The world’s leading trade fair for architecture, materials, and systems entered a new era of leadership. As of May 15, 2025, Cornelia Lutz took over as both Exhibition Director for BAU and Senior Director for the entire BAU Network, which includes BAU, digitalBAU, BAU China, Fenestration China, and Glasstech Asia. She succeeded Matthias Strauss, who ended his career at Messe München after more than 15 years, at his own request.
With Cornelia Lutz, we had an experienced trade fair organizer join BAU who also knew us very well. Her expertise and industry knowledge made her a perfect fit for us, and we looked forward to working with her – said Messe München CEO Reinhard Pfeiffer when introducing the new Exhibition Director.
Expertise in trade fairs for the craft sector
Cornelia Lutz began her career at Messe München around 25 years ago. After holding various positions in the trade fair industry, she spent the last eleven years at the Gesellschaft für Handwerksmessen (GHM).
In addition to strategically developing events, she was responsible for designing and implementing the “Zukunft Handwerk” congress, positioning herself as a driving force for forward-looking topics in the craft sector. She also initiated the annual specialist conference for female entrepreneurs and women in the craft trades.
In her role as Senior Director Exhibitions, she became responsible not only for events within the BAU network but also for f.re.e, the travel and leisure fair, and INTERFORST, the international key trade fair for forestry and forestry technology. She reported to Falk Senger, Head of Division IV. Returning to Messe München as Senior Director and Exhibition Director for BAU held special significance for Cornelia Lutz.
I was excited about the new challenge and looked forward to developing and implementing innovative ideas and concepts for BAU together with the team. I was confident that I could contribute my wealth of experience from recent years in the trade fair world from various perspectives – she said.
Matthias Strauss left Messe München after more than 15 years
Her predecessor, Matthias Strauss, left the company in March at his own request. Reinhard Pfeiffer expressed gratitude for the many years of collaboration.
Matthias Strauss shaped the BAU Network and set the strategic course for a successful future. He also knew how to further develop the trade fairs and establish valuable partnerships. I would like to express my sincere thanks to him for his commitment.
source: bau-muenchen.com
