Company Description
Informa Markets , a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business. We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets. Located in the heart of the Gulf, Bahrain is home to a well-established and growing exhibition industry. Leading consumer brands including Jewellery Arabia and the Autumn Fair, sit alongside our specialised energy portfolio including MEOS GEO and KOGS, attracting audiences of over 150,000 annually. The recently opened, state-of-the-art, exhibition venue, new airport and supporting infrastructure provide extraordinary opportunities for growth, reflecting Bahrain’s 2030 Vision. As the kingdom seeks to diversify its economy and expand in economic sectors including tourism, business services, manufacturing and logistics, we, at Informa Markets, are well placed to help realise the Vision through the international trade and inward investment, delivered through a thriving events industry.
Job Description
The role 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. Leading the achievement of event targets through team management and coordination with internal teams and identifying opportunities for event growth as well as increasing non-square meter 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 to drive continuous performance and results.
Job Summary & responsibilities 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 NPS
Main Responsibilities Event & Brand 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 executed within budget
- Agree the annual exhibition budget with the senior 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
- Be responsible for and ensure compliance with company Health and Safety standards
- Create event content and features with the team that will ensure longer term visitor interest and or commercial success
- Champion Sustainability agenda
- Evaluate event effectiveness and recommend strategies for improvement
Finance and Reporting - Control and manage exhibition costs within budget through monthly reviews
- Liaise with the finance team to track event budget
- Ensure all documentation required is completed accurately and on time
- Track and document all revenue and cost transactions
- Ensure timely reporting to ensure any issue areas are identified
- Complete weekly reporting structure with the event management team
- Prepare monthly project reports to be presented to senior stakeholder
- Prepare annual event budgets and forecasts
Sales and Commercial - Oversee event sales targets for team members
- Lead and manage the sales team through monitoring sales activities and performance
- 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 for key accounts and relationships
- 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 the exhibition profile
Marketing - Collaborate with the Marketing Department to achieve event objectives
- Contribute to the marketing strategy and have regular reviews with marketing leads
- Monitor database growth and lead generation in appropriate markets and feedback on improvements
Operations - Collaborate with the Operations Department to achieve event objectives
- Provide direction on floor plans to ensure client requirements are maintained
- Closely adhere to logistics plans
- Assist and provide support to the Operations team onsite, pre-, during and post-event
People Management and Leadership - Create an environment which encourages teamwork and collaboration
- Assist in the hiring and retention of talent
- Effectively manage team members which includes:
- 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
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, finance, or related field
- Ability to develop relationships at senior levels and own the management and interaction with high value customer/partner accounts.
- Senior role in business development, sales, or marketing.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Exceptional leadership and management skills.
- Demonstrates gravitas, high level of enthusiasm and drive.
- Previous exhibition/conference industry experience is advantageous.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong business and commercial acumen.
- Detail-oriented and persuasive.
- Arabic language and experience in the Middle East preferred.
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