations at the work platform or the forklift.
Exchange After Fair Closing
On Thursday evening, the PD Networking Night follows. The action hall then turns into a networking location from 6:30 PM, with the program starting at 7 PM. A separate ticket is required for participation. With this format, the fair continues to focus strongly on personal exchanges between manufacturers, dealers, and rental companies. Additionally, the 'Girls Wanted' 2026 project is presented, which campaigns for more equal opportunities in the rental and construction industry. The Platformers' Days 2026 will take place on October 8 and 9 at the Karlsruhe Trade Fair, Messeallee 1, Rheinstetten. On Thursday, the fair is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and on Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. For visitors, especially the direct comparison is likely to be worthwhile. New machines, low-level access solutions, forklift technology, and digital applications can not only be viewed but often experienced directly in action over two compact days of the fair.