Events & Conference – Business Development & Operations

Job Title: Events & Conference – Business Development & Operations

Location: Dubai, UAE (applications welcome from candidates outside Dubai willing to relocate)

Reporting to: Head of International Business

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced professional to lead business development and operations within the events and conference sector. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 15 years’ experience in the events industry, with a strong background in conference programming, strategic partnerships, and operational delivery . This role requires a proven leader with the ability to design, manage, and scale conferences while driving revenue growth and ensuring operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

• Identify, secure, and grow strategic partnerships, sponsors, and clients within the events and conferences sector.
• Develop and execute business strategies to expand market presence and enhance revenue streams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry stakeholders, associations, and corporate partners.

Conference Programming & Content Development

• Design and oversee conference agendas, speaker acquisition, and program curation to ensure high-quality, engaging, and relevant content.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging topics to keep programming competitive and aligned with market needs.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to position events effectively and drive attendance.

Operations Management

• Lead the end-to-end planning and execution of conferences and events, ensuring seamless delivery and exceptional attendee experiences.
• Manage budgets, resources, and vendor relationships to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Oversee logistics, production, and on-site operations for large-scale events.

Leadership & Team Management

• Mentor and manage cross-functional teams across business development, operations, and production.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, client satisfaction, and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 15 years’ proven experience in the events and conference industry , with direct involvement in business development and operational delivery.
• Strong expertise in conference programming and agenda development .
• Demonstrated success in securing sponsorships, partnerships, and strategic accounts.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Events Management, Marketing, or a related field (Master’s preferred).