Aerial work platforms for film, event and trade fair productions – what organisers need to know

Rigging a concert stage at a height of 8 metres, setting up camera positions for a TV production, fitting trade fair stands with ceiling lighting – behind each of these set-ups there is usually an aerial work platform. And that is exactly where the problems often begin: events have tight time windows, narrow halls and zero tolerance for breakdowns. Anyone who orders the wrong machine or starts planning too late drags the entire set-up into delay. This article shows which aerial work platforms are suitable for event productions, what matters when choosing one – and what rental companies like Luibl have to deliver so that set-up and dismantling really run smoothly.

Aerial work platforms are used at events in many more places than most people think. Roughly speaking, four areas can be distinguished:

Rigging and stage technology

Truss structures, chain hoists, speaker clusters – all of this hangs at height and has to be installed, maintained and dismantled again after the event. Anyone who needs a safe, positionable platform for this cannot do without an aerial work platform.

Camera and lighting positions

Film and TV productions often place cameras in positions that cannot be reached without a lift: hall roofs, overhead shots, wide shots from an elevated perspective. Lighting designers also use aerial work platforms to align spotlights precisely.

Trade fair construction and exhibitions

Ceiling systems, signage and lighting installations in exhibition halls require work at heights of 6 to 12 metres – usually on smooth concrete floors, often under considerable time pressure. The halls are large, but electric scissor lifts can move efficiently from point to point here.

Decoration and set construction

Large sets, facades, green walls or suspended installations – in the events sector, manual work at height is the rule rather than the exception.

The conditions in the hall are more decisive than the actual task. The most important parameters: ceiling height, floor condition, width of the access points and whether emissions are permitted.

Electric scissor lift: the standard indoors

For most trade fair and indoor productions, renting an electric scissor lift is the obvious choice. It works with zero local emissions, leaves no tyre marks on sensitive hall floors and can be positioned precisely. Working heights of 6 to 14 metres cover most exhibition halls and event venues. Typical models for event use have a platform width of 1.20 to 1.80 m – wide enough for two people with tools, narrow enough for most stand aisles.

When it does not fit:

On uneven ground, stage ramps or wet outdoor areas, scissor lifts quickly reach their limits.

Articulating boom lift: for reach over obstacles

When rigging truss structures or mounting camera positions in hard-to-reach places, outreach is more decisive than pure height. An articulating boom lift can be positioned over grandstands, stage structures or barriers without the machine having to stand directly underneath. Working heights of up to 58 metres allow safe work even in large arenas or production halls – even when the floor below is not clear.

Mast lift: compact for confined areas

In historic buildings, castles or small event venues where ceiling height and passageways are severely limited, a mast lift is often the only solution. With widths of less than one metre, they fit through normal doors and can be manoeuvred in a minimum of space.Lift typeTypical working heightGround typeSpecial featureElectric scissor lift6–14 mLevel, pavedZero local emissions, wide platformArticulating boom liftup to 58 mPavedOutreach over obstaclesMast liftup to 12.65 mLevel, indoorsVery narrow, fits through doors

Time windows are not negotiable

Exhibition halls and event venues have fixed set-up times – often only 24 to 48 hours before the first visitor comes through the door. If the machine is delivered late or does not work, there is no buffer. This is why the arrangements with the rental company should be more detailed than for a normal site job: delivery time, contact person on site, and what happens if the machine breaks down. Luibl delivers with its own low-loader fleet and offers on-site technical support – at events this is not a luxury, but real peace of mind.

Check floor loading in halls

Exhibition halls are rarely designed for unlimited floor loads. An electric scissor lift with a dead weight of 3,000 to 5,000 kg places point loads on the floor that need to be agreed with the hall operator. This applies in particular to older event halls or historic buildings. If in doubt: load-spreading plates and a consultation with the rental company.

Permits and user responsibility

Anyone using an aerial work platform at a public event is responsible, as the user, for its safe operation. This includes instructing the operators, checking the ground and – at certain venues – coordinating with the venue's safety plan. Luibl provides an operator briefing on handover for the rented machines.

Set-up and dismantling: two separate planning steps

During set-up the hall is empty, during dismantling it is not. After a trade fair or event, exhibits, decorations and often the cleaning crew are already in the way. Anyone who plans dismantling as a simple mirror image of set-up is usually in for surprises. A more compact machine may be the better choice for dismantling than the one that worked without problems on the open floor during set-up.

Outdoor events: different requirements, different machines

Different rules apply at festivals, open-air concerts or outdoor events. Paved ground is rare, rain and wind have to be factored in, and the distances on site are greater. For outdoor events, diesel articulating boom lifts or spider lifts are mainly used. The latter are specially built for soft, rough ground and can handle gradients of more than 50 % – which becomes relevant on hilly festival grounds or unpaved sections of the site. Important: Keep an eye on wind strength when lifts are extended. From wind force 5, operation should always be stopped. At events with their own safety plan, this is usually already specified.

Book early – especially in the peak event season

Spring and autumn are peak season for trade fairs, congresses and events – exactly when the availability of special machines becomes tight. Anyone who orders the aerial work platform for a trade fair set-up only two weeks in advance risks having to settle for the first available model instead of the right one. Luibl has a wide range and delivers throughout the Netherlands. Nevertheless: the earlier the enquiry, the better the choice – and the more time remains to agree the details properly. Rent aerial work platforms Rent electric scissor lifts Rent articulating boom lifts

Which aerial work platform is best suited to trade fair construction?

For most exhibition halls, an electric scissor lift is the first choice. It works with zero local emissions, leaves no marks on smooth hall floors and is very manoeuvrable on level surfaces. If outreach over structures is needed, an articulating boom lift is the better option.

May I use an aerial work platform at a public event?

Yes, but as the user you are responsible for safe operation: instructing the operators, checking the ground and coordinating with the venue's safety plan. An operator briefing by the rental company on handover is recommended and reduces legal risks.

How far in advance should I book an aerial work platform for an event?

In peak season (March to May, September to November), ideally 4 to 6 weeks in advance. For large projects with several machines, even earlier. Requests at short notice are possible, but limit the choice of models.

What happens if the aerial work platform breaks down during set-up?

That is exactly the point to clarify before booking. Reputable rental companies offer on-site technical support and prompt replacement in case of defects. Luibl provides technicians on site on request and delivers with its own fleet – this minimises dependence on external service providers.

Can I also rent an aerial work platform for outdoor festivals?

Yes. For soft or rough ground, spider lifts are the right choice. For paved outdoor areas, diesel articulating boom lifts are suitable. Important: keep an eye on wind strength and stop operation at force 5 or above.

Aerial work platforms for film, event and trade fair productions follow different rules than on a classic construction site. Time pressure, hall conditions, floor loading and set-up/dismantling logistics demand more careful planning – and a rental company that not only delivers the machine but also responds when it matters. Anyone who tackles the choice between machines and providers early on avoids most surprises during set-up. For a quote without obligation – including for several machines combined – Luibl is available at luibl.eu.