Show Director

We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100.

Our purpose is to connect our customers to information and people that help them know more, do more and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.

We run around 800 events each year, create digital platforms based on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programmes for individuals and businesses.

FAN EXPO HQ

FAN EXPO HQ is the largest pop-culture event producer in the world.  Our mission is to deliver the ultimate fan experience through our growing portfolio of events, which includes MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, FAN EXPO Canada, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and more.

FAN EXPO HQ is a division of Informa, the world’s leading events company, and together we create opportunities for fans to explore and celebrate all things pop-culture, through operational excellence, fandom expertise, and out-of-this-world content.

Ready to embark on a new and exciting adventure? Read on.

Strategy

• Position and grow allocated show(s) to be premier event(s) of significance in their region
• Work with executive team to conceptualize, create and deliver innovative experiences for fans, sponsors and exhibitors.
• Bring new ideas and suggestions for change based on vision for the event. Pitch new show features, partnerships and activations to drive ticket sales.
• Create strategic plans to achieve revenue goals by generating new ideas to leverage key growth areas.
• Gather information and analyze previous year activities and results from departments including (but not limited to) Content, Marketing, Sales, Operations, Guest Relations. Develop post show proposals for improvements and enhancements for the following year in all areas.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of a Key Marketing campaigns and promotions to generate ticket sales
• Facilitate the development and roll out of best in class, excusive and unique content

Management

• Oversee the operational readiness of assigned events with a mix of dedicated, shared and seasonal service teams.
• Provide strong project management and leadership to the team as well as developing team member(s) assigned to you
• Own the workback for each event and engage shared services (marketing, sales, guest relations, customer service) accordingly to ensure all items are executed above expectation and on schedule.
• Maintain and facilitate existing relationships with venues, hotels and other key partners. Review and prep all contracts for sign off.
• Develop strong relationships with sponsoring associations, exhibitors, vendors and overall communication with clients. Ensure that all communication is clear, concise and consistent with show guidelines.
• Research prospective show suppliers. Ensure lowest cost, while maintaining high quality service for show management and exhibitors.
• Review quotes/invoices and submit for approval.
• Work closely with other team members and departments to ensure open communication and the necessary focus is allocated to the events falling under their scope.
• Oversee and take full ownership of show budgets and ensure events are delivered within approved financial scope.
• Oversee the delivery of floor plans, layout changes and related booth regulations.
• Oversee and take full ownership of the website. Engage all shared services to feed into presenting the most attractive product possible to drive sales.
• Analyze processes and bring greater organization and cost savings to the event.
• Maintain database of event venue histories, hotel pickup, key suppliers etc.
• Travel for onsite event management as needed.

Key Competencies & Experience:

• Proven experience managing multi million dollar P & L
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, revenue growth and business development
• Strong experience in short, mid, long term strategic planning and realization
• Proven leadership skills
• Proven capacity/thresholds for:
  • high level multi tasking
  • managing high pressure situations/time periods
  • Delivery on high volume workload
• Strong project management skills with proven ability to initiate and close key projects in timely fashion
• Proven Commercial mindset
• Proven experience curating content

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent Managerial skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships and work closely with suppliers, partners and colleagues.
• Strong work ethic
• Critical, Commercial thinker with confidence to pitch and push innovative solutions/change
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong time management skills and adaptable to constantly changing priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, balance workload and meet tight deadlines
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic and team player

Requirements:

• College or University degree in event management, business management or project management required
• Ability to work and deliver planning phase remotely, outside office environment
• 5+ years of event management experience
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends during event dates
• Potential travel 4-5 events per year within Canada and US. Valid passport is mandatory.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include: 

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns
• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Comprehensive time of package: 10 vacation days, 8 paid emergency days, 1 paid day to celebrate your birthday and up to 4 paid volunteering days
• Work from almost anywhere for up to 4 weeks per calendar year
• Competitive benefits, including Share Match program
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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