Breaking New Ground: IPAF Brings Asia Conference to South Korea for the First Time
The IPAF Asia Conference 2025 made an historic debut in South Korea this year.
Organised annually across various countries in the Asia region, the IPAF Asia Conference has grown into the gathering of Asia’s powered access industry. This year’s edition was held on 2 July 2025, welcoming delegates from across Asia and beyond to Doubletree by Hilton Seoul Pangyo for a day full of insights, conversation starters, and meaningful connections.
This milestone event successfully garnered an impressive 180-over registrations. It was thoughtfully designed to reflect IPAF’s continued commitment to advancing global powered access safety standards through knowledge sharing, live safety demonstrations, and meaningful regional engagement. With the support of the local IPAF Asia Conference Workgroup and IPAF Asia Regional Council, the conference delivered a comprehensive programme that engaged attendees across all segments of the powered access industry.
A Full Day of Industry Dialogue and Safety Advocacy
The day kicked off with a full-day conference, featuring an impressive roster of thought leaders, safety practitioners, equipment specialists, and policy influencers. The sessions covered key topics impacting the industry today, from best practices and regulatory updates to the integration of digital tools in enhancing access safety.
Highlighted presentations included:
- Chae Chang-Yeul (KOSHA) – Safety Status of Elevated Work Platforms in Korea
- Brian Parker (IPAF) – IPAF Global Safety Report & Update on the Safe Use Standards ISO18893
- Bonnie Yau (HK OSHC) – Raising MEWP Safety Standards: Insights from Hong Kong
- Raymond Wat (IPAF) & Brian Parker (IPAF) – Open Floor Discussion: Modifications and Driving at Height
- Desmond Soh (Sinoboom), Kang Han Fei (Manitou) – Adapting to a Changing Global Market: Perspectives from Used Equipment Dealers and Manufacturers
- Kim Taewan (Woolim International) – A Look into MEWP Rental in South Korea
- Chi Sen Gay (Trackunit) – Connecting Machines to Customers: Unlocking Value with Trackunit & AI
- Romina Vanzi (IPAF) & Alex Tan (Aerial Global) & Julie Kim (TVH) – Dialogue with IPAF Members: How Can IPAF Help Elevate Your Business?
Each session spurred thought-provoking discussion, with attendees actively engaging in the sparked topics, reflecting the regional appetite for practical knowledge and safety benchmarking.
A Live MEWP Demonstration and Networking
In the afternoon, delegates were treated to a live MEWP demonstration by our main sponsors: Sinoboom, XCMG, and Hered. It offered an up-close look at equipment operations and key unique product features. The demonstration highlighted the importance of showcasing some of the secondary guidance devices, reinforcing the day’s core message: safety is a shared responsibility.
This hands-on experience seamlessly led into a cocktail networking session, providing an ideal setting for delegates to interact, exchange insights, and discuss potential partnerships in a more relaxed environment.
Interactive Highlights: Driving Engagement Through Safety-Inspired Games
In line with IPAF’s way to drive engagement in a fun way while also learning, two interactive activities were incorporated throughout the day:
- MEWP Safety Champion Challenge
An on-the-spot knowledge challenge where attendees answered safety questions live to test their understanding of powered access practices. Winners were selected based on accuracy and speed.
Klein Phua from Modern Singapore took home the first prize, winning one free ticket to the IPAF Summit 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The second prize went to Johnson Lai from Keng Guan Skylift, who received two free tickets to attend the IPAF Asia Conference 2027. Senghyun Bang from Sinoboom was awarded the third prize, earning one free ticket to the IPAF Asia Conference 2027.
- IPAF Passport Activity
Each participant received an IPAF Asia Conference 2025 Passport - a fun and strategic activity encouraging visits to all sponsor booths. Attendees collected stamps, and those who completed the full passport were entered into a grand prize draw.
Taking the top prize was Won Jeong from Zoomlion, who won a free ticket to the IPAF Summit 2026, including a 3D2N hotel stay. The second prize went to Albert Jeong from Dongwon Lift, who received two free tickets to the IPAF Asia Conference 2027, along with a 2D1N hotel stay. Paul Liu from Changsha Saiyis claimed the third prize, earning one free ticket to attend the IPAF Asia Conference 2027.
Both competitions were enthusiastically received, creating energy and engagement throughout the day.
Powered by Industry Support
The success of this landmark event would not have been possible without the generous support of our 17 sponsors, whose contributions were instrumental in making this conference a reality; Sinoboom, XCMG, Hered, Woolim, Liugong, Trackunit, Dingli, Zoomlion, Hangcha, Noble Lift, Vertimac, Hunan Aerial Power, JCB, TVH, Inslift, Genie, and Changsha Saiyis.
To our speakers, your knowledge, perspectives, and leadership continue to shape the future of powered access safety.
To the IPAF Asia Conference Workgroup and IPAF Asia Regional Council, your tremendous efforts in coordinating this year’s programme locally have our heartfelt gratitude. Their insights, network, and dedication helped ensure that the first Korean edition of the IPAF Asia Conference was executed with excellence.
Last but not least, to all attendees, thank you for your participation and energy. Your engagement underscores the importance of continuous dialogue and shared responsibility in improving safety standards.
As IPAF continues its mission to promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide, this inaugural conference in Korea stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration.
We look forward to continuing this momentum, and welcoming even more industry professionals at the next IPAF Asia Conference 2027!
