The popular Exhibition Group Director of events organiser Messe Muenchen, Robert Schoenberger opens up to Air Cargo Week about the very special person he would like to entertain to an English cup of tea.
ACW: If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?
Schoenberger: A wired-hair dachshund (just google it). They are small and inconspicuous. But they set the tone in the family, as we were allowed to experience for ourselves as kids.
ACW: What was the last gift you gave someone?
Schoenberger: I was in Florida for Christmas and New Year. I brought some presents from there.
ACW: Do you prefer to be right, or be liked?
Schoenberger: Easy. I am used to be liked because I am right.
ACW: If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose?
Schoenberger: Can I also fly between times? Not. OK, well nevertheless then it is flying. And I would start my own air cargo business, of course.
ACW: If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and all your needs, such as food and water, were taken care of, what two luxury items would you want to have with you?
Schoenberger: A fluffy towel. And a smartphone with good coverage and unlimited usage.
ACW: If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be and why? Right now?
Schoenberger: Since you are a British newspaper you may be can make it happen: the Queen. And as she is politically neutral in the public, I would like to ask her about her opinion on Brexit.
ACW: What is the most interesting fact about you that we would not learn by looking at your resume?
Schoenberger: My right arm is two centimetres longer than my left one.
ACW: Do you wear jeans outside of work?
Schoenberger: Not necessarily – I also have a variety of shorts and some skiing pants, which I need some weekends.
ACW: We finish the interview and you step outside the office and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning 10 million euro. What would you do?
Schoenberger: With the lottery ticket? Well, I would redeem it at the next lottery store.
ACW: What is the most embarrassing thing you have ever worn?
Schoenberger: I remember a summer vacation in Croatia, when I forgot my swimming trunks during a trip to the sea. My mother gave me a bikini bottom from my sister.
I was very ashamed. That was five or six years ago – no, I was five or six years old.
ACW: If you were on Death Row, what would be your last meal?
Schoenberger: I like any kind of Spaghetti. If you need a good recipe for a fried Zucchini sauce, just ask me.
ACW: What would I find in your fridge right now?
Schoenberger: Essentially things that need to be cooled and that I want to keep fresh. I strive for a consistent cold chain.
ACW: What are the best and worst purchases you’ve ever made?
Schoenberger: A few years ago I bought a Vespa from 1972. A beautiful lady – unhappily with a few major quirks. Unfortunately, I’m not a gifted mechanic. The scooter never really drove. Not once. Now I changed to another means of transport. An electric convertible smart car. It’s fun and less vulnerable.
ACW: Are you afraid of clowns?
Schoenberger: Not at all. Still today for me clowns are the highlight in the daily circus of business life.
ACW: What would your autobiography be called?
Schoenberger: It was a pleasure to meet you.
