Blick: Mr. Bieri, this year you and your wife, Doris, have hired a new manager. How did Ines Nageli settle?
Karl Bieri: It’s amazing and impressive that he’s integrated himself so quickly into the complex and diverse trade fair business. It just started for us on October 1st, and a month later he is already running the events at the trade fair. The collaboration turned out to be sensational and everything worked out.
Ms. Nageli, what is your first impression of Auto Zürich after the preparations?
Ines Nageli: It is exciting to experience the fair as an organizer. So far I have only been to Auto Zurich as a visitor. The preparation was intense and the tension great, but when it finally started, the joy grew even more.
You come from marketing. What is your connection to the car?
When I was younger I was in the support vehicle three times at the Mille Miglia in Italy. I also visited Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach (USA). For me, cars represent joy in design, technology and innovation. But they also represent freedom, passion and childhood dreams. The car was made for us because we have to move and we want to move. And Auto Zürich is the best platform to look, feel and experience this diversity.
How will you divide tasks between you in the future?
Bieri: Ines Nageli is in the foreground. Doris and I remain passionate about it and go full throttle in the background. Together we are a strong team. We are excited to see what new ideas Ines will use to develop Auto Zürich over the next few years. In the trade fair business, it’s important to continue to adapt to new conditions to captivate exhibitors and visitors alike.
How does it feel to be behind the wheel of Auto Zurich?
I don’t regret it. It’s a pleasure – and an important and correct step towards the future. Actually, we had planned this before, but we did not have the opportunity to reposition ourselves during the pandemic. After the Geneva Motor Show was canceled again, reinforcements suddenly became necessary as international exhibitors are now also interested in our trade show. With Ines Nageli, we position ourselves more broadly and ensure a long-term future for Auto Zürich.
35. How satisfied are you both with the launch of Auto Zürich?
Nageli: It’s nice to see visitors looking forward to the closed doors waiting for the door to open. His shining eyes make up for the tiring and intense preparation time.
Bieri: We saw a pleasingly high visitor interest as early as Thursday. People flock to Auto Zurich.
Let’s look ahead, Miss Nageli. Do you already have any ideas for the future?
Nageli: Yes, but there is still time. I’m watching now, assessing the situation, and making the 35th edition. I follow the big steps and I want to continue the spirit of the Bieri couple: Auto Zürich will continue to be a realistic and regional trade fair with international highlights.