FENSTERBAU FRONTALE has a new director with immediate effect: Chiara Sträßner is taking charge of the organization of the world's leading trade fair for windows, doors and facades. Elke Harreiß, who has been organizing the trade fair for over 20 years, will remain in charge of the department.
In this interview, Chiara Sträßner talks about her trade fair background and her goals for the future direction of the trade fair.
Ms. Sträßner, what has been your experience with trade fairs and events so far? What makes them special to you?
"In my career to date, I have regularly been involved with trade fairs and events of various formats – both as a visitor and in an organizational capacity. In my last position, I was actively involved in the planning and realization of trade fairs, congresses, concerts, children's events and public performances, where I was responsible for coordinating with customers and service providers, visitor management and follow-up, among other things. These experiences, specifically at trade fair events, have shown me how important trade fairs are as a platform for dialogue, innovation, and networking.
Trade fairs and events are special to me because they bring people and ideas together. They create a space in which personal encounters, spontaneous conversations and creative impulses are possible – something that is often neglected in digital communication. Each event has its own dynamic, and I love being part of this lively exchange and actively helping to shape it."
What are your goals and ideas for the future direction of FENSTERBAU FRONTALE?
“I continue to pursue the goal of consistently expanding FENSTERBAU FRONTALE as the world's leading international trade fair – both in terms of content and strategy. Its role as a driver of innovation and central platform for industry will be continuously developed. Important topics such as sustainability, digitalization, and securing skilled workers will be given even greater focus. Together with our exhibitors and partners, we want to provide forward-looking impulses that will really move the industry forward. FENSTERBAU FRONTALE will continue to be a place that combines tradition and innovation and where personal encounters, practical solutions and international networks take center stage. Together as a team, we will intensify our efforts to achieve this."
Thank you very much for the interview, Ms. Sträßner!
FENSTERBAU FRONTALE will take place from 24 to 27 March 2026 in Nuremberg as usual co-located with HOLZ-HANDWERK. The world's leading trade fair for windows, doors and facades is already very well booked. The honorary sponsors are the trade association “glass window facade Baden-Württemberg” and the state guild association of the Bavarian glazier trade. The cooperation partner is ift Rosenheim.
Further information can be found at www.frontale.de/en.
