25 years of exhibition stand construction: An interview with our Managing Director at SYMA Austria

In the summer of 1999, after graduating from HTL and completing his military service, Günter found a job as a "technical clerk for trade fair construction". All three words were still foreign to him at the time. But he was soon to find out what they meant and what decision he had made for his future with this career choice.

First stop: production and getting to know the SYMA system world

In order to understand the term "exhibition stand construction" as quickly as possible, we went straight into production. The unimaginable "we build rooms for events" became a clearer picture of a trade fair stand with every move. This initial production work had the advantage that Günter familiarised himself with the numerous different SYMA systems even before a stand was built.

In the years that followed, Günter travelled to over 40 countries assembling trade fair stands and later also in a managerial role. It was during this time that he really got into exhibition stand construction. "That's when I really realised what trade fair construction is. It's a total freak show."

Trade fair construction is one of the few industries in which the delivery date can never be postponed. This is because the trade fair starts on the exact day that has been agreed in advance. If you have problems during assembly, e.g. because the material didn't arrive on time, you are forced to look for solutions spontaneously. If you lose your nerve straight away, you quickly realise that trade fair construction is not the right industry for you. Günter, on the other hand, was thrilled by this thrill. However, what is particularly nice about trade fair construction and is still fun even after 25 years is the variety of companies and people you work with, the cultures you get to know and, finally, the enthusiasm of the customers when you hand over a trade fair stand for which you have previously given everything yourself.

With so much joy in his work and the people who provide these services, it was no surprise that Günter's next step was into management. Since then, he has been involved not only with the technical and economic aspects of exhibition stand construction, but also with leadership models, personal development and team management. He wants to pass on the fun he has at work and inspire other people to do the same, because "if you have fun at work together, you don't need much leadership".

Looking back over the last 25 years, you would think that a lot has changed in trade fair construction - but Günter says: "The look and feel has changed, but nothing more."

With the advent of the internet, everyone believed that the trade fair industry had no future. But what trade fairs create is not jeopardised by the possibilities of technology. These events bring people together in one place to discuss a specific topic. It's about networking and making contacts, as well as exchanging information and ideas, but also about presenting.

"Health."

To continue to inspire people for trade fair construction and, above all, to open doors for young career starters and apprentices. Just as SYMA and trade fair construction once gave him every opportunity for an impressive career around the world.