For the Physical Well-being
Interview with Nicole Stein, Managing Director of Melles & Stein Messe-Service GmbH
As an innovative and reliable partner for culinary and staff support at trade fair stands, Melles & Stein Messe-Service GmbH has made a name for itself in the dynamic world of trade fairs. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry remains vibrant. Nicole Stein, the company's Managing Director, emphasizes, 'Trade fairs are still the second most important marketing tool for companies after their own homepage.'
Wirtschaftsforum: Ms. Stein, how has Melles & Stein developed since its founding?
Nicole Stein: Melles & Stein was founded in 1998 by Silke Melles and myself. We started with two desks in my study. Today, we employ about 30 people and serve national and international companies at trade fairs in Germany. Our focus is on two main areas: personnel and catering. We ensure that our clients are the perfect hosts at trade fairs.
Wirtschaftsforum: The Covid-19 pandemic has posed enormous challenges for the trade fair industry, as many events were canceled. How has your company responded, and what measures have you taken to survive the crisis?
Nicole Stein: The first major fair we lost was Light + Building in March 2020. At that time, we couldn't imagine that the industry would come to a standstill for such a long time. We had to send our employees on short-time work and deal with the federal government to make the event industry visible. At the same time, we set up a testing center to make sensible use of our resources.
Wirtschaftsforum: How has the industry changed since the pandemic?
Nicole Stein: Many thought that trade fairs would not return after the pandemic, but the opposite is the case. People want to meet in person and do business. Trade fairs remain an important marketing tool, even though companies must be more creative in their solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: What current trends do you see, especially in relation to catering at trade fairs?
Nicole Stein: The trend is moving towards more street food and diverse catering at fairs. In the past, there were often just cookies and filter coffee. Today, visitors expect a varied and appealing food offerings. We have to constantly adapt and develop new ideas to meet these expectations.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are the strengths of Melles & Stein compared to other providers?
Nicole Stein: Our unique selling proposition is the comprehensive on-site support. We are not only present on the first day of the fair but accompany our customers until the last day. This makes a significant difference, and our customers appreciate this personal service.
Wirtschaftsforum: You work in a very labor-intensive field. What strategies has your company developed to attract and retain qualified employees, especially in a seasonal business?
Nicole Stein: We have found that word-of-mouth is an effective way to recruit new employees. We treat our hostesses and hosts well, pay on time and make sure they feel comfortable with us. This positive company culture helps many enjoy working for us.
Wirtschaftsforum: What role does sustainability play in your company?
Nicole Stein: We have reviewed our entire product range for sustainability. Where we could switch our customers to sustainable products without additional costs, we now only offer sustainable products. In all other cases, we propose various alternatives to our clients. This includes everything from catering to the outfits of our hostesses. We want to offer our customers sustainable solutions and we can also provide them with the CO2 footprint of our services. In this way, we are leading the fair industry.
Wirtschaftsforum: The executive level is often very male-dominated. What steps does Melles & Stein take to support women in leadership positions and promote a balanced work-life balance?
Nicole Stein: As women in leadership positions, we feel particularly responsible for creating an environment in which women can be successful. We train young talents and place great value on balancing work and family life. Our female employees should not only be successful in their careers but also lead fulfilling private lives.
Wirtschaftsforum: What goals do you have for the coming years, and how do you want to achieve them?
Nicole Stein: In the medium term, we want to future-proof our company and continue to expand the new structures we created during the pandemic. In the long term, we are also thinking about a succession plan to ensure the company remains in good hands.
Wirtschaftsforum: Personal motivation plays a big role in professional life. What aspects of your work bring you the most joy and motivation?
Nicole Stein: The human aspect is most important to me. I love working with people and supporting them in their development. The positive feedback from our clients and the successes of our employees motivate me every day.