Exhibitor Relations Lead

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Reporting to the Director, Art Shows Canada, the Exhibitor Relations Lead is responsible for all recruitment and exhibitor relations for Artist Project and supports the Director in exhibitor relations for Art Toronto. The successful candidate is an active member of the creative community, meeting with artists year-round to encourage active participation from emerging and established independent artists, including working directly with college and university programs to connect with the next generation of artists.

The Exhibitor Relations Lead plays a key role in the ongoing success of Art Toronto and Artist Project, bringing a deep understanding of contemporary art practices, strong customer service and relationship management skills, along with sales experience to oversee all exhibitor relations for both shows. For Artist Project, they will take a lead role in the development of the show, bringing in new talent and acting as the prime point of contact for all exhibiting artists. Art Toronto’s galleries will rely on the incumbent to provide excellent customer service, by fielding questions, preparing exhibitor materials, and coordinating amenities with the operations team. The successful candidate will understand the pressures of the event/exhibition business and bring a ‘can do’ attitude, ready to pitch in and support the team as needed.

In joining the Art Shows team, you are committed to supporting the success and vibrancy of the Canadian art market and building events that drive awareness and business for our exhibitors. You are committed to diversity and ensuring our programs, exhibitors, and audiences, welcome, celebrate and support BIPOC, LGBTQ and differently abled members of our community. You recognize that the job description above outlines tasks you are solely responsible for but also that we are a small team and there will be times you will need to step into different tasks as needed to support the organization as a whole and we in turn, will support you in the same way.

The Art Shows team works in a hybrid capacity with 2-3 days a week in the office (Yonge and Eglinton). Recognizing this role in the event industry, some nights and weekends will be required, particularly during show-time.

The Events:

Art Toronto is Canada’s art fair. For over 20 years the show has brought together galleries and art institutions from across Canada and abroad to connect with private and corporate collectors, curators, artists and the public for one weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre each October. The only international fair in Canada, Art Toronto grounds the national commercial art market and is a celebrated event on the fall social calendar.

The Artist Project is a fair dedicated to independent artists, showing, and selling their work in many media. For over 15 years, this show has introduced audiences to new talent at the Better Living Centre.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead sales for Artist Project by actively researching and connecting with potential artists throughout the year, prepare applications and coordinate exhibition jury, ensuring the show features a diverse group of relevant exhibitors while meeting all sales targets.
2. Oversee all exhibitor communications including direct and scheduled email updates, coordinating relocation requests, process cancellations and preparing exhibitor handbooks and pre/post show documentation.
3. Maintain event databases; ensuring CRM systems are accurate and up to date for exhibitors of both shows and for VIP audiences.
4. Coordinate all exhibitor amenities and ensure timely and successful fulfillment, by contributing to marketing schedules and working with the operations team.
5. Support exhibitors throughout the show including move-in and move-out and in the weeks that follow by creating post-event exhibitor reports.
6. Work closely with administrative, marketing, operations, and accounting teams to ensure successful execution of events and smooth communication with all exhibitors.
7. Other tasks as required.

Qualifications:

1. 3-5 years in relevant experience in a gallery, museum, cultural festival, or other arts organization.
2. Deep knowledge of contemporary art practices in Canada and how the scene relates to the wider international art market.
3. Customer service experience and the ability to manage large groups of people with empathy and efficiency.
4. Familiarity with curatorial practices and ability to recognize creative talent along with strong relationship building, networking and outreach skills that result in strong sales capability.
5. Excellent analytical skills and proven ability to use data to make decisions.
6. Ability to interact effectively and professionally with a diverse group of stakeholders including artists, gallerists, museum staff, VIPs, sponsors and internal stakeholders.
7. Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, overlapping schedules and business relationships. Someone who thrives in the deadline-driven event business, with an aptitude for exhibition building.

French language skills are appreciated.

Why work at Informa?

Employee experience is very important to us at Informa. On top of joining a supportive, diverse and ambitious team that welcomes all types of candidates. We are also flexible with different working patterns and prioritize promotions internally. Our benefits include:

• Learning and development plan to assist with your career development.
• 25 days annual leave, 4 days for volunteering and a day off for your birthday!
• Work with high quality specialist products.
• Bright and friendly staff who are all “expert’s experts” and additional training and development for helping you achieve your career aspiration.
• Share-Match options - become a shareholder.
• Regular social events and networking opportunities.

We know that sometimes the 'perfect candidate' doesn't exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they don't fit all the requirements. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Informa is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law.

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About the company

Informa PLC is a British publishing, business intelligence, and exhibitions group.