“Günter, watch out if you ‘ve been there for more than two years, you may be infected with the trade fair construction virus.” – what was initially the incomprehensible statement of a superior, quickly turned out to be true for Günter Weichselbaum. Today, he has been with SYMA Austria for 25 years and has been Managing Director in Wolkersdorf since 2017. In this interview, he tells us what exactly is so infectious about trade fair construction.
A career that has taken him around the world
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 mean and what decision he had made for his future with this career choice.
First stop: Production and familiarisation with the SYMA system world
In order to understand the term “exhibition stand construction” literally 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 was familiarised with the numerous different SYMA systems even before a stand was built.
Assembly station and a life out of a suitcase
In the years that followed, Günter travelled toover 40 countries exhibition stands and later in a managerial capacity. It was during this time that he really got into trade fair 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 there are problems during assembly , for example the material did not arrive on time, you are forced to look for solutions spontaneously. If you lose your nerve straight away , you soon realise, that trade fair construction is not the right industry. Günter , on the other hand , was thrilled by this very 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 an exhibition stand for which you have previously given your all.
Climbing the career ladder as a project and sales manager
After a few years deep in the technical side of the trade fair industry, Günter also wanted to put his other talents to use and asked about an internal job change. “Well , then pick up the phone and start working on a few projects.” – Easier said than done. This stage of his career was full of challenges, but in keeping with his philosophy, to always give his best, Günter continued his education. In 2011 , he began studying part-time. He dedicated his master’s thesis to exhibition stand construction, naturally.
This first scientific examination of trade fair construction prompted him, to writea book about trade fairs in the marketing mix.
The last step? Authorised signatory and management SYMA Austria
“The trade fair industry inspires me and the team around me also inspires me. Because all around me are exactly the same freaks, who are enthusiastic about this freak show – the exhibition stand construction.”
With so much joy in the work and the people who provide these services, it was not surprising that Günter’s next step was into management. Since then, he has not only dealt with the technical the technical and economic aspects of trade fair 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 enjoy working together , you don’t need much guidance”
25 years of exhibition stand construction: What does the future hold?
If you look back over the last 25 years, you might think, a lot has happened in trade fair construction – but Günter thinks so:
“The look and feel has changed, but nothing more.”
With the advent of the Internet , everyone believed at the time, that the trade fair industry would have no future. But what trade fairs create is not jeopardised by the possibilities of technology. At these events, people meet, concentrated in one place, to exchange ideas on a specific topic. It ‘ s all about networking and making contacts, as well as exchanging information and ideas , but also presenting.
Similarly unfounded concerns had also recently been raised by the , the corona pandemic and the further development of artificial intelligence. But despite all the changes and adjustments: The SYMA trade fair calendar is still full of dates.
“No AI or other technology will replace the fact that people communicate with each other, and complement each other – our brains and our health need that purely psychologically. That’s why I believe that I can still retire in exhibition stand construction.”
So what does Günter want for the next 25 years at SYMA?
“Gesundheit.”
To continue to inspire people for trade fair construction and, above all open the doors to young professionals and apprentices. Just as SYMA and trade fair construction once gave him every opportunity for an impressive career around the world.
