Mrs. Heineck, which came first, your love of historic preservation or your job at denkmal? And how did you end up at denkmal and Leipzig Trade Fair in general?

I have always had a keen interest in history and scientific contexts. In my youth, I guided tour groups through my hometown of Leipzig and was fascinated by the wonderful architecture. This love has stayed with me to this day.

How it all began: My beginnings at Leipziger Messe date back to 1984. At that time, still at the Technical Fair, I started with the interim rental of the exhibition halls. After that, I took on tasks in the area of universal and trade fairs. In the spring, I was responsible for electrical engineering (IT technology/printers/PCs/consoles such as Atari and Commodore 64), and in the fall, I was responsible for the major topic of sports/equipment (Expovita, Pouch, Puma, Adidas). At some point, topics such as ecological construction, automation in construction, and archaeology were added.

A look back at history: From May 1994, I was able to help develop the denkmal trade fair – a true lifelong dream. Who still remembers what the city looked like back then? Leipzig underwent renovations, restorations, new construction, conversions, redesigns, and greening. Our denkmal trade fair visitors from near and far were always enthusiastic about our beautiful city of Leipzig.The construction boom years of 1990/1991 and the Leipzig Construction Trade Fair, which premiered in 1990, underscored the opportunity to establish a thematically related trade fair offering in Leipzig. The lecture program at the 1992 Leipzig Construction Trade Fair on the topic of “Building Preservation and Monument Conservation” was very well received. The same was true of the trade fair stand in Hall 13 of the Association for the Promotion of Crafts and Monument Preservation. This led to concrete considerations and initial conceptual approaches in 1993 for a complex trade fair on the subject of monument protection and preservation with an accompanying specialist program in Leipzig. This is how denkmal began – with many milestones.

Still at the old Leipzig Exhibition Center (in Halls 11, 15, and the listed Dome Hall 16), denkmal celebrated its successful premiere in 1994. On April 12, 1996, the New Leipzig Exhibition Center was opened. Since the second denkmal in October 1996, it has been held every two years in the north of Leipzig. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my “old mentors” (Michael Kynast, Dr. Deliane Träber, and Kersten Bunke) and my professional companions from the denkmal advisory board and the international board of trustees. Unforgettable: As a long-standing member of denkmal, I experienced an incredibly beautiful, spine-tingling moment in November 2024: we celebrated “30 years of denkmal” together.

You are also known internally as the “Foreign Minister of denkmal.” Can you explain how you came to hold this ministerial position?

Anyone who has been deeply rooted in a subject for so many years, who loves and lives it, carries denkmal and its successful concept out into the world. I have always done this with great joy and passion. Passion is the best tool.

denkmal connects. Cultural heritage connects globally. And, as we know, culture, cultural assets, and cultural heritage are good bridge builders: between people and national borders. I haven't counted how many industry events, trade fairs, conferences, congresses, member meetings, or companies, craftsmen, restorers, or professors I have visited. Countless – in cities and rural areas, and also in Europe. I always took a look behind the scenes, often picked up new ideas and met wonderful colleagues. This also led to friendships. I always regard my external appointments as further training, broadening my horizons, but also as lobbying and public relations work, maintaining contacts, personal exchange and important networking.

It has always been a pleasure and an inspiration for me to work as a member of the public relations working group of the German National Committee (DNK) for denkmal. Well connected – nationally and internationally: denkmal has its own account on Facebook and LinkedIn. And for years, I have been maintaining my channels with specialist groups and a loyal denkmal community of almost 8,000 followers.

Preservation and restoration are interdisciplinary and cross-border activities – in practice, teaching, science, and traditional craftsmanship. And yes, Europe's leading trade fair and foreign minister – that goes well together, doesn't it?

My predecessor as press spokesman told me that you sometimes take a crate of beer with you to appointments. Do you have anything else important to tell your successor?

Yes, sometimes a crate of beer, a bouquet of flowers, or simply a thank you can open doors, gates, and hearts—and bring people together. To this day, denkmal is a success story that has involved an incredible number of interdisciplinary groups. I am very grateful to everyone involved: our partners and multipliers, exhibitors and visitors, and all the volunteers.

denkmal stands for a high level of professional competence and an inspiring educational and experiential value. It appeals to architects, local politicians, monument conservators, restorers, craftsmen and women in monument conservation, and monument owners, among others. Volunteers in the many associations and citizens' initiatives are also part of this. We are all cultural heritage!

What message do I have for the future development of denkmal? Tradition is not a hindrance. It is the foundation! denkmal still has a lot of potential, because the “industry” is also undergoing transformation. Quality, diversity, and sustainability—these areas offer enormous potential, with opportunities and challenges. The current period of empty coffers and reduced funding is not easy, but we must think about the issue together and identify with it. I have always acted with substance, expertise, and passion in order to meet denkmal's high quality standards.

What are the current challenges we face, including socio-political ones? For example, we must shape processes, think European, create good political framework conditions, master existing challenges, expand national and international partnerships, form cross-sector alliances, highlight examples of good practice, pass on experience and knowledge, live building culture, preserve traditional craftsmanship and restoration techniques, appreciate cultural heritage in a contemporary way, and protect cultural assets. We must actively and innovatively shape monument protection in order to preserve historical buildings for future generations, protect existing buildings, and use them sensibly. We should apply new technologies, take advantage of the possibilities offered by digitalization, and drive innovation forward—because these are important tools. The interlinking of science, research, business, craftsmanship, planning, and execution must be accelerated. Strengthen and value volunteers, use resources sensibly and mindfully.

Preserving and safeguarding our shared cultural heritage, ancient craft and restoration techniques that are in danger of dying out, and historical materials, providing qualified training and further education, and promoting the next generation of skilled workers—that is the essence of denkmal. And its lively presence: at the exhibition stands, people are busy working, trying things out, and talking shop.

Have you ever looked over the shoulder of a clay builder or stonemason, met the national team of plasterers, or carved slate hearts yourself? Unforgettable moments. Just like when a gold medal winner cheers with joy or our journeymen parade through the trade fair in their traditional costumes.

And will you continue to watch developments over the next 30 years as a guest?

Well, let's say 5-10 years... denkmal was and is my DNA – both professionally and privately. My heart and soul, commitment, and knowledge have gone into the further development of our leading European trade fair.

As a native of Leipzig, I will of course be curious to see “my” denkmal and then experience it “only” as a visitor. I am looking forward to seeing my many companions again. The first appointments for denkmal 2026 have already been made.

Experience and “stable smell.” The handover in Constantin Strobel's denkmal team is currently underway and ensures seamless, trusting cooperation as usual. Thank you all – with both wistfulness and anticipation for the time ahead. And take good care of “my” denkmal, nurture and cherish it.

What would you like to say in conclusion?

Of course, I'm not done yet—and my passion for denkmal still burns within me. And yes, looking to the future is part of it. From January 2026, I'm looking forward to having more time for my hobbies, my networks, and my many honorary positions: as a board member of the lottery company and the Leipzig Monument Foundation's support association, as a personal member of the support association of the Federal Foundation for Building Culture, the German Castles Association, Industrial Culture Leipzig, and the Saxony State Association for Industrial Culture. I am particularly looking forward to traveling to countries, cities, and regions both near and far—gathering new impressions and discovering even more of the world and its cultural heritage.

In closing, I would like to say: It has been a great honor and pleasure to have worked with you. I wish you all good health and continued success, and I very much hope that we will stay in touch.

Thank you, goodbye, see you soon! Sincerely yours, Ingrid Heineck

The questions were asked by Mark Gärtner, press spokesman for denkmal.