Let’s take a brief look back: How was the last bauma?
The last bauma in April 2016 was a record bauma in many aspects. The show attracted around 580,000 visitors from 200 countries to Munich. That was a rise of more than nine percent. Furthermore, a total of 3,423 exhibitors—1,263 from Germany and 2,160 from abroad—from 58 countries presented their products, developments and innovations on a record 605,000 square meters of exhibition space. Exhibitors from outside Germany accounted for 63 percent of the total—higher than ever before. The response from the participants at the last show was amazing. Usually a main part of the visitors at bauma are looking at the products to make an investment decision at a later stage, but last time the exhibitors’ order books filled up much faster than expected, right on the venue.

How has bauma developed over the years?
Messe München has a long tradition when it comes to construction machinery fairs: The first bauma took place in 1954 and occupied 20,000 square meters. Since that time, bauma has grown enormously. In 2016 it took up a record space of 605,000 square meters. In the 1950s, bauma was an annual show. Nowadays it takes place every three years. As one can see, our bauma show never stands still and nor does our company: Over recent years, Messe München has built up global competence in the organization of international trade fairs for construction machinery. The successful concept behind bauma has been transferred to a range of countries outside Germany—namely China, India and South Africa—in each case taking into account the needs of those regional markets. In December 2015, Messe München successfully expanded its portfolio again by purchasing the leading Russian construction-machinery exhibition CTT.

And now a look forward: Will bauma 2019 be as successful as bauma 2016?
As of today yes, absolutely. I expect that the next edition, just like bauma 2016, will again be an unforgettable event. This show is without a doubt the most important trade fair worldwide for the construction machinery industry and its atmosphere is unique: bauma is huge; it is overwhelming, busy, international and always a successful business platform. Having experienced this atmosphere in 2016 for the first time as managing director myself, I can say that already today, I´m thrilled for the next edition in 2019 and we rolled up our sleeves to make it an unforgettable major industry event again.

Please complete this sentence: My first bauma as Managing Director was …. 
…, awesome, compelling, fascinating, simply great.