Tom Mitchell
President
Messe Düsseldorf North America

Tom Mitchell started his trade show career at Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA) in Chicago in 1993.  As U.S. Marketing & Development Manager, he was responsible for the promotion of some of the world’s leading industry trade fairs, including drupa, K, Medica, interpack, and boot Düsseldorf.  During this time he also launched the first Internet presence for MDNA as well as the creation of a customized database system for sales and customer management.

In 1996, he transferred to New York to open Messe Düsseldorf North America’s new office in Manhattan and as Regional Director oversaw the marketing activities for three German trade fair organizers: Messe Düsseldorf, Messe Essen and the Igedo Company. 

In 1999 he returned to the Chicago office as Senior Director, Strategic Development & Operations, where he oversaw day-to-day infrastructure and planning for future events and projects. In November 2005, he was promoted to President.

During his career, Tom has overseen the launch of several new international events, including a footwear and fashion trade fair in Miami and a medical instrumentation show in Mexico.

Tom is a Chicago native and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Michigan State University.

Messe Düsseldorf North America serves as an international link for U.S. companies, assisting with everything necessary to exhibit at or visit one of the trade shows organized by the Messe Düsseldorf group of companies in Germany, Czech Republic, Southeast Asia, China, India, Russia and Brazil. With marketing teams, a public relations department and finance department, MDNA offers a full service package to make the participation at Messe Düsseldorf events as convenient as possible.