Jonna Simola – 30 years at Messua
In September 2025, it will be 30 years since Jonna Simola began her career at Messua. She has come a long way from a summer assistant to project manager and co-owner – and has been part of developing both the family business and the Finnish exhibition field over the years.
First steps in the exhibition world
Jonna’s first encounter with the industry came at the age of 15, when she joined her father on a stand construction trip to London. After that, her summers were spent working in the decorating workshop and doing vinyl graphics as a summer and seasonal assistant. After high school, she studied to become a decorative painter, following in the footsteps of her grandfather Esko – who had worked as a master painter before moving into the exhibition field.
In 1995, Jonna joined Messua full-time at the Tampere office, first as a decorator and later as head of the decorating department. The work included not only trade fair graphics but also signage for commercial spaces, window and vehicle decals, and even framed prints for exhibition use.
After returning to Lahti in 1999, Jonna became part of the design team. Over the years, her role shifted from stand design to preparing graphic materials, and eventually to project management.
A versatile career and ownership
Jonna’s career path has been diverse: from decorating to design and eventually to project management. Since 2017 she has worked as a project manager, where she can draw on all her experience – from technical expertise and design to final on-site finishing.
In 2009, Jonna also became a co-owner of Messua together with her sister, Eriikka Kalliokoski. This marked the continuation of the company’s story into the third generation.
Everyday life as a project manager
As a project manager, Jonna oversees entire exhibition projects from start to finish. The work often begins at the client briefing stage and continues through cost calculations, scheduling, stand construction, and finally handover of the completed stand.
“In this job, it’s crucial to interpret drawings and layouts correctly and to understand proportions. Listening to the client, offering guidance, and reminding them about possibilities and space limitations are all part of the process. Experience adds confidence at every stage. This role requires organization, problem-solving, and a genuine drive to deliver the best for the client. The highlight is seeing the stand transform from a plan into reality.”
JONNA SIMOLA
In the midst of change and continuity
Over the past three decades, the world has changed enormously – and so has the exhibition industry. Messua has evolved alongside these changes. Jonna has witnessed this development up close and has actively contributed to the company’s growth.
“No two projects are ever the same in this industry – that’s what makes it so exciting. Change is constant, but traditions and professional expertise carry us forward.”
Balancing work and free time
Outside of work, Jonna spends time with her family in the countryside, at the summer cottage, and on the water. Her family includes her husband, three young adults – Lilly, Venny, and Hugo – and a dog who ensures daily outdoor breaks.
The next generation has also been part of the company’s journey, helping at events. Lilly, for example, has already worked part-time as a project assistant at Messua. Her story as a fourth-generation exhibition professional has been told in a separate article.
“Exhibition projects are fast-paced and goal-driven, so in my free time I enjoy the simple things – family, nature, and audiobooks. 😊”
Thank you for 30 years
Jonna’s experience, dedication, and versatile skills have been a cornerstone of Messua’s success and continuity. Her career is a testament to the strength of a family business: Messua lives and evolves with its people, from one generation to the next.
“See you at the fair!” Jonna says with a smile – as always.
Meet the Messua team series
Read the previous introductions in the series.
Meet Ella – Messua’s versatile customer service professional and language talent
Ella is a colorful and warm-spirited customer service specialist whose first touch with the family company came already in middle school as a summer worker.
Meet Lilly Simola, part of Messua’s fourth generation
Lilly has grown up at the heart of the event industry and has taken part in various projects both in Finland and abroad.