The definitive guide for cherry picker, MEWP & spider lift professionals
If you work with high access equipment, cherry pickers, MEWPs, spider lifts, boom lifts, or tracked access platforms, industry events are one of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve. They allow you to see machines in the flesh, compare manufacturers side by side, speak directly with engineers and distributors, and understand where the access industry is heading.
This guide focuses first on UK high‑access and powered‑access events in 2026, followed by key European shows that are particularly relevant to operators, engineers, hire companies, trainers, and manufacturers.
If you’re new here, you may also want to explore our wider high access services and industry resources at – https://www.dji-uk.co.uk/
Quick‑reference: High access industry events 2026
UK events
- Hillhead 2026 – 23–25 June 2026 – Buxton, Derbyshire
- IPAF Elevation UK 2026 – 1 July 2026 – Burton‑upon‑Trent
- Vertikal Days 2026 – 9–10 September 2026 – Newark, Nottinghamshire
- No‑Dig Live 2026 – 29 September–1 October 2026 – Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
European events
- APEX 2026 (with IRE) – 2–4 June 2026 – Maastricht, Netherlands
- IPAF Elevation Deutschland 2026 – 4–5 March 2026 – Germany
- Platformers’ Days 2026 – 8–9 October 2026 – Karlsruhe, Germany
UK High Access & Powered Access Events (Detailed)
Hillhead 2026 – Buxton, Derbyshire
Dates: 23–25 June 2026
Location: Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton
Hillhead is one of the UK’s largest live demonstration shows for quarrying, construction, and heavy equipment. While it is not a dedicated MEWP exhibition, it is highly relevant for access professionals who regularly work:
- on large construction or infrastructure sites
- alongside heavy plant and materials handling equipment
- in industrial or quarry environments
For high access operators, Hillhead provides valuable insight into site logistics, emerging equipment trends, and how access solutions integrate with wider construction operations.
Accommodation & logistics:
Buxton is the most practical base, with a range of trade‑friendly hotels. Hillhead is a very busy event, so accommodation should be booked well in advance.
IPAF Elevation UK 2026 – Burton‑upon‑Trent
Date: 1 July 2026
Location: Hilton St George’s Park, Burton‑upon‑Trent
Organiser: IPAF
IPAF Elevation UK is a conference‑led event aimed squarely at the powered access industry. It focuses on:
- safety and training standards
- industry leadership and policy direction
- rental, ownership, and operational best practice
This event is particularly useful for:
- access business owners
- safety managers and supervisors
- trainers and assessors
- anyone involved in compliance or fleet strategy
Because the event is hosted at a hotel venue, it is one of the easier events to attend logistically, especially for those travelling from further afield.
Vertikal Days 2026 – Newark Showground
Dates: 9–10 September 2026
Location: Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire
Vertikal Days is widely regarded as the most important UK event for lifting and access professionals. It brings together:
- cherry pickers, spider lifts, boom lifts, and scissor lifts
- manufacturers, UK distributors, and hire companies
- live outdoor displays and demonstrations
For anyone working with high access equipment, this is the best opportunity in the UK to compare machines side by side and have direct conversations with the people who design, sell, and support them.
If you only attend one UK access event in 2026, Vertikal Days is the obvious choice.
Accommodation & logistics:
Newark and surrounding towns offer a wide range of accommodation. Booking early is strongly advised due to demand from exhibitors and visitors.
No‑Dig Live 2026 – Stoneleigh Park
Dates: 29 September–1 October 2026
Location: NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire
No‑Dig Live focuses on trenchless technology and underground construction. While not a high‑access show, it can be relevant for MEWP operators working on:
- utilities and infrastructure projects
- urban construction environments
- sites where access planning and ground works intersect
This event is best viewed as a supplementary show for access professionals rather than a core diary date.
Key European High Access Events
APEX 2026 (with IRE) – Maastricht, Netherlands
Dates: 2–4 June 2026
Location: MECC Maastricht
APEX is one of the leading international exhibitions dedicated to powered access equipment and runs alongside the International Rental Exhibition (IRE). It provides a broader view of:
- European and global MEWP trends
- emerging access technologies
- differences in machine design and specification across markets
For UK professionals wanting a wider perspective on where high access equipment is heading, APEX is one of the most relevant overseas events.
IPAF Elevation Deutschland 2026 – Germany
Dates: 4–5 March 2026
Location: Germany (venue to be confirmed)
IPAF Elevation Deutschland mirrors the UK event but with a focus on the German‑speaking market. It is particularly relevant for those involved in training, safety leadership, and international access operations.
Platformers’ Days 2026 – Karlsruhe, Germany
Dates: 8–9 October 2026
Location: Karlsruhe Trade Fair Centre
Platformers’ Days is a major access and lifting exhibition serving the German and DACH markets. German shows often highlight:
- engineering‑led design approaches
- alternative control layouts
- differing compliance priorities
For technically minded operators and engineers, this can be a very insightful event.
Choosing the right event for your role
- Operators & owner‑operators: Vertikal Days (UK), with APEX as a strong European option
- Engineers & technical specialists: Vertikal Days plus one European show for broader exposure
- Trainers & safety professionals: IPAF Elevation UK or IPAF Elevation Deutschland
- Infrastructure‑focused work: Hillhead and No‑Dig Live, depending on project type
Accommodation & recommendation disclaimer
Where accommodation or logistical suggestions are mentioned, they are provided purely for practicality based on proximity and common use by trades and exhibitors.
We do not receive any commission, referral fees, or commercial benefit from hotels, venues, or booking platforms mentioned. These suggestions are not endorsements, and readers should always carry out their own research regarding:
- pricing and cancellation terms
- parking and vehicle access
- travel times during event periods
About the Author
This guide has been researched, compiled, and published by Danny Iwanejko, owner of DJI High Access Services Ltd and creator of Dan the Cherry Picker Man. It draws on publicly available event information and real‑world experience within the high access and powered access industry.
For more information on our work with cherry pickers and high access equipment, visit:
This article will be updated if dates or venues change. If you’re aware of other high‑access or powered‑access events in 2026 that should be included, feel free to get in touch.