Vivien Altmann-Morelli Named New Director of IFFA 2028

Messe Frankfurt appoints internal candidate to lead meat and protein technology fair scheduled for May 13-18, 2028

By Sarah Mitchell · Published Fri, 01 May 2026 11:19:51 GMT · Updated Fri, 01 May 2026 11:19:51 GMT

Messe Frankfurt names Vivien Altmann-Morelli as new IFFA director for the 2028 edition. She succeeds Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim and will also manage international Food Technologies events.

Leadership Transition at IFFA

Messe Frankfurt has appointed Vivien Altmann-Morelli as the new director of IFFA, the leading international trade fair for meat and protein technology. The upcoming edition of IFFA will take place from May 13-18, 2028 in Frankfurt under her leadership.

In addition to directing IFFA, Altmann-Morelli will oversee the international Food Technologies brand, which comprises four events held abroad, and manage the Textile Care & Cleaning Technologies sector, including the leading trade fair Texcare International. She will report to Kerstin Horaczek, Vice President Technology Shows at Messe Frankfurt.

New Director's Background

Altmann-Morelli, a business administration graduate specializing in sales and event marketing, has been with Messe Frankfurt since 2019. She began as a Sales Manager in the Guest Events division before advancing to Guest Events Coordinator in 2023, where she oversaw various interdisciplinary projects. Additionally, as part of the Sustainability Management team, she played a key role in shaping the strategic development of Messe Frankfurt's sustainability activities.

"IFFA is the leading international trade fair for a highly dynamic industry and provides impetus for the global meat and protein sector. With its long tradition, it stands for both continuity and further development. I am very much looking forward to becoming part of this special global network and actively shaping the future of the industry together with our partners and customers," Altmann-Morelli said.

Outgoing Director's Next Role

Altmann-Morelli succeeds Johannes Schmid-Wiedersheim, who successfully led IFFA from 2016 to the present day. Schmid-Wiedersheim is moving to VDMA to take over as Managing Director of the Divisions Food Processing and Packaging Machinery, as well as Process Plant and Equipment.

Messe Frankfurt's Food Industry Portfolio

With five trade fairs across three continents, Messe Frankfurt supports the dynamic growth of the food industry. The sector convenes at events in Argentina, Thailand, the USA and Germany. The company also operates Foodtech Now!, a content platform providing digital industry updates year-round, featuring insights, expert knowledge and stories from the world of animal and alternative proteins, along with a daily newsroom covering relevant international industry news.

Based on reporting by Messe Frankfurt. Read the original article.