Attendees of the 2015 summit of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will focus on "New Technologies and New Markets" during the 25-27 March gathering in the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington near Washington.

Frank Nerenhausen

Frank Nerenhausen, president of JLG Industries Inc, is the keynote speaker. Using the title "Gimmicks or the Next Reality", he will discuss emerging technologies and their potential application in the access industry. JLG designs, manufactures and markets aerial work platforms and telehandlers and forms the base of Oshkosh Corp's access equipment segment.

A panel of speakers at the summit will focus on how new technologies will change the face of the access industry in the next five to 10 years and look at how existing technologies are still battling to open up new markets around the world. Topics during the summit will include a report from Bulgaria on the battle to reclaim stolen mobile elevating work platforms, a presentation from Turkey on the challenges of opening new markets to new technologies, and an update from IPAF on the latest developments in eLearning programs.

Summit attendees can visit a Washington area depot of United Rentals Inc and gain an insight into its workings.

The jointly organised International Awards for Powered Access (IAPA) for 13 categories will be presented at a March 26 ceremony.

Members of the independent IAPA judging panel include Alan Dotts, sales manager of special products for Toyota Material Handling USA Inc; Daniel Duclos, owner and chairman of French manufacturer ATN SA and owner of rental company Acces Industrie; Alastair Robertson, owner and president, Universal Equipment Inc; Søren Rosenkrands, chief operations officer at Netherlands-based rental company Riwal; Alexandre Saubot, chief operating officer of Haulotte, France; Chris Wraith, IPAF technical and safety executive; and Euan Youdale, non-voting chairman of the judges.

IPAF is a not-for-profit members' organisation promoting the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. Members include rental companies, manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners. IPAF is based in Crooks, England.