Global Info

The International Elevator and Escalator Symposium (IEES) is the new spirit and a breath of fresh air for the vertical-transportation (VT) industry, as well as for developers, architects and facility management professionals. This world-class, annual event brings together a global roster of top experts who present scholarly papers on the most important VT issues of the day. It allows exhibitors to showcase their latest innovations and attendees to enjoy a premier networking experience. IEES is jointly presented by two fully independent, well-known organizations, Liftinstituut, B.V., and Elevator World, Inc.

The inaugural IEES launched in 2018 in Istanbul, the history-rich yet modern economic and cultural center of Türkiye, the ancient heart of civilization where East meets West. The symposium focused on the theme of “Safety and New Technologies,” and 19 presentations delivered by industry experts explored the topic.

IEES 2019 was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, where attendees were treated to 20 relevant and enlightening presentations on the topic of “Safety and Maintenance.” Speakers from around the world shared their knowledge of the subject for two days, culminating in a broad panel discussion that allowed participants to brainstorm on lift and escalator safety and how it is affected by maintenance and inspections.

IEES 2022, held at the esteemed W Barcelona Hotel in Barcelona, Spain, welcomed VT professionals, architects, developers and owners for an excellent program covering “The Future of Elevators and Escalators in 2030." Dynamic presentations by international experts ensured an exciting and elevated professional atmosphere. IEES 2022 also provided a stimulating opportunity for industry exhibitors to show their latest and most-advanced equipment, technologies and innovations.

IEES 2023 took place at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Scotland. The historic and iconic hotel provided the perfect atmosphere for the symposium’s fourth iteration, which gathered VT professionals, producers, developers and owners from countries around the world. Speakers delivered 17 varied and excellent presentations on the theme of "Sustainability and Digitalization." The two-day event concluded with a panel discussion exploring the theme in depth.

IEES 2024, held on November 12-13, 2024, at The Atlantis Hotel in Paradise Island, Bahamas, focused on the subject of “Consolidation & Globalization’s Impact on Maintenance and Safety.” Seventeen presentations were delivered to a captivated international audience over two days, culminating in an exciting, enlightening panel discussion to close the symposium’s fifth iteration.