Erhard Wienkamp is a familiar face at the K show in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Messe’s operative managing director has overseen numerous editions of the world’s largest trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry.
Now, at 66, Wienkamp is retiring on July 31, 2024. He will be succeeded by Marius Berlemann, 38, who has been working at Messe Düsseldorf for over 13 years. Berlemann most recently served as general manager of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai and managing director of Messe Düsseldorf China.
Erhard Wienkamp looks back on his time at Messe Düsseldorf with pride and gratitude.
“It’s been an honour to be part of such a dynamic and dedicated team, one that has always strived to set the highest standards in the trade show industry,” Wienkamp said. “I’m confident that my successor, with his extensive experience and commitment, will continue to propel Messe Düsseldorf forward. I wish him and the entire team nothing but success for the future.”
Wienkamp started his career at Messe Düsseldorf in 1993, taking over the project management of the K, Papro, and interpack tradeshows. Since 2002, the economics graduate has been responsible for Messe Düsseldorf’s international trade show business as divisional manager and authorised signatory. In January 2020, he succeeded Hans Werner Reinhard as operative managing director. In his latest role, he was responsible for the plastics and rubber portfolio with the leading global trade show K and nine trade shows abroad, amongst many others.
“The trade shows that Erhard Wienkamp is responsible for are heavyweights in their industry, bringing people from all over the world to Düsseldorf year after year and not only enriching the international flair of our city but also promoting the regional economy,” said Dr. Stephan Keller, Lord Mayor of the state capital Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Düsseldorf.
The last K show took place in 2022, welcoming about 176,000 visitors, a 21% drop compared to 2019. At the time, Wienkamp said that “K in Düsseldorf has once again fulfilled the highest expectations. It continues to be the most international, complete and innovative trade fair of the global plastics and rubber industry.”
The next K show – the first to be managed by Berlemann - is set to place between Oct. 8-15, 2025. The show will be built around the slogan of "The Power of Plastics! Green — Smart — Responsible", with messages about shaping the circular economy, embracing digitalisation and caring about people.