Q: What do you love most about the chaos of trade show operations?
A: Honestly, it's the fast pace. Every event is like a giant puzzle where half the pieces move right when you're about to finish. And watching the team pull it all together is what makes the chaos worth it.
Q: Operations people are basically the behind-the-scenes superheroes of exhibitions. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about your day-to-day?
A: Most people think we just set up booths. In reality, I'm juggling vendors, exhibitor requests, freight, floor plans, and about 47 "urgent" emails before lunch. It's organized chaos... most of the time.
Q: How would you describe the Messe Frankfurt USA team culture in three words?
A: Supportive. Flexible. Caffeinated.
Q: What’s the most satisfying part of seeing a show finally come together onsite?
A: Watching an empty convention hall turn into a packed event after months of planning. It's like watching a blank canvas become a masterpiece, except with forklifts, carpet, and a lot more coffee.
Q: Trade shows move fast, and things constantly change. Are you someone who loves the unpredictability or secretly thrives in the chaos?
A: I definitely thrive in it. If everything goes according to plan, I start wondering what everyone forgot.
Q: What’s the most “only in the exhibitions industry” moment you’ve experienced so far?
A: Finding out that moving a coffee station 20 feet requires multiple vendors, labor crews, approvals, and what feels like an act of Congress.
Q: If someone shadowed you for one day during show setup, what would probably surprise them the most?
A: How many miles I walk in a day and how many different people I talk to before lunch. My fitness tracker loves trade show season.
Q: What’s one work skill you’ve developed here that you now use in everyday life, too?
A: Staying calm under pressure and figuring out what actually needs my attention first. It turns out those skills work just as well at the grocery store as they do on a show floor.
Q: After the long show days and miles of walking, what helps you switch off and recharge outside work?
A: Closing the hotel room door, taking my shoes off, and enjoying the sweet sound of absolutely nobody asking me where Booth 1423 is. Then I get a good night's sleep and do it all again tomorrow.
It takes a special kind of person to handle the pressure of live events with such steady energy. Andy is the engine behind these shows, and it is his dedication and calm approach that make the entire experience better for everyone involved.
We're pretty sure he runs on coffee, checklists, and sheer determination - but whatever the secret is, we're glad he's on our team!