Exhibition Director - large flag ship event

About the role

The Exhibition Director is a senior strategic leader responsible for the successful planning, orchestration and delivery of high-impact exhibitions for a global flagship event across multiple regions. Serving as the central authority for exhibition strategy, execution and stakeholder engagement, this role ensures exceptional sponsor and exhibitor experiences while delivering against client objectives, revenue goals and event success metrics.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Client Partnership
  • Act as the senior exhibition lead and trusted strategic advisor to clients
  • Translate client objectives into impactful exhibition environments and experiences
  • Champion a sponsor-first approach across all planning and delivery stages
  • Manage post-event reviews, reporting and performance analysis
  • Support business growth through exceptional delivery and client relationship management
• Exhibition Programme Ownership
  • Lead the delivery of complex exhibition programmes featuring 100+ exhibitors and sponsors
  • Oversee exhibition frameworks, timelines, trackers, operational processes and exhibitor handbooks
  • Lead weekly client, supplier and internal project meetings
  • Own exhibition contingency planning and risk management
  • Ensure project timelines, budgets and deliverables are successfully achieved
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management
  • Serve as the primary exhibition contact throughout the project lifecycle
  • Build and maintain exceptional relationships with clients, suppliers and stakeholders
  • Lead supplier management activities and foster a collaborative "one team" culture
  • Implement detailed tracking and reporting systems to ensure sponsor fulfilment and operational excellence
• Creative & Technical Integration
  • Lead floor planning and exhibition design processes alongside Sponsorship, Creative and Technical teams
  • Oversee exhibition branding, signage, architectural features and attendee engagement areas
  • Ensure exhibition environments align with client objectives, budgets and safety requirements
  • Drive exceptional attendee and exhibitor experiences through strategic design and layout decisions
• Commercial & Financial Accountability
  • Develop and manage exhibition budgets of up to $5M+
  • Deliver accurate forecasting, budget reporting and financial oversight
  • Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising attendee, sponsor or exhibitor experience
  • Negotiate effectively with suppliers to maximize value for clients
  • Provide proactive solutions and recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders
• Onsite Leadership
  • Lead exhibition delivery onsite at global events
  • Manage exhibition teams, suppliers, venue partners and stakeholders
  • Troubleshoot challenges and implement solutions in real time
  • Ensure the highest standards of delivery, execution and customer experience
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Mentor and develop exhibition team members
  • Foster a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement
  • Provide coaching, feedback and development opportunities
  • Lead with resilience and confidence in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience leading and delivering large-scale exhibition programmes, ideally within conferences or major event environments
• Agency experience strongly preferred
• Significant experience managing complex budgets of $5M+
• Strong client relationship management and stakeholder engagement experience
• Experience collaborating with Creative, Production and Technical teams on large-scale event environments
• Advanced Excel skills and strong Microsoft PowerPoint proficiency
• Excellent leadership, mentoring and team management abilities
• Outstanding communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure environments

Benefits

• PTO – 20 days plus public holidays
• Summer Hours
• Birthday Day Off
• 401k – access to fund for employee contributions
• Health Care – employee cover and dependent cover offered
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance
• Health Advocacy Program
• Wellbeing & Inclusion Initiatives including access to an EAP
• Family Leave & Adoption Assistance
• Rewards & Recognition incentives
• Volunteering Day
• Cell & Wi-Fi allowance
• Generous Talent Referral Scheme
• Time Off in Lieu
• Additional Requirements