Director of Special Events

Director of Events

Location: Toronto, ON

Position Type: Full-Time

Our client is a well-established Canadian organization specializing in B2B media, marketing services, trade shows, conferences, and industry events across multiple sectors. With a longstanding reputation for excellence, the company has built strong industry communities through engaging content, innovative marketing solutions, and successful large-scale events.

They are currently seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial Director of Events to lead and grow their events division. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about building successful event experiences while driving business growth.

Position Overview

Reporting to senior leadership, the Director of Events will oversee the strategic planning, execution, and growth of our client’s events portfolio. This individual will lead a team of four direct reports and work cross-functionally with sales, marketing, editorial, and operations teams to deliver high-quality, commercially successful events.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of event leadership, business development, sales, marketing, and communications experience, along with a proven ability to identify growth opportunities through acquisitions, partnerships, and launching new events.

This role is ideal for someone who is both strategic and hands-on — capable of leading teams, driving innovation, and building strong relationships across industries and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Growth

• Lead the strategic direction and growth of our client’s event portfolio
• Identify opportunities to expand the division through acquisitions, partnerships, and the launch of new events
• Develop long-term event growth strategies aligned with company goals and market opportunities
• Evaluate industry trends and competitive landscapes to identify new revenue opportunities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of four direct reports
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and customer-focused team culture
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members
• Oversee workload prioritization, project execution, and team performance

Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee the planning and execution of trade shows, conferences, and industry events from concept through completion
• Ensure all events are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives
• Collaborate with internal departments including sales, marketing, editorial, and operations to ensure successful event delivery
• Oversee exhibitor, sponsor, speaker, and attendee experiences to ensure exceptional event quality

Sales, Marketing & Communications

• Partner closely with sales and marketing teams to maximize sponsorship, exhibitor, and attendee growth
• Contribute to marketing strategies, event branding, promotional campaigns, and audience engagement initiatives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and industry partners
• Support revenue generation initiatives and contribute to overall event profitability

Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee event budgets, forecasting, and financial performance
• Monitor event KPIs and provide post-event analysis and reporting
• Ensure operational excellence across all event logistics, vendor management, and attendee experiences
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and event effectiveness

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive experience within the events industry
• Proven experience managing trade shows, conferences, or large-scale events
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing teams
• Combination of event management, sales, marketing, and communications experience
• Demonstrated ability to grow business lines, launch new initiatives, or support acquisitions
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder management abilities
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business acumen
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience within B2B publishing, media, or tradeshow environments
• Experience managing event P&Ls and revenue-focused initiatives
• Strong understanding of exhibitor, sponsor, and attendee engagement strategies

Why Join Our client?

• Join a respected, family-owned Canadian organization with a long-standing reputation for excellence
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing events division
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment
• Work alongside passionate industry professionals
• Competitive compensation package and growth opportunities

If you are a strategic event leader looking to take the next step in your career with a highly respected organization, we would love to hear from you.

Accessibility & Equal Opportunity Statement

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.