Eva Rowe, Vice President, Messe Düsseldorf North America (Chicago, USA)

Years In the Industry:

Since the third ProWein took place in Düsseldorf, Germany, 24 years ago, I have had the pleasure of working on this wonderful tradeshow. I saw it grow as more and more wineries, winemakers and buyers joined us there. I made many friends along the way, for whom I am most grateful. Working in tradeshows as well as in any other entertainment industry is not the easiest right now, but I never regretted having left the advertising and publishing industries where I used to work before. People bond over their love for wine, and while I will never become a wine expert, I can only state my own experience: enjoying a beverage TOGETHER in person is a big part of the happiness this industry brings with it.

My Biggest Challenge To Wellness:

Until this spring, my wellness was threatened by too many airplane rides and being constantly on the move. These days it is not letting my mind get overwhelmed with all the challenges that surround us right now. The need for empathy, creativity, and for keeping everyone physically and mentally safe is so vast right now, that it is sometimes hard to know where to start without frustration or fear taking over.

There’s a risk of nothing getting done as a result. But that is not really an option, right? I try to take life one minute at the time now, since one day at a time feels too long. And I force myself to focus on the opportunities that the changing circumstances bring with it, while suppressing for now the anxiety over the upcoming election and long-term future of our planet.

How I Keep It Together To Stay Well:

Cycling along Lake Michigan in my chosen home of Chicago, stopping at the Planetarium, looking at the skyline, taking in the beauty of it… All together with a deep breath.

Another thing that really clears my head these days is listening to how others cope, fight and keep on going. I have reached out actively to people around the world with whom I had not been in touch for many years, seeking one-on-one conversations, beyond a quick hello on some texting app. I have learned that almost all of us have unique experiences and emotions about COVID and the new normal that comes with it. From mask-denying to “I don’t feel comfortable leaving my house at all,” from clear financial highs of someone who sells home renovation tools to a small trade show organizer who has to close shop and is financially ruined. 

There has never been a more important time to try to walk in someone else’s shoes. To me, seeing the world from a different angle, taking off my own life goggles, keeps me grounded. Laughing with my family, my friends and colleagues, and playing with my cats does the rest to make me my positive self.

You can connect with Eva on LinkedIn