The 11th Elevator Symposium and Exhibition was held at İzmir MMO Tepekule Congress and Exhibition Hall between October 17-19, 2024. Organized by TMMOB Chamber of Electrical Engineers (EMO) and TMMOB Chamber of Mechanical Engineers (MMO), the symposium was held with the main theme of “Earthquake and Maintenance” with the participation of more than 1000 people.

XI. Elevator Symposium and Exhibition

The XI Elevator Symposium and Exhibition, held at İzmir MMO Tepekule Congress and Exhibition Hall from October 17-19, 2024, showcased critical advancements and discussions in the elevator industry. Supported by 24 institutions and organizations, the event attracted over 1,000 participants, including industry professionals, engineers, and academics.

Highlights of the Symposium Main Theme: "Earthquake and Maintenance"

The symposium emphasized the importance of earthquakeresistant buildings and elevators to minimize losses during disasters. Insights from the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake were a focal point, stressing the necessity of robust public data sharing and standards like TS EN 81-77 for seismic safety.

Presentations and Sessions

Over three days, 21 papers were presented across eight sessions. Topics included digitalization in maintenance, innovations in safety and control systems, and strategies for designing earthquake-resistant elevators.

Key presentations included:

"Elevator Safety in Seismic Zones" by K. Ferhat Çelik. "New Safety and Control Valve Systems for Hydraulic Elevators" by K. Ferhat Çelik. "Elevators Subject to Seismic Conditions: Lessons from Japan" by Cevat Erdem İmrak.

Panel Discussions and Forums

A panel titled “Opinions on Elevator Legislation” included prominent figures like İlyas Menderes Büyüklü (Ministry of Industry and Technology) and Yunus Yener (TMMOB Chamber of Mechanical Engineers). Discussions focused on improving regulatory frameworks and addressing industry challenges. The forum “The Present and Future of Maintenance and Service Processes” provided actionable insights for the sector's evolution.

Exhibition and Company Participation

Simultaneously with the symposium, an exhibition featured 17 organizations showcasing innovative products and technologies. Notable exhibitors included Akış Motor, İntegra Asansör, GENEMEK, BRM Elektronik, Erkan Lift, TK Elevator, Prolift, Metroplast Asansör, Acrolift Asansör, Ele-Port operating under Gravit, Zorlu and Konel Elektronik..

Key Takeaways and Forward-Looking Conclusions

- Emphasis on digital transformation for enhancing traceability and efficiency in maintenance and periodic inspections.

- Recognition of the need for specialized engineers and structured certification programs.

- Advocating for transparent collaboration between public institutions and professional chambers to improve sector standards.

The event concluded with a comprehensive summary of the issues discussed and recommendations for the industry's future, solidifying the XI Elevator Symposium as a cornerstone for innovation and dialogue in Turkey's elevator sector.