ISHN asked Lars Wismer, Director A+A und Global Portfolio, Messe Düsseldorf, about A+A 2025, International Trade Fair and Congress for Safety and Health at Work taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany Nov. 4-7. Wismer shares key themes and features of the event, highlighting its global reach. A+A is the largest workplace safety-focused event in the world.  

Q: How does A+A, as an international event, address the unique challenges and regulations of the American market, which has its own system under OSHA and state-specific programs?

A+A

A+A is firmly rooted in the European regulatory framework, but as the world’s leading trade fair for occupational health and safety, we take a truly global perspective. For our American audience, we provide insights into how different regions – including Europe, Asia and the U.S. — address workplace risks, standards and compliance. While OSHA and state-specific programs define the U.S. environment, A+A creates a forum where safety professionals can compare approaches, learn best practices from international peers, and identify transferable solutions that enhance compliance and innovation at home.

To make the event even more accessible for the U.S. community, we are working with Rachel Housemann, known as “Safety Ally,” a U.S.-based influencer and YouTuber who highlights workplace safety topics. She will feature the trade fair and its innovations for her American audience, helping to translate the unique insights and highlights of A+A into the U.S. context. This way, American professionals benefit not only from attending in person but also from curated perspectives tailored to their market.

Q: What key trends in workplace safety are you seeing in Europe that you believe are particularly relevant or will soon become relevant for American companies and safety professionals?

Several European trends are highly relevant globally:

• Psychosocial risks and mental health: Europe has made strong advances in integrating mental well-being into occupational safety frameworks, and we see growing awareness in the U.S. as well.
• Digitalization & wearables: Smart PPE, sensor-based monitoring and data-driven prevention strategies are rapidly gaining traction.
• Sustainability: Safety products are increasingly designed with circularity, material reduction and environmentally friendly production in mind – a development that resonates with U.S. companies under ESG commitments.

These topics are not only regulatory matters but also business imperatives shaping competitiveness and resilience.

Q: A+A focuses on big topics like sustainability and digitalization. How do these themes show up in the products and services showcased at the conference?

Sustainability and digitalization are cross-cutting themes at A+A. Exhibitors present innovations such as eco-friendly protective textiles, recyclable PPE, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes. On the digital side, visitors will see AI-supported hazard detection, simulation-based training tools, and connected devices for real-time monitoring of workplace conditions. The conference program complements this with dedicated sessions and best practice case studies, giving attendees not only a look at what’s new but also how to implement these innovations effectively.

Q: For an American attendee or exhibitor, what are the primary benefits of traveling to A+A in Düsseldorf rather than attending a domestic conference?

The unique advantage of A+A is its global scale and diversity. It is the only event where you will find 2,000+ exhibitors from over 50 countries and tens of thousands of visitors, all focused on occupational safety, security and health. For an American participant, this means:

• Direct access to suppliers and technologies not yet available in the U.S. market.
• A chance to benchmark against international best practices.
• Networking opportunities with decision-makers from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Put simply: A+A allows American safety professionals to look beyond their own system and discover future solutions on a global stage.

Q: How does A+A facilitate networking and knowledge exchange between American safety professionals and their international counterparts?

Networking is embedded into the DNA of A+A. The event combines a high-caliber international congress, expert forums, live demonstrations, and interactive special areas such as themed parks and innovation hubs. American professionals can join curated matchmaking programs, attend sector-specific roundtables, and connect directly with peers from leading global organizations. This exchange creates bridges between regulatory cultures, sparks collaborative projects, and fosters a deeper understanding of shared challenges in workplace safety.

Q: What specific sessions, exhibits, or features of the conference would you personally recommend to an American visitor to ensure they get the most out of their experience?

I would particularly recommend:

• The A+A Congress, which is one of the largest of its kind worldwide, with sessions ranging from occupational psychology to industrial ergonomics.
• The START-UP ZONE, where young companies present disruptive ideas and future-oriented solutions.
• The Sustainability Theme Route, guiding visitors to exhibitors with green innovations.
• Live demonstrations in the Fire Protection and Disaster Management area, which showcase highly practical, hands-on applications.

These touchpoints provide a rich mix of strategic insights, cutting-edge technologies, and immersive experiences – ensuring that every American visitor leaves with concrete value and inspiration.

For more information and to register for the Trade Fair, visit www.aplusa-online.com