Event Director

Role Overview

The Event Director / Show Director is responsible for the end-to-end ownership, strategy, execution, and commercial success of a B2B trade show or portfolio of events. This role leads cross-functional teams across sales, marketing, operations, and content to deliver high-quality, revenue-driven, and industry-relevant events.

Key Responsibilities

1. Event Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the overall vision, positioning, and growth strategy for the event(s)
• Develop annual business plans, including revenue targets, audience development, and market expansion
• Identify new opportunities for product extensions, features, or regional launches
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market demand to ensure event relevance

2. Commercial Ownership

• Own full P&L responsibility for the event(s)
• Drive revenue through exhibitor sales, sponsorships, partnerships, and ancillary revenue streams
• Work closely with the sales team to define target accounts, pricing strategy, and sales campaigns
• Negotiate high-value deals with key clients and strategic partners
• Ensure delivery of revenue targets and profitability goals

3. Content & Programming

• Oversee the development of high-quality conference agendas aligned with industry needs
• Curate speakers, topics, and advisory boards
• Ensure content drives delegate acquisition, exhibitor value, and thought leadership positioning
• Collaborate with industry stakeholders, associations, and subject matter experts

4. Marketing & Audience Development

• Work with marketing teams to define audience acquisition strategies
• Drive growth of qualified attendees, buyers, and stakeholders
• Ensure strong brand positioning through digital, PR, and campaign strategies
• Align messaging across all channels to support commercial and content goals

5. Operations & Delivery

• Oversee event operations, logistics, and onsite execution
• Ensure smooth coordination across internal teams and external vendors
• Maintain high standards of event quality, safety, and attendee experience
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively

6. Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, government entities, sponsors, and exhibitors
• Act as the primary senior representative of the event(s) in the market
• Engage with partners to enhance event credibility and reach

7. Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, operations, content)
• Set clear KPIs, performance expectations, and accountability frameworks
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and results-driven culture

Key Requirements

Experience

• Proven experience in B2B trade exhibitions, conferences, or large-scale business events
• Strong track record in event leadership, commercial ownership, and revenue generation
• Experience managing P&L and delivering multi-million-dollar events
• Background in international or regional event portfolios is highly desirable

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into execution
• Leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret market data and performance metrics
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue targets (exhibitors, sponsorships, partnerships)
• Profitability / P&L performance
• Exhibitor and attendee satisfaction
• Audience growth and quality
• Content quality and engagement
• Timely and successful event delivery

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven and commercially minded
• Entrepreneurial and proactive
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Collaborative and influential leader
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment

Salt is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.