Conference Director - Aerospace

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

We’ are now seeking talent to join our Aerospace portfolio!

Imagine being part of a team that delivers not just one, but a portfolio of world-class events, serving the entire aerospace supply chain. Alongside our  flagship event, Dubai Airshow, we also deliver MEBAA, the business aviation show, and AIME and MRO Middle East, which focus on aircraft interiors and maintenance, repair and operations. 

You will be a highly strategic and dynamic Conference Director focussed on leading content creation, speaker management, and event success for a global portfolio, including major events like the Dubai Airshow and SPACE Summits. You will report into the Managing Director for Aerospace and you will manage a team of Conference Producers. You are a confident, organised, and innovative professional with the ability to produce high-quality events and manage complex industry relationships.

Key Performance Indicators

• Delegate Attendance and Revenue. Achieve projected revenue and retain key sponsors through satisfaction and engagement.
• Sponsorship Revenue & Commercial Success. Achieve projected sponsorship revenue and retain key sponsors through satisfaction and engagement.
• Timely Delivery & Quality of Conference Programmes. Finalise conference programmes by key milestones, securing top speakers and high attendee satisfaction.
• Strategy Development & Delivery. Assess how well the conference aligns with the overall business strategy and objectives, and innovate to stay relevant.
• Stakeholder Management & Engagement. Ensure strong stakeholder communication and high satisfaction across attendees, sponsors, and partners.

Main Responsibilities

Market Research & Content Curation:

• You will conduct thorough industry research to stay updated on trends and identify critical topics.
• You will develop and create compelling conference agendas tailored to engage aerospace professionals and meet industry needs.

Speaker & Stakeholder Management:

• You will identify and engage high-profile speakers globally.
• You will build and maintain relationships with speakers, government bodies, and industry associations, in order to maintain customer service standards, ensuring your products remain relevant and on topic.
• You will coordinate speaker logistics for conferences and assist with onsite duties as required for the duration of the event.

Event Logistics & Execution:

• You will ensure seamless planning and execution of events by overseeing logistical operations.
• You will guarantee a high-quality attendee experience, maintaining standards across the event portfolio.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement:

• You will collaborate with internal teams, sponsors, and stakeholders to ensure that event goals align with partner needs and commercial objectives.
• You will engage with partners to create alternative content outside the core event schedule.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

• You will continuously evaluate and improve event formats, incorporating new trends, technologies, and methodologies.
• You will foster creativity to introduce innovative conference elements to stand out in the industry.

Budget & Team Management:

• You will manage budgets for speaker-related activities to ensure cost efficiency.
• You will train and mentor team members, enhancing their professional development.

Commercial Development:

• You will collaborate with commercial teams to create year-round content strategies that engage audiences and provide value to stakeholders.

Essential

Experience

• You will have at least a minimum of 7 years of experience in conference production and producing large-scale conferences, with experience managing teams and stakeholder engagement.
• You will have proven experience working with government and industry associations.

Skills

• You will have strong organisation, research-based content creation, copywriting, and marketing skills.
• You will be proficient in English, both verbal and written.
• You will be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other relevant software.

Commercial Awareness

• You will have the ability to blend content development with commercial strategies, creating a balance between business objectives and engaging experiences. 
• You will have brand and market awareness.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in the B2B / B2C events industry.
• Spoken and written Arabic would be a distinct advantage.

What makes this an UNMISSABLE opportunity?

The aerospace industry in the Middle East is booming:

• Dubai World Central (also known as Al Maktoum International Airport) is undergoing a US$ 34.8 billion expansion, poised to become the world’s largest airport by 2050 with a capacity of 260 million passengers annually. 
• The Dubai Airshow 2023 generated US$ 101 billion in contracts, setting the stage for even greater success in 2025.

What’s in it for me?

This growth creates massive opportunities, and the Dubai Airshow 2025 promises to be historic. Don't miss being a part of something spectacular!

• eVTOLs, space exploration technologies, luxury business jets, advanced drones and flying taxis will take centre stage.
• Attendees will experience ground-breaking demonstrations, displays and exhibits, with contributions from astronauts, moonwalkers, celebrities and flying display teams.
• The event will also feature world-class networking opportunities, concerts and unique experiences - making it more than a show; it's a celebration of innovation and progress in aerospace.
• You can also be part of the legendary Gala Dinner at Atlantis - The Palm, with performances from global icons such as Maroon 5, Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry.
• Collaborate with industry leaders and gain exposure to cutting-edge trends and technologies in aerospace.

In keeping with our commitment to fostering a diverse and talented team, these opportunities are open to all Informa Colleagues. For those who aren’t currently based in Dubai, we’re pleased to offer relocation and visa support.