The annual Europlatform conference hosted by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) in conjunction with Access International heard how the global fleet of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) will grow almost exponentially over the next two decades to reach 7 million machines worldwide, up from 1.25 million today.

The fatal injury rate (FIR) for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) declined in 2016, despite the fact that the total MEWP rental fleet and the number of rental days worldwide increased significantly over the same period.

Representatives from the HSE, CITB and Build UK were among stand-out presenters in a seminar programme that attracted more than 200 delegates across a day of meetings, networking, dining and entertainment at the first ever IPAF Elevation.

The shortlist for the 2019 IAPAs has been announced, following a meeting of judges in Amsterdam. Those wishing to attend the IAPAs dinner and awards ceremony on 6 March in Dubai, UAE, are reminded the early-bird discount expires on 31 January.

A new presidential team has been confirmed for the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), with Brad Boehler of Skyjack being elected to the role at the organisation’s AGM in Dubai, UAE, on 6 March 2019. Other changes to the IPAF Presidential team saw Norty Turner of United Rentals elected as IPAF Deputy President and Karin Nars of Dinolift confirmed as Vice President. Nick Selley of AFI-Uplift completed his full two-year term as President by handing the chain of office to Brad Boehler at the AGM, assuming the ex officio role of Immediate Past President. Meanwhile Andy Studdert of Cramo, the 2015-2017 IPAF President, maintains his seat on the IPAF Board as a Director.

The line-up for IPAF’s inaugural Elevation conference, networking and gala dinner event on 25 September is confirmed, with places filling fast and the special early-bird booking discount only available until 24 August for the event in Coventry, UK.

Attendees from all levels of the powered access industry participated in the second annual IPAF Innovate workshop, presentation & award event in Chicago, IL, which benefitted from a change in location and date from last year’s inaugural event.

Almost 350 industry professionals gathered on 6 March 2019 in Dubai, UAE, to honour the winners of the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs). Jointly organised by Access International and IPAF, the IAPAs celebrate best practice and excellence in the powered access industry, and this was the first time the event was held in the Middle East. Those assembled at the Raddison Blu Deira Creek Hotel were also the first to learn the next edition of the awards ceremony will be returning to the UK for the first time since 2017 and will be held in London on 23 April 2020.

The shortlist for the 2022 IAPAs has been announced, following a meeting of the judging panel. Those wishing to attend the IAPAs dinner and awards ceremony on
10 March in London, UK, are reminded the early-bird discount ends on 21 January.

A healthy future is predicted for the powered access industry, despite a backdrop of global uncertainty and probable economic slowdown, according to several speakers
at the recent IPAF Summit 2019, held for the first time in Dubai, UAE, on 6 March.

Adopting digital technology, utilising big data and embracing Lean management techniques to deliver streamlined depots were among the themes of this year’s IPAF Summit, held at the Radisson Blu Deira Creek Hotel, Dubai, on 6 March 2019.

Attendees at the IPAF Summit 2023, held in Berlin, Germany, on 20 April, enjoyed presentations on the theme “The Future of Powered Access: Dynamic, Digital, Diverse”.