Informa Markets
The Exhibition Director is responsible for collaborating with the event team to plan, deliver and evaluate events in line with strategic plans, brand guidelines and within budget. They will lead the achievement of event targets through effective team management and coordination with the senior event management team and identify opportunities for event growth as well as increasing non-square metre sales. The Exhibition Director will develop innovative ideas for event features and content to attract and enhance visitor/exhibitor experience. Effective people management practices are expected in order to drive continuous performance and results.
Key Performance Indicators
Achievement of event targets in accordance with event budget.
Regular communication & reporting of progress and results to the senior management team.
Visible team management and leadership (e.g. Objective setting, training assessments, coaching, feedback and appraisals).
Demonstration of event growth including increasing non-square metre sales.
Development/enhancement of event features and content to achieve & improve visitor/exhibitor satisfaction ratings.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
EVENT MANAGEMENT
Lead the development and maintenance of a strategic plan in collaboration with the senior management team.
Oversee and monitor the strategic plan to ensure it is carried out on time and to budget.
Agree the annual exhibition budget with the senior event management team and cascade this to team members.
Uphold the brand reputation of Informa as the premier exhibition & events provider at all times.
Ensure that the planned exhibition growth and targets are achievable with available resources.
Create event content and features with the team that will ensure longer term visitor interest and or commercial success.
Evaluate event effectiveness and recommend strategies for improvement
EXHIBITION FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING
Control and manage exhibition costs within budget through monthly reviews with Marketing and Exhibition Managers.
Liaise with the finance team to ensure compliance with event budget.
Ensure all documentation required is completed accurately and on time.
Track and document all revenue and cost transactions and communicate with the accounts department
EXHIBITION SALES
Oversee event sales targets for team members.
Lead and manage the sales team through monitoring sales activities and performance in coordination with the Sales Director.
Schedule regular sales meetings in order to review performance and productivity and provide guidance and direction.
Lead by example by bringing in sales and sponsorship deals.
Analyse rebooking statistics and identify ways to maximize client retention.
Strategize and produce opportunities for the exhibition teams to increase non square-metre sales.
Provide opportunities for growth within each exhibition profile
EXHIBITION MARKETING
Create useful, internal working relationship with the Marketing Department.
Contribute to the marketing strategy and oversee the execution of marketing plans and schedules in collaboration with the event marketing team.
Monitor marketing activities and ensure they are executed on time and in-line with marketing plans.
Work closely with the Marketing Manager to design/create copy for marketing materials, websites and digital media.
Monitor database growth in appropriate markets and feedback on improvements
EXHIBITION OPERATIONS
Establish a useful, internal working relationship between the Sales and Marketing team and the Operations Department.
Continually liaise with Operations Department with respect to floor plans and ensure client requirements are maintained.
Closely adhere to logistics plans.
Assist and provide support to the Operations team onsite, pre-, during an post-event
REPORTING
Ensure timely reporting to ensure any issue areas are Identified Complete weekly reporting structure with the event management team.
Prepare monthly project reports with Exhibition Managers to be presented to Group Director.
Prepare annual event budgets and forecasts
PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Create an environment which encourages teamwork and collaboration.
Assist in the hiring and retention of qualified and professional staff.
Setting clear expectations and objectives.
Providing regular and structured feedback & coaching sessions to drive a high-performance culture.
Ensuring the effective on-boarding of new team members.
Providing training and support.
Managing the performance management process in line with company standards.
Initiating recognition programs to reward and recognise individual and team achievement.
Identifying team members for promotion/advancement and creating development plans with the HR team.
Taking disciplinary action if/when necessary, in conjunction with the HR team.
Continual development of management and leadership skills.
Any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility
Qualifications
Minimum Educational Level
Educated to degree level
Background Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Significant experience in a senior role within the exhibitions/consumer/brand sector.
Extensive people management skills and experience.
Experience with working in a pressured working environment.
Speaks and writes clearly and fluently in English at all levels.
Proficient in the use of Advanced MS Office including intermediate/advanced Word and Excel.
Thorough understanding of regional business culture.
Good understanding of the regional consumer market
Key Behavioural Competencies
Effective communication at all levels internally and externally.
Trustworthy and discrete with sensitive information.
Positive approach to teamwork.
Effective negotiation skills.
Remains calm and approachable under pressure.
Promotes a learning environment through leadership and example.
Flexible and adaptable.
Creative thinking skills for problem solving.
Ability to work under pressure and within changing priorities and deadlines.
Customer focus.
Decision making.
Result-driven.
Attention to detail and accuracy.
Planning and organising.
Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
Interpersonal skills.
Time management.
Additional Information
Qualities needed for culture fit
Positive attitude and open minded; ability to listen to others views and opinions.
Team player; good humoured.
Act with integrity.
Professional customer focused attitude; ability to stay calm and patient under pressure.
Forward thinking, flexible and able to trouble shoot.
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and respectful of other cultures.
Flexibility and adaptability.
Willingness and ability to travel across EMEA region