Since the beginning of April, Gerald Stainoch has taken the helm of Business Development at VIECON. Previously, he spent five years as Head of Sales in the lifestyle, hospitality, and care sectors. With extensive experience in the trade fair industry and a clear focus on strategic development, he now aims to actively shape VIECON’s future.

From Sales to Strategic Development

Gerald Stainoch joined RX in the summer of 2020, at a time when the events industry faced major global challenges. “The restart after the lockdowns greatly strengthened team spirit and innovation within our company,” he recalls. Particularly formative for him was the international collaboration during the integration of multiple company locations. “I learned how important it is not only to change processes but also to create sustainable structures.”

Business Development at VIECON – New Formats, New Markets, New Opportunities

As Head of Business Development, Gerald Stainoch aims to unlock new revenue potential for VIECON. He sees particularly strong opportunities in Vienna’s role as a congress and trade fair destination: “Vienna offers excellent infrastructure, international visibility, and a strong economic base – ideal conditions to further establish VIECON as a leading venue.”

Goals and Projects: Driving Growth

In the coming months, Gerald is focusing on targeted market analyses and smart utilization of existing infrastructure. At the same time, he is working on long-term partnerships to bring new event formats to Vienna. He also sees great potential for both content and economic growth in the area of licensed trade fairs.

One exciting project has already been realized: with the use of Lionel, a state-of-the-art floor-marking robot from August Robotics, VIECON has taken an important step toward technological innovation. The system enables automated, precise markings in record time, bringing clear advantages – including more flexibility in hall management, shorter setup times, and higher quality for clients. This is a concrete example of how business development and operational excellence work hand-in-hand at VIECON.

Networking as a Key to Success

With over 25 years of experience in tourism, hospitality, and the events industry, Gerald is exceptionally well connected – a strength he intends to leverage for VIECON. “I see my role as building bridges: between organizers, the city of Vienna, the business community, and our international partners. When we succeed, we create sustainable growth and strengthen Vienna as an international trade fair hotspot.”

International Perspectives for VIECON

In May, Gerald attended the UFI European Congress in Thessaloniki for the first time – one of the most important industry gatherings in the trade fair sector. Alongside presentations and workshops on topics such as sustainable venue strategies, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and new concepts in sales and visitor experience, the event emphasized personal exchange. “The dialogue with colleagues from across Europe was extremely enriching. Many of the challenges are global – making international networking all the more important. I look forward to applying the insights gained at VIECON in practice.”