WHO WE ARE:

Join UKi Media & Events (part of CloserStill Media) as we expand our global portfolio into China.
Automotive Testing Expo is the world’s leading event dedicated to the quality, safety, reliability and durability of vehicles, and is the premier launchpad in China for breakthrough technologies in automotive testing, evaluation and quality engineering.

As part of our continued growth, this is an exciting new hire supporting our strategic expansion in the region. You’ll be joining a global organisation recognised for delivering market-leading B2B events and publications, with a strong reputation for innovation and industry impact.

This role will be based in our Singapore office, working closely with international teams to drive the development and success of Automotive Testing Expo in China.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Purpose and objective of the job:

Testing Expo China – Automotive, is Asia’s principal event showcasing the latest innovative technologies for vehicle testing. The show is part of the industry leading Automotive Testing Expo global series, and from the next edition will sit at the heart of a broader ecosystem of mobility innovation under the Vehicle Tech week umbrella. We are seeking to appoint an event director to lead our ambitious growth agenda.

The event director will: Assume overall responsibility for show revenue and profit performance, personal sales, leading the sales team, recruitment and management of sales agents, and influencing across all disciplines to ensure goals are met; Ensure tactics are produced to manage the event program and budgets as well as resources and staff; Proactively ensure the success of events whilst maximising profits; Liaise with partners and other departments to ensure the smooth running of events; Support the company’s senior management team to ensure the smooth running of the company as and when required.

Note that the emphasis for the first 18 months will be on establishing and executing the growth plan, including sales, sales leadership, and establishing valuable relationship with key stakeholders.

THE ROLE:

Sales leadership

•        Achieve against personal and team SPEX (sponsorship and exhibition stand) sales targets.

•        Manage the sales agent network and sales team.

•        Recruit and manage territory sales agents.

•        Lead by example – push beyond team target and deliver personal sales targets.

•        Develop a campaign strategy with the sales team that meets and exceeds targets including overall numbers of exhibitors, exhibitor mix, stand sales, sponsorship inventory, yield, and sponsorship revenues.

•        Ensure that the sales plan is on track to meet targets and budget, and that activity goals—such as outbound call numbers, online meetings, and in-person meetings—are being achieved.

•        Support the sales team in developing new revenues streams and creative and complex sales such as sponsorship.

•        Visit and canvas at competitor and industry events.

•        Role play with the sales teams regularly and share areas for enhanced sales performance and best practice.

•        Ensure the prospect database is kept up to date.

•        Ensure a constant high quality of delivery in all target prospect, exhibitor and partner communication ensuring the message is on point.

•        Maintain an active bellwether database and sales plan.

•        Ensure a successful on-site rebook is achieved.

Business Development

·        In support of growth objectives, develop a plan, execute new revenue opportunities, and develop new show adjacencies to the core Automotive Testing segment under the vehicle tech week umbrella.

Relationships

•        Foster positive and professional relationships with key suppliers, associations, media, and commercial partners to support the growth and sustainability of events.

•        Manage key venue relationships in partnership with official show partner.

•        Manage official show partner.

Brand management

•        Through research, analysis, developing relationships and market intelligence, implement strategies and initiatives to ensure the on-going growth and sustainability of events.

•        Write a business plan for your events in collaboration with the commercial director (updated annually)

•        Produces a coherent brand strategy for your events to maintain and increase relevance to all markets, meeting visitor, and exhibitor expectations.

•        Ensure your brand and event strategy ties in and leverages UKi media assets through collaboration with the media editorial and commercial teams.

•        Ensure that marketing strategy is aligned with the event’s commercial objectives.

•        Provide a strategic event floor plan in conjunction with the operations director or manager – designed to meet the budget target, optimise the visitors experience and ensure constant and consistent visitor stand traffic for exhibitors.

•        Identify and implement (where possible) extra revenue streams and brand extension opportunities.

•        Monitor and report competitor activity, taking actions where necessary.

•        Get close to your market, understand its trends, and develop your events around it.

Financial management

•        Overall accountability for meeting and exceeding budgeted gross and net profit contribution of shows

•        Ensure credit control collects funds in a timely fashion and before each show opens.

•        Provide a weekly show report and forecast on show revenues.

•        Write in conjunction with the show team the annual exhibition business plan factoring in KPIs and a P&L for each show.

General management

•        Interdepartmental: Manage relationships with supporting operations, marketing, and production departments, ensuring they are aligned to the event’s business objectives and commercial goals

•        Manage show partner relationship and reporting, setting, and monitoring clear goals.

•        Set clear goals and objectives for all reporting staff.

•        Set, monitor, and evaluate performance targets (with the aid of salesforce)

•        Complete annual and mid-term staff appraisals as necessary

•        Recruit and interview new staff where necessary.

•        Assess, develop, and coach all reporting staff (including identifying bespoke training needs of individuals where necessary)

•        Motivate the team.

•        Coach and develop the team in all aspects of their roles, creating transition maps to expanded roles and promotion where appropriate.

•        Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested.

Marketing

•        Develop an exhibitor marketing campaign strategy including materials, pitch decks, and lead generation activities with the marketing director / brand manager.

•        Personally manage all key industry partnerships in conjunction with marketing director or brand manager

•        Develop campaign strategy with the marketing director / brand manager to meet overall visitor numbers (with the right demographics), feature content, visitor, and acquisition costs.

•        Conduct press/TV and radio interviews, as necessary.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

CloserStill Media embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to continuing to develop a diverse and inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on merit without attention to age, ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status or disability status.

We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please contact our HR team at hr@closerstillmedia.com.