VFA PORTRAIT
The VFA-Interlift eV was founded in 1987 as an association to promote the use of elevators and escalators.
The founding members defined their goal as "promoting the use of passenger transport equipment." The initiative originated with medium-sized manufacturers in the elevator industry, who established the VFA as a platform to pool their interests. The association, which had 30 members in its first year, has since grown to more than 240 members – not only from Germany. The VFA is the home of the German-speaking elevator community.
The first major task of the young VFA was to provide technical support and actively shape the international trade fair interlift and congress planned for 1988 in Munich. The event was a resounding success. A good partner for the international development and expansion of the trade fair was sought and found in AFAG-Ausstellungsgesellschaft mbH Nürnberg-Augsburg. The VFA, through its Executive Board and Trade Fair Advisory Board, plays a key role in shaping this event.
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1 Board of the VFA 1988
2 VFA-Interlift eV Board – History
3 VFA interlift – Board meeting 2011
Since 1991, interlift has been held thirteen times – each trade fair with higher exhibitor and visitor numbers. Interlift is now the world's most important elevator trade fair, covering 42,500 square meters with around 541 exhibitors from almost 43 countries and nearly 20,000 visitors, 70% of whom are from abroad. The first congress has since evolved into the VFA Forum, featuring approximately 50 international presentations on all days of the trade fair. In 2025, interlift will be held in Nuremberg for the first time.
Since 1995, the association has also offered its members the opportunity to participate in elevator trade fairs around the world through joint stands. This is an inexpensive and easy way to present themselves, establish initial contacts, and gain an overview of the respective markets. The VFA was already represented in Moscow in 2009. Since 2010, there have been trade fair appearances in India, China, South America, Poland, and Korea, with more to follow.
history
1988
First international trade fair interlift with congress in Munich
1993
Founding of the VFA Academy
September 26, 1987
Founded in Munich as an association to promote the use of elevators and escalators
1991
Interlift with Forum in Augsburg
since 1995
VFA joint stands at elevator trade fairs around the world
since 2000
Standards database for volunteer VFA employees in the Standards Working Group
1995
Renamed VFA-Interlift eV – Association for Elevator Technology
since 1997
Member of the ELA European Lift Association Brussels
since 2002
Kassel Elevator Days
since 2005
Conceptual sponsor of the Schwelm Symposium
2009
EnergyLabel software for VDI 4707 "Elevators – Energy Efficiency"
2008
First seminar series on training and further education according to VDI 2168 "Lifts – Qualification of Personnel"
First VFA discussion on standards
2012
Technical Officer
2014
VFA Academy's own training rooms
2017
Member of the DGNB
German Sustainable Building Council
2019
Digitalization Workshop
2021
VFA expert group
Standards & Guidelines
2022
Further training as
elevator fitter
2025
New interlift
Nuremberg location
2011
free consultations for VFA members
2013
Relaunch of the website with internal members area
2015
Introduction of 3 newsletters on the association's main focuses: members, academy, standards work
2018
Founding of the VFA Academy gGmbH
2019
Patent monitoring database
2022
35 years of VFA
2025
Launch of new VFA website
