Director, Expo Operations, Emea

**Department/Office**

Sales and Operations / EMEA

**Reports To**

Head of Global Expo Operations, with a dotted line to the Regional Executive Director & Vice President

**Direct Reports**

None

**Overall Responsibilities**

The Director, Expo Operations, EMEA is primarily focused on exhibitor and attendee services at IAAPA Expo Europe including operations, timelines, communications and policies, logistics, team materials, vendors, and production of materials. In addition, this position will support trade events and expos in the EMEA region including the Middle East.

**Essential Duties & Responsibilities**

**IAAPA Expo Europe**
- **Trade Show Operations**_
- Create RFPs, bid solicitation, evaluation, selection and contract negotiation and management of Expo operational vendors including official services contractor, venue, safety inspection, security, and more.
- Work with the global sales team to maximize exhibit space and determine placement of show floor services such as concessions, lounge, seating areas, and show offices.
- Primary contact for exhibitors after they have contracted booth space.
- Develop exhibitor communications including bulletins, service guides, required forms, and training webinars.
- Oversee the production of meeting specifications, master schedules, team manuals.
- Review and approve exhibitor booth layouts to ensure compliance with show guidelines.
- Manage an exhibitor sustainability program and other Expo sustainability measures.
- Manage the exhibitor guest program including monitoring and sending codes.
- Budget, P&L Forecast, and manage operations expenses for the Expo.
- Update the website with relevant attendee and exhibitor information including the on-site information page.
- Manage process of post-event survey creation, distribution, aggregation, and reporting.
- Create procedures for exhibitor-appointed contractors and mechanism for submission of required documents and approval.
- Leverage new and emerging technologies to enhance attendee participation and experiences prior to and during the Expo.
- Create internal reporting mechanisms and generate reports for team use as needed.
- Provide superior customer service and responsiveness to exhibitors and attendees from around the world.
- **Team Support**_
- Working with IAAPA EMEA Events team and IAAPA EMEA Education team to ensure preparations and operations of education and special events, food and beverage, housing block management, and room sets, including AV and deco for the Theatre.
- Provide support to the IAAPA EMEA Sales Director in reference to sales materials, floor plan development, and exhibitor communications.
- Co-liaison to the IAAPA EMEA M&S Subcommittee alongside the IAAPA EMEA Sales Director.
- Support the IAAPA EMEA Membership team in developing and delivering members areas / features at the Expo.
- Oversee the fulfillment of Expo sponsorship deliverables in conjunction with sponsorship team and other operations team members.
- Liaise with the operations counterparts in Asia and North America to support other IAAPA Expos.
- Work collaboratively with other departments in the development and production of IAAPA Expo Europe.
- Manage EMEA staff shipments to/from trade shows.
- **Other EMEA Events**_
- Oversee the trade show operations for all EMEA Trade Summits and Expos including all operational duties noted above.
- Works collaboratively with other departments in the development, production and marketing of events and programs.
- Support the EMEA team on other regional events, as needed.
- Establish/maintain relationships with contacts at prospective destinations and venues for upcoming IAAPA events, conferences or meetings, both domestic and international.
- **Other**_
- Some travel within the EMEA region.
- Meet or exceed IAAPA’s and department’s customer service standards in all interactions, both internal and external.
- Provide oversight and accountability to multiple programs in various stages of the program lifecycle.
- Identify potential growth opportunities and define strategic goals and objectives, alongside the IAAPA EMEA VP
- Evaluate program deadlines, budgets and activities.
- Other duties as assigned by Head of Global Expo Operations.
- **Qualification, Knowledge, Skill Required**_
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with emphasis on business management, hospitality services, or related field
- 5-7 years of meetings and convention work experience, preferably with a professional association with a range of meeting sizes ranging from 500 to 10,000+ attendees.
- Industry certification such as CEM or CMP preferred.
- Familiarity with convention and meetings industry and issues is preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of MS Office and Outlook.
- Demonstrated knowledge of floorplan systems for exhibition management.
- Demonstrated knowledge of database management and use of the Internet for research purposes.
- Excellent written and oral communication, including strong business