Show Director, Fan Expo HQ

Company Description

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.

Job Description

FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con event producer in the world.  Our mission is to deliver the ultimate fan experience through our growing portfolio of events, which includes FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Cleveland, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Canada, EDMONTON EXPO, Dallas Fan Festival, and FAN EXPO San Francisco.

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.
• 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. Develop post show proposals for improvements and enhancements for the following year.

• 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 the management of show budget and ensure events are delivered within approved financial scope.
• Oversee the delivery of floor plans, layout changes and related booth regulations.
• Analyze processes and bring greater organization and cost savings to the event.
• Maintain database of event venue histories.
• Travel for onsite event management as needed.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multi million dollar P & L
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, revenue growth and business development
• Established network within Pop Culture industry or similar cross over market an asset
• Strong experience in short, mid, long term strategic planning and realization
• Proven leadership skills
• 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<