Event Director - Best Practice

WHO WE ARE: Great Events by Great People. We are CloserStill. We run more than 100 market-leading, B2B events and gatherings focused on the Business Technologies, Healthcare and Future Transport and Infrastructure sectors. We are committed to excellence and innovation in our business operations and in our brands. Resulting in widespread recognition including numerous accolades and prestigious awards for our events like the London Vet Show and Learning Technologies to Tech Show and DevLearn, we were honoured to have been named in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to work for three consecutive years, from 2018 to 2020. But we are nothing without our "CloserStillians". We are committed to building an environment for our workforce to excel.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: CloserStill Media, a leader in global events, is seeking a results-driven Show Director to join our team. As a pivotal part of our business, you’ll oversee high-profile events from planning through execution, collaborating with a diverse group of departments to deliver exceptional results. Our ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, a natural leader, and someone who’s passionate about creating impactful experiences.

THE ROLE: As a Show Director, you’ll be responsible for the overall success of our events, from strategic planning and operational execution to sales and marketing initiatives. You’ll work closely with operations, marketing, and sales to craft and implement innovative strategies that keep our events on budget while delivering top-tier experiences for exhibitors and delegates alike. Additionally, you’ll play a key role in building relationships with suppliers, media, and commercial partners to expand event reach and reputation. Your main responsibilities include:

• Operations Management: Partner with the Operations Director to create an efficient, cost-effective operational strategy that enhances event production quality and exhibitor/delegate satisfaction.
• Marketing Collaboration: In conjunction with the Marketing Director, develop campaigns to attract the right audience demographics, feature compelling content, and manage visitor acquisition costs. Handle key industry partnerships and appoint agencies when needed.
• Sales Leadership: Lead the sales team to surpass targets for exhibitor engagement, sponsorships, and other revenue streams. Ensure the sales team is motivated and on track with clear sales strategies and activity targets, conducting role-plays and best practice sessions to boost performance.
• Relationship Building: Foster strong relationships with suppliers, associations, and commercial partners to maintain and expand our network, creating new business opportunities and strategic alliances.
• Rebook Process & CRM Management: Oversee the rebook process, managing the rebook team to secure repeat exhibitors. Maintain an up-to-date prospect database that supports the overall CRM strategy and enhances exhibitor communication quality.

ABOUT YOU: We’re looking for a Show Director with a unique combination of strategic vision, operational acumen, and hands-on sales experience. You’re a proactive leader who thrives on achieving ambitious targets, coaching teams, and building lasting partnerships across the industry. Key skills and attributes include:

• Event Management Expertise: Proven experience in event operations, with a track record of managing events to budget while delivering a premium exhibitor and delegate experience.
• Marketing Insight: Knowledgeable in developing and executing marketing strategies that drive event attendance and brand presence.
• Sales Acumen: Strong sales leadership skills, capable of setting and achieving ambitious sales targets and motivating the team.
• Relationship-Oriented: Skilled at cultivating positive, professional relationships with suppliers, clients, and industry partners to maximize event success.
• Organizational Excellence: Able to oversee multiple moving parts while keeping the focus on timelines, budgets, and quality.

We do not offer sponsorship for this role.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: CloserStill Media embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to continuing to develop a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on merit without attention to age, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status or disability status. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our HR team.