A Knoch High School graduate flew to Germany the week of April 25, joining 200,000 people from more than 70 countries at one of the world's largest trade fairs of industrial technology.

Eric Howard, a Knoch Class of 2000 member, who is the director of marketing for Simio in Sewickley, said taking part in the event was an incredible experience.

Germany has hosted Hannover Messe since its origins in 1947 before it evolved to accommodate rapid technology growth.

At the event each year Germany picks a “partner” country, who receives more space. This year the U.S. was selected for the first time.

“This is the first time we have a U.S.A. Pavilion in the Research & Technology sector and it is already one of the largest group exhibits in Hall 2,” Marc Siemering, senior vice-president at Hannover Messe, said. “This is an amazing turnout and underscores the impact of Partner Country participation.”

President Barack Obama and Chancellor Angela Merke attended the event, and Howard said it was interesting to see the heightened security. He said although global conflicts have made him feel uneasy in his recent travels, he was more comfortable attending the event, knowing the security would be tighter with the two leaders presence.

Howard said the event allowed him to show his company's capabilities and symbolized the growth of an industry, a country and Western Pennsylvania.

“Anytime I go anywhere I feel like I represent Western Pennsylvania,” Howard said. “I was always a yinzer at heart.”

After graduating from high school, Howard earned his bachelor's degree in 2004 at Grove City College and his master's degree in 2007 from the University of Pittsburgh, both in marketing.

Howard said he spent some time on the East Coast. Then he returned to this area, where a year ago, he accepted a job in digital marketing at Simio.

Simio designs software that helps professionals with scheduling and simulation. The software is used in doctor's offices to schedule appointments and in shipping departments to organize outgoing products, among a variety of other applications.

The simulation aspect of the software allows the user to troubleshoot possible scenarios in the case of unexpected problems or emergencies. The simulation plots out possible results to different actions, so people can make a decision that saves time and money.

Howard said he is responsible for determining the best way to sell this software. This requires him to travel to other countries, typically 5 to 6 times per year.

He said Simio is a globally functioning company because its customers do business internationally.

“Markets are becoming so assimilated, you almost have to be global now-a-days,” Howard said.

Howard said traveling to other countries is nice at times because it allows him to experience other cultures and see sights that most people dream about, but he sometimes worries for his safety.

“It's always interesting with all the politics going on,” he said. “It all depends on the area.”

Howard said he's not a fan of flying because the takeoffs and landings make him nervous.

Howard said he wasn't always nervous. There was a time when he loved to fly, but with repetition comes the dulling of excitement.

He said bad experiences have left imprints on his nerves, like the time the whole plane shuddered with the shock of one landing.

“Strain is just the nerves of traveling. Will the flight be smooth? Will I get some sleep?” he said.

Howard said flying for work can be hard, but he also can say that he has visited 15 countries. He said he would like to see New Zealand, Australia and Israel.

“The first two would be for the experience of the culture and wilderness, like seeing kangaroos running around in the same way we see deer,” Howard said. “The latter would be for historic and religious aspects.”

Howard said traveling for work is strenuous and tough, but it is worth the hassle. But he feels more comfortable, knowing he has somewhere he can call home.

“It's always nice to experience different cultures, but it's nice to get back home too,” Howard said.