Event Director

Salt Digital Recruitment; Dubai; On-site; AED 334,800 - 558,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Digital Recruitment is seeking an Event Director / Show Director in Dubai to take charge of the strategy, execution, and success of B2B events. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality events that drive revenue.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in managing B2B trade exhibitions, strong P&L management skills, and a track record of delivering successful events. The role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in B2B trade exhibitions or large-scale business events.
• Strong track record in event leadership and revenue generation.
• Experience managing P&L and delivering multi-million-dollar events.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the vision and growth strategy for events.
• Own full P&L responsibility and drive revenue through sales.
• Oversee event operations, logistics, and onsite execution.
• Build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders.

Skills

Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership and team management

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field

Job description

Role Overview

The Event Director / Show Director is responsible for the end-to-end ownership, strategy, execution, and commercial success of a B2B trade show or portfolio of events. This role leads cross‑functional teams across sales, marketing, operations, and content to deliver high‑quality, revenue‑driven, and industry‑relevant events.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Strategy & Leadership
  • Define and execute the overall vision, positioning, and growth strategy for the event(s)
  • Develop annual business plans, including revenue targets, audience development, and market expansion
  • Identify new opportunities for product extensions, features, or regional launches
  • Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market demand to ensure event relevance
• Commercial Ownership
  • Own full P&L responsibility for the event(s)
  • Drive revenue through exhibitor sales, sponsorships, partnerships, and ancillary revenue streams
  • Work closely with the sales team to define target accounts, pricing strategy, and sales campaigns
  • Negotiate high‑value deals with key clients and strategic partners
  • Ensure delivery of revenue targets and profitability goals
• Content & Programming
  • Oversee the development of high‑quality conference agendas aligned with industry needs
  • Curate speakers, topics, and advisory boards
  • Ensure content drives delegate acquisition, exhibitor value, and thought leadership positioning
  • Collaborate with industry stakeholders, associations, and subject matter experts
• Marketing & Audience Development
  • Work with marketing teams to define audience acquisition strategies
  • Drive growth of qualified attendees, buyers, and stakeholders
  • Ensure strong brand positioning through digital, PR, and campaign strategies
  • Align messaging across all channels to support commercial and content goals
• Operations & Delivery
  • Oversee event operations, logistics, and onsite execution
  • Ensure smooth coordination across internal teams and external vendors
  • Maintain high standards of event quality, safety, and attendee experience
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and resource allocation effectively
• Stakeholder & Partner Management
  • Build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, government entities, sponsors, and exhibitors
  • Act as the primary senior representative of the event(s) in the market
  • Engage with partners to enhance event credibility and reach
• Team Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop cross‑functional teams (sales, marketing, operations, content)
  • Set clear KPIs, performance expectations, and accountability frameworks
  • Foster a high‑performance, collaborative, and results‑driven culture

Key Requirements

• Experience
  • Proven experience in B2B trade exhibitions, conferences, or large‑scale business events
  • Strong track record in event leadership, commercial ownership, and revenue generation
  • Experience managing P&L and delivering multi‑million‑dollar events
  • Background in international or regional event portfolios is highly desirable
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into execution
  • Leadership and team management capabilities
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
  • Analytical mindset with ability to interpret market data and performance metrics
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Revenue targets (exhibitors, sponsorships, partnerships)
  • Profitability / P&L performance
  • Exhibitor and attendee satisfaction
  • Audience growth and quality
  • Content quality and engagement
  • Timely and successful event delivery
• Personal Attributes
  • Results‑driven and commercially minded
  • Entrepreneurial and proactive
  • Highly organized with attention to detail
  • Collaborative and influential leader
  • Adaptable and resilient in a fast‑paced environment