Head of Events - UKinbound

UKinbound Head of Events

UKinbound is the only trade association that represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism sector and ensure it is recognised as a leading economic and employment driver in the UK. 

We help our diverse membership of nearly 400 businesses all across the country to grow and develop via a programme of events designed to connect buyers and suppliers in the travel trade. We also provide marketing opportunities, market seminars, and access to the latest industry insights.  In addition, we lobby Government on behalf of our members on key industry issues such as taxation, Visas and Brexit and engage with the media to raise the profile of inbound tourism and highlight its importance to the UK economy.

Reporting directly to the CEO, and with responsibility for an Events Executive, a confident and professional Head of Events is required by UKinbound to manage its high-profile programme of events, drive commercial outcomes for UKinbound members and the Association, ensure relevant audience attendance, and help to secure revenue from sponsors and exhibitors.

Based in our London office (flexible working will be considered), working to targets and managing budgets, the successful candidate will also identify relevant business development opportunities and build and maintain positive relationships with members and stakeholders.

Key duties include:

• Delivery and management of over 40 events per year (some events are organised and hosted by third parties)
• Ensuring all events meets health and safety guidelines
• Ensure risk management processes are implemented and adhered to
• Developing and managing all event budgets
• Liaising, negotiating, procuring and contracting suppliers and venues to drive best value
• Identifying new event opportunities both domestically and internationally
• Identifying and procuring speakers
• Revenue generation through ticket sales
• Working closely with the Communications team to market events
• Develop relationships with relevant companies that can help the business and partnerships grow
• Support the Assistant Marketing & Commercial Manager to fulfil sponsorship expectations at events
• Management and leadership of an Events Executive
• Post event evaluation

UKinbound’s events programme currently includes:

• An Annual Convention (held in a different UK location every year)
• A Summer Ball and Gala Dinner during World Travel Market
• Quarterly General Meetings for 100+ members
• Industry Seminars
• Members Networking Evenings (in and outside London)
• Management of events contractor at World Travel Market and Arabian Travel Market (Dubai)
• 3 – 4 ‘Discover’ Events and familiarisation trips per year in and around the UK
• B2B speed networking events

The ideal candidate will have:

• Exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills
• Project management and commercial experience
• Experience of formulating and managing budgets
• Demonstrable sales capability
• Superb communication and presentation skills
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Experience of building and managing relationships at a senior level
• Highly self-motivated with solid time management skills
• Experience of management and leadership
• A keen eye for detail and calm approach
• Ability to travel and to work evenings and weekends as required