Informa Connect Hiring for Show Director – Middle East Film and Comic Con Job at Dubai Full Time

Middle East Film & Comic Con

Launched back in 2012 and cementing its place as the Middle East’s Ultimate Pop Culture Festival, Middle East Film & Comic Con is the biggest celebration of passion, entertainment and art, bringing together like-minded visitors with similar interests and hobbies to enjoy the latest releases and productions of comic books, anime, video games, movies and TV shows from around the world. Following its successful 10th edition which saw an incredible comeback of the show after the COVID-19 pandemic, MEFCC returned with its best line-up of celebrities and international artists, as well as the participation of the biggest brands in entertainment including Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and more, with exclusive content and merchandise being the heart and soul of what makes this convention a unique fusion of experiences of art and culture both locally and internationally.

We need an experienced event professional to support the growth of MEFCC Abu Dhabi and explore other regional opportunities for launches and new community engagements. The role of the Show Director works in partnership with the executive team and is responsible for executing a collaborative vision. High level responsibilities are to conceptualize, create and deliver innovative and best in class experiences for fans.

Strategy

• Strategize, position, and grow the show to be a premier event of significance in the region
• Lead the event team in conceptualizing, creating and delivering innovative and best in class onsite experiences for fans, sponsors and exhibitors
• Lead event strategy meetings welcoming new ideas and suggesting changes based on the agreed vision for the event. Evaluate and suggest new show features, partnerships and activations.
• Create strategic plans to achieve revenue goals by generating new ideas and growth areas.
• Gather information and analyse previous year activities and results. Develop post show proposals for improvements and enhancements for the following year.

Management

• Oversee the operational readiness of MEFCC with a mix of dedicated, shared and seasonal service teams.
• Provide strong project management and leadership to the team as well as developing team members reporting directly to you
• Participate in the overall strategic planning for the event and co-ordinate the execution and delivery
• The Show Director will own the work back and project life cycle for MEFCC and engage marketing, sales, operations, features and content teams accordingly to ensure all items are executed above expectation and on schedule.
• Maintain and facilitate existing relationships with venues, hotels and other key partners.
• Review and prep all contracts for sign off.
• Develop strong relationships with sponsoring associations, exhibitors, vendors and overall communication with clients. Ensure that all communication is clear, concise and consistent with show guidelines.
• Research prospective show suppliers with the operations team. Ensure lowest cost, while maintaining high quality service for show management and exhibitors.
• Review and approve quotes/invoices
• Work closely with other team members and departments to ensure open communication and the necessary focus is allocated to the event
• Oversee the management of the show budget and ensure event is delivered within the approved financial scope.
• Oversee the delivery of floor plans, layout changes and related booth regulations.
• Analyse processes and bring greater organization and cost savings to the event.

Skills required

• Excellent Managerial skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships and work closely with suppliers, partners and colleagues.
• Strong work ethic
• Critical thinker who can make suggestions for improving the event and processes
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong time management skills and adaptable to constantly changing priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, balance workload and meet tight deadlines
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic and team player

Essential Skills

• College or University degree in event management, business management or project management preferred
• Fluent English written and oral ability
• 7+ years of event delivery experience
• Computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Commercial awareness

Additional Information

The MEFCC team has attributes similar to a start-up! We are ambitious, motivated and forward thinking. We work collaboratively as a team to achieve great things for the business and the community.

If you are the type of person who likes to work in a fast-paced environment where there is opportunity to make an impact as a leader and you can have some fun along the way, then this would be a great opportunity for you.

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, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, age, marital status, citizenship, or other protected characteristics under federal, state or local law