Senior Exhibition Operations Manager - Freelance

WorldwideEvents; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Worldwide Events is seeking a Senior Exhibition Operations Manager for a project-based role focusing on the planning and delivery of exhibitions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the exhibition sector, leading documentation, compliance, and client liaison for successful event execution.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in the exhibitions sector.
• Experience running 1000+ person exhibitions.
• Proven track record managing exhibitor manuals and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of key exhibitor documentation.
• Design and implement a communication process for exhibitors.
• Review and assess proposed floorplans for compliance.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Time management

Tools

CAD software

Job description

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Worldwide Events

Chancery Lane, City of London

Reporting to: Event Director

Start Date: ASAP / Immediate

Hybrid (minimum of 3 days in our London Office)

Role Type: Contractor, Project-based (Fixed Term, 2-3 months)

Salary £300-£400 per day dependant on experience

Are you an experienced professional in the exhibitions sector, ready to take on a dynamic consulting role? We have an opportunity for an Exhibition Consultant to join the Event Management team for Worldwide Events, the company behind m&i, Private Luxury Events, TFest and Amour.

Our story

Worldwide Events specialises in business-to-business trade events, bringing together key players in the travel and events industry. We are the pioneers in making business joyful and connecting industry professionals in the perfect environment to encourage business.

The company is an established front-runner of the Meeting & Incentive, Luxury, and Romantic Travel sectors with events hosted in destinations such as Dubai, Ibiza, Istanbul, Seville, Oslo, The Bahamas, Marrakesh, and Mexico.

The Role

We are currently looking for an organised and experienced Senior Exhibition Operations Manager to support the Event Management Team in the planning and delivery of M&I Expo Abu Dhabi (13-17 April 2026) our newly launched exhibition for the global MICE industry.

This is a project-based planning role focused on setting up the operational infrastructure of the event. You will be responsible for creating the full suite of documentation, outlining key processes, and establishing the exhibitor journey from sales through to stand delivery.

You will develop essential materials such as the Exhibitor Manual and technical guidelines, ensuring all venue regulations, health and safety requirements, and logistical considerations are fully addressed. By reviewing floorplans and advising on compliance, you will help safeguard a smooth and safe event setup.

Additionally, you will design and implement a structured client communication process that supports exhibitors through their onboarding, coordinating closely with production teams and internal stakeholders. Your work will form the backbone of the event's operational framework, enabling a seamless handover to the delivery team who will take the event forward.

Key responsibilities:

Exhibitor Documentation & Compliance

• Lead the development of all key exhibitor documentation, including a comprehensive Exhibitor Manual, Technical Guidelines, and other essential materials.

• Ensure all content aligns with venue regulations, health & safety standards, and industry best practices.

• Collate and produce supporting documents that cover:

• • Booth design specifications and technical hall data.

• • Submission timelines for stand contractors and approvals.

• • Health & safety requirements, including checklists and audit guidance.

• • Build-up and breakdown logistics, including access badges and vehicle scheduling.

• • Shipping and delivery instructions for build and show days.

• • Security guidelines to ensure stand and aisle safety.

Floorplan Consultancy

• Review and assess the proposed floorplan for compliance with venue and local H&S regulations.

• Flag any design or layout risks and propose amendments where necessary.

Client Liaison & Onboarding Process

• Design and implement a clear communication process for confirmed exhibitors, guiding them through either turnkey (shell scheme) or space-only stand arrangements.
• Act as the primary liaison between confirmed exhibitors and the production company during the initial planning phase.

• Lead the early-stage production onboarding for the first wave of confirmed exhibitors, ensuring timely information exchange and documentation submission.

• Create internal documentation to support the client liaison process and ensure it can be seamlessly continued by the incoming team post-handover.

About you

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• • 7+ years of experience in the exhibitions sector, ideally in B2B environments

• • Have experience running 1000+ person exhibitions that involve mixtures of shell scheme and space only builds

• • Proven track record managing exhibitor manuals, stand guidelines, and venue logistics.

• • Strong understanding of end-to-end exhibition planning, particularly during the pre-event operational phase.

• • Experienced in liaising with clients and production companies throughout the stand creation process

• • Excellent organisational, with strong time management and attention to detail.

• • Comfortable working independently on a short-term project with set deliverables

• • Experience with CAD software or other floorplan design tools (desirable)

• • Experience working internationally with global clients and venues (desirable)

Why Work With Us

We are a dynamic, fast-paced company offering the opportunity to grow your skills and experience in the events industry. As a contractor with Worldwide Events, you will:

• Be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating exceptional events.

• Expand your professional network by working with industry leaders and international clients.

• Gain valuable international experience by participating in events hosted in exciting global destinations.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Our approach to diversity is simple-we embrace everyone. We are committed to welcoming all individuals, regardless of gender identity, orientation, expression, age, race, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, or perspective. Our diversity fuels our innovation, brings diversity of thought, and connects us closer to our clients and the communities we serve.

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity. We look forward to receiving your application. We encourage applications even if you don't meet every qualification-passion and personality count! Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Our Company Website

www.wwideevents.com

Our Events Portfolio

www.amourforums.com

www.mi-forums.com

www.privateluxuryevents.com

www.travel-fest.com