The first World Elevator Congress, a two-day event co-organised by the CEA (China Elevator Association) and ELA (European Lift Association), was held in Langfang (50 km from Beijing), China, on 24 and 25 April 2019.

Delegates from seven key areas of the world (China, Europe, North America, South America, India, Asia Pacific and South Asia) were present to discuss the main issues affecting the sector, confirming their mutual interest in strengthening cooperation and exchange of experiences.

Three main working sessions were held:

• The status of the elevator industry (a general overview from each continent)
• Regulations and standards (present alongside the Chinese of CEA and SESA, representatives of CEN and ISO)
• Trends and technologies (confirming the strong orientation of the sector to innovation and research)

The event was the setting for the signing of the first "Memorandum of Understanding - MoU" signed by the Presidents of ELA and CEA.

The MoU provides for greater collaboration and regular exchange of information between CEA and ELA. Among the activities planned is the establishment of the World Elevator Federation (WEF), naturally extended to all interested parties (North America, Canada, Asia, Latin America,...). The establishment of the WEF took place on 24 April 2019, directly in Langfang.

One of the main aims is to share the best conditions for free trade in a global market that is fair and free of barriers and unjustified obstacles. A possible even more ambitious goal is expected in the long term: the birth of the World Association of Lifts.