Congress Messe Innsbruck (CMI) has appointed current Messe Berlin senior VP for technology trade fairs, Igor Palka as its next CEO. He will take up the post on 1 March 2027.
Palka has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry and has been responsible for several industrial trade fairs, as well as an international subsidiary of Messe München, gaining extensive experience in international markets, particularly in Asia.
In his role in Berlin, he is responsible for the strategic development of new business areas and the company’s international orientation.
Of his move to Innsbruck, Palka said: “I am very much looking forward to shaping the future of Congress Messe Innsbruck together with the team. As an internationally established venue, Innsbruck offers great potential, which we intend to develop further together.”
The management team at Congress Messe Innsbruck has undergone a reorganisation, after Christian Mayerhofer stepped down for personal reasons following thirteen years at the helm. The position was advertised publicly, resulting in over 160 applications from Austria and abroad. Igor Palka ultimately emerged as the successful candidate.
“The Supervisory Board is convinced that, with Igor Palka at the helm, the strategic course has been set for a successful future for Congress Messe Innsbruck,” said Andreas Perger, chairman of the Supervisory Board, who led the appointment process.
“We thank Christian Mayerhofer for his many years of successful work and look to the future with great confidence under Igor Palka’s leadership. He has exactly the profile that Congress Messe Innsbruck needs as a reliable and modern partner in the trade fair, congress and events industry.”
The shareholders of Congress Messe Innsbruck welcomed the appointment. Innsbruck’s Mayor Johannes Anzengruber adding: “In Igor Palka, we have secured a proven industry expert to lead Congress Messe Innsbruck. His international experience and his eye for new business areas provide a solid foundation for the further development of CMI, Innsbruck as a business hub and as an events destination.”
“Trade fairs, congresses and events are vital networks and platforms for innovation and investment for the Tyrolean economy. Following Christian Mayerhofer, we have found an ideal successor in Igor Palka, who will also further expand Congress Messe Innsbruck’s position in both national and international competition,” said Barbara Thaler, president of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce.
Until Igor Palka takes up his post on 1 March 2027, Congress Messe Innsbruck will continue to be managed on an interim basis by Astrid Kirchbichler, head of finance and human resources, and Hansjörg Stern, head of facility management Messe Innsbruck.
