PETpla.net Insider 09 / 2021

EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 09/21 www.petpla.net 16 Tour Sponsors: Interview with Petra Westphal and Markus Kosak, Drinktec, Messe München “The need for exchange of information is immense” by Kay Barton PETplanet: The new road show is at the starting gate and we are delighted to be able to talk to you as the gun is fired. The most important ques- tion first: How are you and the Drinktec team health-wise, and how is the vac- cination programme at Messe München progressing? Petra Westphal: We are doing great and really looking forward to Drinktec 2022. Two halls of the venue are being used as a vaccination centre. A voluntary vaccination offer has been made to Messe München’s employees. PETplanet: Can you briefly tell us how you, as managers, have felt about not being able to organise and conduct trade fairs combined with all the global uncertainties? Petra Westphal: Of course, the last 18 months have been quite different as well as challenging. Nonetheless, it has also been an exciting period of time with plenty of scope for creativity, both in terms of developing our trade fairs and re-thinking and organising the internal operational workflow. As always we are totally on brand with our slogan: every- thing is in a state of flow. Markus Kosak: The current climate has further strengthened the relation- ship with our customers because the need for exchange of information is immense as new questions and chal- lenges naturally arise during such unique times. PETplanet: You were, and still are, all working from home just like us. Was that a big challenge for the team, for your work and for communication? Petra Westphal: On March 16 th , 2020 it was clear that starting the very next day we would all have to start working from home. Luckily all employ- ees had the right equipment at hand. This meant that remote working from the beginning was seamless. In addition to that, we are lucky enough to have a strong, cohesive team, which enabled us to maintain our excellent team spirit whilst all working remotely. Overall, the team quickly found creative and effective ways of continuing to work well together within a new operational environment. PETplanet: And are you looking forward to going back to a vibrant office life again? Petra Westphal: Yes indeed. In fact, for us, office life began again on July 1 st this year. Even before Covid, we regularly made use of mobile work. Of course, with all the experiences we have made in the last year and a half, it is now much easier to successfully combine office and remote work. For me it is a great mix that further strength- ens our team cohesion and productiv- ity as now we have clearly defined the parameters of hybrid working. PETplanet: We have known you, Ms Westphal and Mr Kosak, for many years and are aware that you have always met challenges openly and positively during your involvement with Messe München. As we speak now, how excited are you about the future? Petra Westphal: Super optimistic. Of course, many question marks and uncertainties still remain. However, we have learnt from our customers across all industries that we serve with our trade fair programme that there is still a definite need for physical trade fairs. Of course, you can easily share knowledge digitally but to really create something new, to exchange ideas, to build up sustainable business relationships, and perhaps, most importantly in these current times, for the feel good factor, physical events are needed more than ever. A trade fair cannot be replaced by digital formats – that’s the clear and mutual statement from the industry. In addition, shows that have already taken place in Germany like “Trendset” in July in Munich, or “Caravan Salon” in Düsseldorf, have clearly shown that trade fairs are feasible in all regards. Currently IAA Mobility is taking place in Munich with a new concept that enables visitors to not only find out about latest and future concepts of the industry in the exhibition halls, but also in open space areas in downtown Munich. Our thorough and approved hygienic and safety measures make all of that possible. Trade fairs are back on track - without a doubt. Let us be optimistic that by September next year, or earlier hopefully, all countries will have access to vaccines, we will have learned to live with the virus and measures will be in place that enable us to travel globally. PETplanet: That is our impression too. For our industry, personal contacts and seeing innovations first-hand is immensely important and makes inter- national trade fairs vital as a platform for the sector, particularly for Drinktec of course. For obvious reasons, this has not always been possible. What do you think are the consequences for machine and plant suppliers and for their cus- tomers? Markus Kosak: Of course, our cus- tomers are best placed to answer this question. Our view is that the industry’s access to new customers is currently being made more difficult and is even lacking in some cases. What is desper- ately missing is stimulating interaction with the industry in its entirety, i.e. those interactions that go further than your own backyard.