Phuong Anh Do finds it an advantage that she can explain her name to new dialogue partners first: The surname is just Do – and not Anh Do – and it comes from Vietnam. "But I prefer to be on a first-name basis," adds Phuong Anh Do. "As I grew up with two different cultures, it's not difficult for me to open up to others," says the 30-year-old Franconian, whose parents immigrated from Asia. She loves travelling and discovering new cultures, but also knows that soemtimes, there are differences that it's sometimes better to know about in order to deal with them. A trade fair is per se the ideal place to meet a wide variety of people from all over the world, says Do, which is why she enjoys her job so much. She is a networker who quickly memorises new names. Over the next few months, she will have many more opportunities to do so before FACHPACK (23 to 25 September).
Phuong Anh Do began her training as an event management assistant at Messe Nürnberg. In 2018, she became part of Heike Slotta's FACHPACK event team, whose department also organises POWTECH TECHNOPHARM and the PARTEC science congress in addition to FACHPACK. "Since then, my heart has been beating for the packaging industry and its innovative power," says Do. As Executive Director, Heike Slotta continues to bear overall responsibility for the trade fair.
In recent years, Do has worked for FACHPACK in the operational area, from hall planning and customer service to supervising the set-up. Since then, she has become familiar with the processes and co-operation between the various departments. As project manager of the PARTEC congress, she deepened her experience in conception and event management. She was also the initiator of the new Women4Packging format in 2024.
Now, as Director FACHPACK, she can apply this knowledge directly to the trade fair year and implement new ideas. When she started her training, she never thought she would stay at the trade fair for so long. "I only knew that I wanted to organise big events. But the next door opened at the right time, so it was always a good fit," says Do. In addition she has also studied business administration in the last few years and recently completed a Master of Arts in Sales and Marketing.
FACHPACK as a Source of Inspiration
She didn't have time to celebrate, because the hot phase of FACHPACK preparations has already begun. The programme has to be put together, agreements made with partners and exhibitors and new formats developed. "My aim is to develop the trade fair not only as a central meeting place for the industry, but also as a source of inspiration for new ideas and collaborations."
Phuong Anh Do travels a lot, visiting industry events and companies. Whenever possible, she has a book in her hand and a pencil: reading and drawing are her hobbies alongside music and cooking.
New Marketing Manager
Daniela Gonda is also in a new position. Since February of this year, the 44-year-old has taken over as specialist lead of the FACHPACK marketing team. She has already been an experienced colleague in marketing at NürnbergMesse for eleven years: Daniela Gonda has been responsible for the marketing management of EUROGUSS, the international trade fair for pressure die-casting, since 2018. Now FACHPACK has been added. "I am now taking on the new challenge at FACHPACK with the same energy, heart and drive," says the Berlin native. "As a passionate tennis player, I know that it's all about the right interplay – between tactics and intuition, patience and the courage to break new ground."
Do and Gonda want to further strengthen FACHPACK as a central platform for the packaging industry, promote the exchange between companies and experts and put the spotlight on current topics such as sustainability, digitalisation and smart packaging solutions. The packaging industry is facing major changes that cannot yet be predicted in every detail. "But one thing is certain: personal dialogue and networking are essential in order to successfully shape this change. This is exactly where FACHPACK comes in," says Do.
By Anna Ntemiris, Editor
