Head of Conferences

Job Purpose

To set up and operate a profitable in‑house conference department within an exhibition organizing company.

Responsibilities

• Devising strategy and business plan for business unit to deliver financial and non‑financial targets.
• Identifying new and innovative, commercial and revenue opportunities.
• Optimising cost efficiency.
• Foster relationships with senior level industry professionals from major government agencies, trade bodies and leading organizations in the UAE and internationally, engaging them in new business ideas and securing their participation as sponsors, speakers or VIP guests.
• Prepare sales and marketing briefs and work closely with sales and marketing teams as well as logistics teams to ensure successful delivery of the events.
• Deliver new conferences to achieve financial and strategic targets; research new markets and industries to identify opportunities for conferences/confex, research on topics and agenda for existing conferences, accompany key exhibitions in portfolio, and produce launch plans for exhibitors and conferences with optimum commercial appeal.
• Liaise with clients to ascertain their precise event requirements; produce detailed proposals for events (e.g. timelines, venues, suppliers, legal obligations, staffing and budgets); manage and execute budgets for optimum financial delivery.
• Identify and secure speakers or guests; coordinate staffing requirements.
• Liaise with marketing and PR agencies to promote the event.
• As duties change, reflect in the job description after discussions with the post holder in the yearly performance evaluations.
• Develop effective and high‑returns sponsorship packages for conferences and exhibitions.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years' relevant experience in a managerial role.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Ability to lead a team and lead by example.
• Exceptional detail in follow‑up.
• Knowledge of menu development.
• Strong technical skills.
• Excellent time management skills, multitasking.
• Hands‑up approach strategic and good commercial acumen.
• Strong communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong budgetary, projections, and cost control skills.
• Ability to produce consistent profits.
• Follow/enforce company policies and procedures.
• Resolve problems.
• Assume responsibility/accountability.
• Solid skills in selling and negotiation.

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