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

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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