At Messua, our work stems from a genuine passion and joy for exhibitions and space design. We’re a team of seasoned professionals, with some of us having dedicated years to the company. Last week’s team meeting was special as we celebrated Hannu Jeulonen’s 20-year career as a designer, and Eriikka Kalliokoski’s impressive 25-year commitment to our family business.
The Messua team is motivated by a shared enthusiasm for the events industry and the chance to grow in our roles constantly. This passion translates to our clients through carefully crafted exhibition stands, event projects, and space designs where every detail is meticulously thought out. This year, several team members are marking milestone anniversaries with the company. Designer Hannu Jeulonen celebrated 20 years this September, while CEO Eriikka Kalliokoski reached her 25-year milestone. Here, they share a bit about their work and experiences at Messua.
Hannu Jeulonen – 20 Years at Messua
Hannu Jeulonen joined Messua as a designer in 2004. Over the years, he’s worked on everything from small prefabricated stands to large collaborative exhibitions, both domestically and internationally. Beyond exhibition stands, he’s designed showrooms, office spaces, product display areas, and reception and conference rooms for clients.
“My work is incredibly varied, which keeps it interesting. I’ve never had time to get bored, and every project brings something new to my own skill set,” Hannu reflects.
In two decades, the industry has evolved significantly. Hannu notes that design software has made leaps, requiring continual learning. The growing use of large screens and graphics on exhibition stands has also changed how graphics are designed.
“The next big shift will be artificial intelligence. I’m not exactly sure how it will impact the field, but it’s definitely going to bring major changes.”
Originally trained in building construction and with further studies in building supervision, Hannu eventually shifted to design because it sparked more of his interest. He also shares a funny story about his job interview at Messua, where he arrived straight from a music festival.
“I’d been at Ilosaarirock for three days and slept only a couple of hours before the interview. Maybe it was a good thing—I wasn’t nervous at all. I even mentioned that I’d come straight from the festival, as it was pretty obvious! I must have made an impression, and I got the job,” Hannu laughs.
A few years ago, Hannu made a big life change and moved back to his roots in Central Finland, where he now mostly works remotely.
“The pandemic changed a lot about how companies operate. For us, all meetings moved online, which actually brought some positive changes. Nowadays, we often present exhibition designs to clients over video calls, which works really well.”
Hannu emphasizes the importance of teamwork. He collaborates closely with salespeople and project managers, which makes his job in design easier.
“I’ve come to know my employer and colleagues well over the years, and that trust makes the work easier on both sides.”
Eriikka Kalliokoski – 25 Years at Messua
Eriikka Kalliokoski started at Messua back in 1999.
“I was working at Leaf when my dad asked if I’d be interested in a sales manager position at Messua. Leaf had just been sold to a Dutch company, and I’d started thinking it might be time to look for something new. I also had a desire to return to Lahti from the capital area, so my dad’s timing was perfect,” she smiles.
Joining Messua wasn’t Eriikka’s first experience with the company; she grew up in the exhibition world, traveling with her father on business trips around Finland and abroad.
“Sometimes, I’d tag along with my dad on work trips. I spent summers assembling brochures, washing rental furniture, and learning how to set up rental fixtures and profile walls. My first overseas trade show was in Eastern Europe with my sister Jonna when I was 11 and she was 6. We traveled in a van, and in Hungary, dad set up a joint stand for a food exhibition. It was a firsthand look at building an exhibition from scratch.”
Although growing up in a family business might come with expectations, Eriikka explains that her father never pressured her or her sister to follow in his footsteps.
“My dad never told us we had to work at Messua or take over his role. It was a wise choice because it allowed Jonna and me to make our own decisions. When we finally did join, we had a clear division of roles. We knew what we were each good at and interested in.”
In 2005, Eriikka took on the role of CEO at Messua Design and later at Messu Arvelin in 2009. In 2014, the companies merged to become Messua Oy.
“Leading the family business is meaningful to me because I know I’m continuing the legacy of my father and grandfather. While the work can sometimes feel heavy, there’s comfort in knowing we’re building something for the next generation.”
Despite the demanding and often high-stress nature of the job, Eriikka enjoys the diversity it offers.
“Things can repeat, but each project and client is unique. We work in different cities and countries, which keeps things fresh. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with various clients and companies. The exhibition halls are also a great networking space and a window into industry trends.”
One of the most challenging aspects of the field is its seasonal nature and tight deadlines. This presents particular challenges from a CEO’s perspective.
“The seasonality of the industry requires good financial planning. The field doesn’t have big buffers, so we have to be prepared. The work itself is fast-paced, and every detail has to be in place on time, which demands strong stress management. Every project has multiple moving parts, and the calendar fills up quickly.”
During the interview, Eriikka is juggling 12 ongoing projects, with another dozen lined up.
“In a company our size, it’s essential for the CEO to have direct contact with projects. This keeps us in touch with what’s happening on the ground and what’s expected from us,” she adds.
Eriikka mentions that the fourth generation of the family is already involved in the company. Her children, Ella and Emil, along with her sister Jonna Simola’s three children, have grown up around the business, and the future looks promising for all of them.
“I’m happy that our family traditions are continuing and that the younger generation is interested in the company. Family continuity is important to me, and I hope they’ll find their own paths here if it feels right for them.”
Text: Tia Härkönen
Photos: Messua Oy