APEX and IRE Move to Amsterdam and Adopt Annual Schedule
- Meagan Wood
- Sep 1
- 5 min read
30-Second Takeaway
The APEX and International Rental Exhibition will move from Maastricht to the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre beginning in 2027. The co-located access equipment and rental industry exhibitions will also change from a three year cycle to an annual schedule. The next edition will take place from June 22 through 24, 2027.
APEX and IRE Relocate to Amsterdam
The APEX and International Rental Exhibition, known as IRE, will enter a new phase in 2027 with a move to the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre in the Netherlands.
The exhibitions were previously held at MECC Maastricht. The 2026 edition took place in Maastricht from June 2 through 4.
Beginning with the Amsterdam event, APEX and IRE will also move from their previous three year cycle to an annual format. The first edition under the revised schedule is set for June 22, 23 and 24, 2027.
The exhibitions will be presented together in a single hall at RAI Amsterdam, bringing access equipment manufacturers, rental companies, component suppliers and technology providers into one shared exhibition environment.
Amsterdam Selected for International Accessibility
Organizers identified Amsterdam’s international transportation connections as an important factor behind the relocation. RAI Amsterdam is located close to the city center and can be reached through the city’s road, rail and public transportation networks. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol also provides direct connections to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.
The location is expected to make the exhibitions more accessible to international exhibitors and visitors while strengthening the events’ reach outside their established European audience.
KHL Group said its visitor campaign for the 2027 event will target industry professionals across Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Annual Format Changes the Event Cycle
The move to an annual schedule represents a significant change for both exhibitions.
Under the previous three year cycle, manufacturers and suppliers used APEX and IRE as periodic platforms for major product launches, demonstrations and meetings with rental industry customers.
An annual event will give exhibitors more frequent opportunities to introduce new equipment, present updated technology and engage with customers. Rental companies and equipment users will also be able to review changing product portfolios, power systems, digital services and aftermarket solutions every year.
The revised schedule reflects the accelerating pace of development across the access and rental markets, particularly in areas including electrification, battery technology, charging systems, telematics, fleet management software and low emission equipment.
Expanded Focus Beyond Equipment Manufacturers
The Amsterdam exhibition is expected to include manufacturers of powered access platforms, telehandlers and equipment used across the international rental market.
APEX will continue to focus on access equipment, including:
Self-propelled boom lifts
Scissor lifts
Vehicle mounted platforms
Atrium lifts
Telehandlers
Access equipment components
Safety and aftermarket products
IRE will provide a broader platform for rental equipment, services and technology used by rental companies and contractors.
KHL Group plans to expand participation from suppliers specializing in:
Batteries and charging systems
Engines and alternative power systems
Components and control systems
Telematics and connected fleet technology
Rental management software
Safety systems
Replacement parts and aftermarket support
Equipment service and maintenance solutions
The expanded supplier focus is intended to present a wider view of the technologies and services shaping modern rental fleets, rather than concentrating exclusively on finished equipment.
Exhibitor Sales to Begin in October
The initial floorplan for the 2027 Amsterdam event was unveiled at the end of August 2026.
Exhibition stands are scheduled to go on sale in October 2026, with prospective exhibitors able to register for priority information through the official event website.
The combined single hall format is intended to make navigation between APEX and IRE exhibitors more direct while encouraging interaction between access equipment manufacturers, rental companies, component suppliers and technology providers.
Visitor registration has not yet opened. Industry professionals can currently register their interest to receive updates when attendance registration becomes available.
APEX Serves the Global Access Industry
APEX is an international exhibition dedicated to powered access equipment and work at height technology. The event brings together manufacturers and suppliers of boom lifts, scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, vehicle mounted platforms, atrium lifts, telehandlers and related equipment.
Visitors typically include rental company executives, fleet managers, equipment buyers, distributors, contractors, operators, investors and other professionals involved in the access sector.
The exhibition also provides a platform for component manufacturers and service providers supporting equipment safety, productivity, maintenance, fleet connectivity and lifecycle management.
IRE Connects the Equipment Rental Market
The International Rental Exhibition focuses on equipment, technology and services developed for the global rental industry. IRE exhibitors represent categories including compact construction equipment, power equipment, tools, lighting systems, pumps, compressors, batteries, software, telematics and aftermarket services.
The exhibition provides rental companies with an opportunity to compare equipment and operational technologies from multiple suppliers in one location.
Co-locating IRE with APEX connects rental professionals with the access equipment industry, where rental businesses represent a major customer group for manufacturers and distributors.
About APEX and IRE
APEX and the International Rental Exhibition are co-located European trade exhibitions serving the powered access and equipment rental industries. APEX focuses on mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, access equipment components, safety technology and aftermarket support. IRE covers equipment, tools, power solutions, digital systems and business services used by rental companies.
The events include equipment displays, product presentations, industry networking and educational programming for buyers, operators, manufacturers, suppliers and rental professionals.
Beginning in 2027, the exhibitions will be held annually at RAI Amsterdam.
Event website: www.apexireshow.com
About KHL Group
KHL Group is an international business to business media, events, data and market intelligence company serving the construction, power, access, crane, transport and equipment rental industries.
Its industry publications and digital platforms include Access Briefing, International Rental
News, Crane & Transport Briefing, Construction Briefing, Demolition & Recycling International, Power Progress and COMPRESSORtech².
KHL also organizes industry exhibitions, conferences and awards programs connecting equipment manufacturers, rental companies, contractors and other professionals across global markets.
Company website: www.khl.com
About RAI Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam is an international exhibition and conference center located on Europaplein in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The venue provides more than 110,000 square metres of event space across 12 multifunctional exhibition halls, meeting rooms and conference facilities. RAI Amsterdam welcomes an average of approximately 1.5 million visitors annually across trade exhibitions, conferences, corporate meetings and public events.
The organization has more than 130 years of experience in bringing industries and professional communities together. RAI Amsterdam operates under RAI Holding B.V., which is owned by the RAI Association and the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Venue website: www.rai.nl
Frequently Asked Questions
When will APEX and IRE 2027 take place?
The next APEX and International Rental Exhibition will take place from June 22 through 24, 2027.
Where will the 2027 exhibitions be held?
APEX and IRE 2027 will be held at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Are APEX and IRE becoming annual events?
Yes. Beginning with the 2027 edition, APEX and IRE will move from a three year schedule to an annual event cycle.
Where were the exhibitions previously held?
The exhibitions were previously held at MECC Maastricht in the Netherlands. The most recent event took place there from June 2 through 4, 2026.
Will APEX and IRE remain separate exhibitions?
APEX and IRE will retain their respective access and rental industry focuses, but the exhibitions will be co-located in a single hall at RAI Amsterdam.
What equipment will be displayed at APEX?
APEX will showcase powered access equipment including boom lifts, scissor lifts, vehicle mounted platforms, atrium lifts and telehandlers, along with components, safety systems and aftermarket products.
What suppliers will the organizers target for 2027?
In addition to equipment manufacturers, the organizers will target suppliers of components, batteries, charging systems, engines, telematics, software and aftermarket products.
When will exhibitor stands go on sale?
Stands for the 2027 exhibitions are scheduled to go on sale in October 2026.
