Messe Frankfurt, which played a key role in supporting the plans for tradefair recovery in Germany, is boosting the sales and marketing function in the UK.
Historically, Messe Frankfurt has relied on agents to help sell its 160 events in the UK and the move to bring the function ‘in-house’ signals the group’s long-term commitment to growing the international portfolio and potentially developing UK events.
UK Managing Director Simon Albert (pictured) commented: “The decision by the board of management confirms their commitment to the UK exhibition industry and strengthens our UK subsidiary. This is the latest step in our ambition to develop further with the UK market.”
In the past, responsibility for outbound sales in the UK and Ireland had fallen to the official sales partner, Sherwood Event Services, but on 1 April, these activities moved in house, along with the existing team.
Albert explained: “Remotely onboarding six new staff with IT equipment, carrying out an induction programme and getting to know them has been a challenge I had never come across previously in my career.
“Communication during the lockdown is so important, not only to work together efficiently, but also for mental wellbeing. As well as the more business related team conference calls, weekly after-work video socials give the team a fun way to stay connected.”
On the announcement that tradefairs are to separated from 'mass gatherings' in Germany, Albert added: “It was fantastic news to hear about the news from the German government announcing Trade shows being separated from public gatherings - a huge boost to Messe Frankfurt. Fingers crossed the UK will follow suit."
Once out of lockdown, the team will soon move to a new office near Guildford, UK.
