Manager of Expo Operations, Middle East

Expo Operations and Sales

Head of Global Expo Operations

Direct Reports None

IAAPA Dubai Office, UAE

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the global association for the attractions industry. Our purpose is to bring the global attractions family together and our mission is to inspire, grow, and protect the industry through member connections.

IAAPA represents the diverse and ever-changing attractions industry. For over a century, IAAPA has connected companies of all sizes and people of all levels to provide meaningful experiences for their guests around the world.

IAAPA hosts global events and conferences that provide a showcase for innovation, support trade, and facilitate the sharing of best practices. We also provide valuable tools and resources that make member businesses smarter, safer, and more profitable while delivering guest experiences that delight and provide memories that last a lifetime.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions; manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants; and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members own and operate a variety of location-based entertainment venues and attractions including amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, and cultural and natural attractions.

Opportunity Overview:

Each year IAAPA hosts three expos in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. As our membership grows, we are expanding into other regions of the world, including the Middle East.

With a planned launch in 2026, IAAPA Expo Middle East will bring qualified amusement park and attraction buyers from throughout the Middle East and worldwide to source the latest products and services to move their business forward.

The Manager, Expo Operations, Middle East is primarily focused on exhibitor and attendee services at IAAPA Expo Middle East including registration, signage, operations, timelines, communications and policies, logistics, team materials, vendors, and production of materials. In addition, this position will support (trade) events in EMEA and expos globally.

We are seeking a self-starter with the motivation and strong work ethic required to work autonomously with minimal supervision. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit and the drive to further develop our association and its products. Flexibility is essential, as the role requires working as part of a small team and the willingness to travel throughout the European and Middle East regions. The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects, paying meticulous attention to complex details while meeting deadlines and performing well under pressure. A strong understanding of the importance of customer service and the ability to provide superior service is essential. We are looking for someone who thrives in a team environment and can manage large volumes of work within tight deadlines.

We offer an attractive salary package with a range of benefits. Our organization provides excellent opportunities for learning and development in an international work environment, along with a flexible work regime that includes an optional hybrid format.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

IAAPA Expo Middle East

• Expo Operations
• Create RFPs, bid solicitation, evaluation, selection and contract negotiation and management of Expo operational vendors including official services contractor, venue, safety inspection, security, and more.
• Work with the global sales team to maximize exhibit space and determine placement of show floor services such as concessions, lounge, seating areas, and show offices.
• Primary contact for exhibitors after they have contracted booth space.
• Develop exhibitor communications including bulletins, service guides, required forms, and training webinars.
• Oversee the production of meeting specifications, master schedules, team manuals.
• Review and approve exhibitor booth layouts to ensure compliance with show guidelines.
• Manage an exhibitor sustainability program and other Expo sustainability measures.
• Manage the exhibitor guest program including monitoring and sending codes.
• Work with global operations team on the signage plan and gather relevant information for the signage production.
• Work closely with the registration team on building of hte online registration sites and providing customer service support to exhibitors once system is launched.
• Manage operations expenses for the Expo.
• Update the website with relevant attendee and exhibitor information including the on-site information page.
• Manage process of post-event survey creation, distribution, aggregation, and reporting.
• Create procedures for exhibitor-appointed contractors and mechanism for submission of required documents and approval.
• Provide superior customer service and responsiveness to exhibitors and attendees from around the world.
• Team Support

o Work collaboratively with other departments in the development and production of IAAPA Expo Middle East. o Manage staff shipments to/from IAAPA Expo Middle East.

Other EMEA Events:

• Assist Director of Operations, EMEA with the trade show operations for all EMEA Trade Summits and Expos including all operational duties noted above.
• Works collaboratively with other departments in the development, production and marketing of events and programs.
• Support the EMEA team on other regional events, as needed.
• Establish/maintain relationships with contacts at prospective destinations and venues for upcoming IAAPA events, conferences or meetings, both domestic and international.

Other:

• Some travel within the EMEA region.
• Meet or exceed IAAPA’s and department’s customer service standards in all interactions, both internal and external.
• Provide oversight and accountability to multiple programs in various stages of the program lifecycle.
• Evaluate program deadlines, budgets and activities.
• Other duties as assigned by Director, Expo Operations, EMEA.

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with emphasis on business management, hospitality services, or related field.
• 3-5 years of meetings and convention work experience, preferably with a professional association with a range of meeting sizes ranging from 500 to 10,000+ attendees.
• Industry certification such as CEM or CMP a plus.
• Familiarity with convention and meetings industry and issues is preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of MS Office and Outlook.
• Demonstrated knowledge of floorplan systems for exhibition management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of database management and use of the Internet for research purposes.
• Excellent written and oral communication, including strong business writing and proofreading skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of trade shows including labour regulations, shell scheme booths, and heavy equipment management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Arabic.

What’s in for you?

• An attractive salary package that supports your role and responsibilities
• 25 working days annual leave
• Additional benefits such as bonus eligible, medical insurance (employee only); participation in tuition fees; reimbursement of mobile phone subscription (up to 300 AED per month)
• Flexible work regime: minimum 2 to 3 days at our office in Dubai – the other days you can work from home or at the office
• Good opportunities to learn and develop while working in an international work environment where we celebrate team wins and support a collaborative mindset to the fullest.