Director, Events

Company Description

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest global organization serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain. With a mission to unite the industry, IFPA drives innovation and collaboration to create a vibrant future for all its members. The association provides value through advocacy, connecting members, and offering actionable guidance to support industry prosperity. IFPA is dedicated to empowering businesses and professionals across the supply chain to succeed with confidence and purpose.

Position Summary

The Director, Events is responsible for leading a team of professional event managers and coordinating and overseeing the planning, budgeting, execution, and evaluation of the International Fresh Produce Association’s events.  This includes the annual Global Produce and Floral Show, and a portfolio of international events in regions/markets around the world.  These events are among IFPA’s primary means of engaging members, delivering valuable insights, networking, and business connections for members across the fresh produce and floral supply chains, from farm to retail, and growing their prosperity. The Director, Events works closely with the Chief Strategy and Programs Officer to:

• Create innovative, engaging experiences that attract and deliver value to a diverse mix of global attendees

• Enhance global member engagement, recruitment, and retention

• Drive IFPA revenue growth

• Manage event professionals and collaborate with colleagues across business units of IFPA to coordinate and execute the events.

Position Responsibilities

Leadership & Management (30%)

• Provide leadership that models and promotes performance-based strategy and values-based culture.

• Actively and routinely solicit and provide input on strategic and tactical decision-making to achieve IFPA goals.

• Provide strategic direction and oversight to member volunteer committees and purpose-driven task forces, as appropriate.

• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of events professionals.

• Manage staff performance and provide coaching and onboarding, to foster a culture of innovation and promote a member-focused approach to event and program design and execution.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve event operations standards, policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency, efficiency, risk mitigation, knowledge transfer, and operational excellence across IFPA’s event portfolio.

Event Development, Direction, and Evaluation (35%)

• Lead the development, design, execution, and evaluation of a comprehensive event portfolio strategy long-term sustainability and financial growth. Manage event revenue, create and communicate financial projections for event budgets.

• Collaborate with and coordinate internal and external partnerships that leverage shared interests, resources, and mutual benefit. Collaborate with IFPA colleagues and partners to develop business cases and recommendations for event investments, enhancements, and growth initiatives.

• Serve as a staff liaison for appropriate committee(s) related to events. Participate in cross-functional teams and task forces as needed.

• Collaborate with the Director, Trade Show in ongoing evaluation of programs and management of annual business planning and budgets.

• Identify, introduce, and use business processes and systems that support efficient, effective, and high-caliber performance.

Event Management (30%)

• Provide oversight for the planning and execution of IFPA Events, including the Global Produce and Floral Show, applying events planning and management skills to enhance member experience and grow participation in the events, support membership retention efforts and promote year-round value that drives membership.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate event planning to optimize member value and revenue opportunities. Oversee development and execution of all event-related projects and customer service.

• Manage all onsite operations of designated events.

• Oversee venue selection strategy, contract negotiations, and operational partnerships for the Global Produce and Floral Show.

• Collaborate with VP, Member Engagement and Business Development, Sales Team and Sponsorship Fulfillment Manager to identify new revenue-driving opportunities and set pricing to deliver member value and support IFPA financial growth.

Professional Development (5%)

• Expand business and personal competencies by attending professional meetings, workshops, and seminars.

• Actively participate in IFPA staff meetings, committees, and purpose-driven task forces.

• Be up to date on and apply research concerning industry trends, members’ needs and interests, and topics relevant to this role.

• Participate in strategic initiatives related to ongoing evaluation, evolution and design of IFPA expos and events.

Miscellaneous Position Information

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management, Planning, Project Management or related field or equivalent work experience. CAE and/or CMP desirable.

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in leading large-scale conferences, tradeshows, and event porfolios, including budget oversight, staff management, and strategic planning responsibilities.

• 7+ years of experience leading and developing professional staff.

• Proficient computer skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, event management systems, Zoom, Teams and a working knowledge of database programs such as Sales Force.

• Able to work independently as well as in a team setting, be flexible, agile, and meet deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal communications and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical and budget management skills.

Measures for Success

• Meets or exceeds annual event net revenue targets.

• Effective team building: Develop and maintain strong relationships with teams by effectively leading, motivating and communicating with direct reports and team members (measured by member and team feedback).

• Events meet key objectives for member engagement and satisfaction as well as IFPA revenue goals.

• Innovation and expansion of events and strategic projects.

Travel

Business related travel required at approximately 10 times per year.

Location

This is a remote position based within the United States.

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