24/10/2025
🎙️ We spoke with Harald Maierl-Fellner, CEO of publiComm GmbH, to gain behind-the-scenes insight into the EU MODEX exercise in Tenerife.
Q: You were on site in Tenerife at the EU MODEX - EUCPT-Tast exercise. I’m sure it needed precise planning, because it was a logistical challenge. How did you keep up with it?
🗨️ "Absolutely—it was a massive coordination effort. We had to rent 20 vehicles just to ensure staff and participants could move between hotels, meeting points, and training sites. Transporting equipment from TAST added another layer of complexity. We relied on detailed planning, real-time communication, and a flexible mindset to keep everything running smoothly."
Q: In addition to that, publiComm was handling the media and visibility of the exercise. What were the challenges in this area?
🗨️ "Media coverage had to be both accurate and timely. publiComm had to manage press releases, social media updates, and visual documentation without disrupting the exercise. Balancing operational sensitivity with public visibility was tricky, but the team handled it with professionalism and agility."
Q: Were there any unexpected situations that required quick adaptation?
🗨️ "Yes, of course. No matter how thoroughly you plan, there are always unforeseen elements that require quick thinking. For example, one day the lunches hadn’t been ordered, so we had to quickly coordinate with local providers to ensure everyone was fed on time. A bus for the social event hadn’t been arranged, so we had to organize transportation at short notice to keep the schedule intact. It was a great example of how flexibility and teamwork can overcome sudden challenges."
Q: What was the most rewarding part of the exercise for you personally?
🗨️ "Seeing everything come together—teams from different countries working side by side, equipment functioning as planned, and the media capturing the spirit of collaboration. It was again a proud moment to witness the impact of months of planning in action."
Q: What lessons did you take away from this experience for future exercises?
🗨️ "Plan early, communicate constantly, and expect the unexpected. Also, never underestimate the value of a strong media strategy. These elements can make or break the success of a complex operation like MODEX."
