VFA PORTRAIT
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 "the promotion of the use of passenger transport equipment." The initiative originated with medium-sized manufacturers in the elevator industry, who founded the VFA as a platform to consolidate their interests. The association, which had 30 members in its first year, has since grown to more than 250 members – not only from Germany. The VFA is the home of the German-speaking elevator community.
The first major task of the young VFA (Association of German Furniture Manufacturers) was to provide expert support and actively shape the international trade fair interlift, including its accompanying congress, planned for Munich in 1988. The event was a great success. A suitable 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 board of directors 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 17 times – each trade fair with increasing numbers of exhibitors and visitors. Interlift has become the world's leading trade fair for elevators, covering 50,000 square meters with over 500 exhibitors from 43 countries and attracting nearly 25,000 visitors, 70% of whom come from abroad. What began as a congress has evolved into the VFA Forum, featuring approximately 50 international presentations throughout the trade fair.
Since 1995, the association has offered its members the opportunity to participate in elevator trade fairs around the world via joint stands. This is a cost-effective and straightforward way to present their products, establish initial contacts, and gain an overview of the respective markets. For example, the VFA was represented in Moscow in 2009. Since 2010, there have been trade fair appearances in Turkey, India, China, South America, Poland, Italy, Korea, Sweden, Egypt, Dubai, and the USA. More are planned.
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
