Powered Access Industry Winners Announced at 2026 IAPAs

The 2026 International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs) recognized companies, products, and individuals across 13 categories at a gala ceremony in Istanbul, Türkiye. Organized by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) and Rental & Access International, the awards attracted more than 140 entries from around the world.

The categories recognized achievements in product development, safety, sustainability, digital development, training, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

North American Products Recognized

Genie won Product of the Year in the Scissor Lifts & Vertical Masts category for its GS Slab Scissor Lift Next-Generation. The judges recognized its curved linkage scissor stack and other design improvements developed through extensive analysis to eliminate rust, limit damage, and reduce wear and tear.

JLG/Power Towers received the IAPA Innovative Technology Award for the LiftPod. The judges cited its patented self-powered lifting mechanism and foldable structure, which enable fast deployment, compact storage, and easy maneuverability.

Other product category winners included Alimak's Scando 650a 40-46 S in the Mast Climbing Work Platforms/Hoists category. The judges highlighted its lightweight car design, increased payload, new C-door, lower overall energy consumption, lift control system, and optimized driving modes.

Platform Basket received the Product of the Year award for Self-Propelled Booms & Atrium Lifts for the Spider 54T. The machine offers a 54-meter working height and up to 21 meters of outreach while retaining a narrow design for transport.

Palfinger Platforms won the Vehicle/Trailer Mounted Platforms category for the PT 25 TJ, part of its TEC range. The judges cited its payload capacity without stabilizers, which helps make electric vehicle-mounted platforms a more practical option.

Other winners included Manlift Middle East for Access Rental Company of the Year, Vietnam Rental for the Kevin O’Shea Contribution to Safe Working at Height Award, Trackunit and Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland for Digital Development, Clem Jacob Hire for Sustainability, and İstanbul Vinç for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

Training and Lifetime Achievement

Standard Arabia Inspection was named IPAF Training Centre of the Year. The judges recognized its 47% year-on-year growth in certified operators and its leadership of Saudi Arabia's largest-ever MEWP awareness initiative.

Debbie Forbes of HSS Training received IPAF Training Instructor of the Year for her work championing high standards, nurturing diverse talent, and supporting a safer, more inclusive industry.

Cristian Nacht received the IPAF/Rental & Access International Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the powered access industry in Brazil. Through his leadership at Mills, Nacht helped introduce mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) to the Brazilian market.

IPAF CEO and Managing Director Peter Douglas congratulated the winners and finalists, highlighting the range of work represented in this year's entries.

“I’d like to say a huge congratulations to all our finalists and winners. The outstanding quality of this year’s entries is a real reflection of the energy, innovation and commitment within our industry. The IAPAs are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the people, products and ideas that are helping to shape a safer, more sustainable and successful future for powered access. We’ve seen some truly inspiring achievements this year, and I’m already looking forward to seeing what the industry brings to the 2027 awards. I’m sure next year will be bigger, more ambitious, and just as exciting.”

Changes Planned for 2027

The 2027 IPAF Summit & IAPAs will take place in Budapest, Hungary. Organizers plan to add two award categories: Product of the Year – Spider Lifts and Powered Access Woman of the Year.

The Product of the Year – Self-Propelled Booms & Atrium Lifts category will no longer include atrium lifts, and the IAPA Innovative Technology Award will be discontinued.