The VP, Expo Operations and Sales has overall responsibility for all activities for which the expos and sales team is accountable including operations and sales for IAAPA's global trade shows. The VP develops future tools for the regions to further grow and enhance the trade show experiences and works closely with the regional VPs to execute the shows based on the needs and requirements of the region.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Develops and implements a global trade show sales and operations strategy that aligns with the company's overall business objectives.
Leads the sales team to achieve revenue targets, while ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
Develops relationships with key stakeholders, including trade show organizers, partners, and vendors.
Develops and oversees the department budget.
Works with the regional Operation Directors on all areas of operation for IAAPA Expos including registration, decoration, housing, bidding processes for contractors and subcontractors.
Supports the regional Vice Presidents in the event site selection.
Manages the organization's trade show calendar, ensuring that events are planned, executed, and evaluated to maximize ROI.
Evaluates potential future collaborations or additional Expos around the world.
Collaborates with the VP of Marketing, Membership, and Communications on the development of sales and marketing materials, including presentations, brochures, and collateral.
Develops and implement processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the sales and operations teams.
Analyzes trade show performance data to identify areas for improvement, and provides insights and recommendations to the executive team to include pricing and product offerings.
Builds and manages relationships with key internal stakeholders, including product, marketing, and finance teams.
Serves as staff liaison to various committees including Manufacturers and Suppliers and Space Allocation.
Manages or oversees exhibit space allocation and selection process for global trade shows.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business or equivalent experience.
10+ years in sales, marketing and operations, preferably the last 5 years in trade show and conference sales and operations, marketing and management; experience with a large global trade show.
Experience in managing budgets more than $5 million and good understanding of accounting practices and statistical trend analysis.
Leadership skills that foster team building environment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Professional demeanor.
Extreme attention to details.
Outstanding problem-solving ability.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Computer proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, etc.).
ADA Specifications
This position is primarily sedentary in the Orlando, Florida, global headquarters office with up to 20% travel (domestic and international) and may require some bending and lifting.
Founded in 1918, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents more than 5,300 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries, including professionals from:
Amusement parks, theme parks, and attractions
Family entertainment centers
Museums and science centers
Water parks and resorts
Zoos and aquariums
Industry manufacturers and suppliers
IAAPA helps our members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry.
