Goodbye 2014 – A Personal Review of the Year by Staff at Messe Düsseldorf
The 2014 trade show year is drawing to a close and what a year it was! From world leading trade shows like boot and interpack including the save FOOD Congress through to ProWein attracting 4,830 exhibitors from 47 countries and over 48,000 international trade visitors to the metropolis on the Rhine. Once again, there was something for everyone among the in total 50 + events at Messe Düsseldorf – each and every one of them boasting many highlights and special moments. But what were the special highlights for Messe Düsseldorf staff? What will stick in their memories after the year comes to an end? This is what they answered.
Werner M. Dornscheidt, CEO:
“My personal highlight in 2014 was the sailing trip with the hope flotilla for the children’s charity Kinder in Not at Travemünde Week. The sunshine4kids association has realised a project here that gives hope and joy back to traumatised children who have been through a lot, helping them to draw on new energy for their everyday lives. For a long time I haven’t been so moved, so contemplative and so happy at the same time to see such laughing faces. This year I shared patronage of the initiative together with Daniela Schadt, the partner in life of Federal President Joachim Gauck. I am already looking forward to the trip next year – as ambassador of our boot fair.”
Julia Kuntze-Braun, Team for Special Events:
“My highlight this year was the organisation of the German House in Sotschi, because when the whole world is watching you want to do your best. Since the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney Messe Düsseldorf has been commissioned by the German Olympic Sports Confederation to take on responsibility for the German House. It was here that I had my own very personal Olympic moment. We excitedly made our way to Sotschi. Despite all the planning and coordination obviously you never ultimately know if everything will work out. You are also nervous before you reach the location. And it was really wonderful when we landed in Russia to be warmly welcomed by a huge team of volunteers. At that moment we knew: together we would make it!”
John Frenken, Operations Department:
“Together with department head Alexander Kirschbaum I organise a cycle tour every year for the team. This is very much an annual highlight for me even though it almost always rains. At the start of the year the first enquiries come in about where the tour will go this year. We usually go to Holland, my homeland. Many feel like they are on holiday there and I obviously love that. This year we met in Brüggen and kicked off with a hearty breakfast. After that tour then got going – on our own pushbikes, rented cycles or E-bikes through woods and fields. We even took the ferry. We must have covered about 40 to 50 km and the rain did not stop us either. It’s just great to meet colleagues outside of work and get to know each other better – and you can then throw yourself back into the trade show hustle and bustle with renewed vigour.”
What were your personal trade show highlights? Tell us your opinion by adding your comment to this feature and have the chance to win two tickets for the boot trade show in January 2015. Just leave a comment underneath this article. The closing date is 15 January 2015. Winners will be notified by e-mail. Unfortunately, employees of Messe Düsseldorf are not permitted to enter the competition.
