International Event Director

Informa Festivals marks an exciting new chapter in B2B events, bringing some of the world's most influential creative, technology and business festivals together. We're combining prestigious events like Cannes Lions, Black Hat, Money20/20, GDC, and London Tech Week with cutting-edge marketing intelligence platforms and advisory services to deliver unmissable experiences and insights.

Our festival-led approach reimagines traditional B2B events, creating powerful, immersive experiences that drive innovation and industry advancement. Building on decades of expertise and powered by Informa's international reach, we're shaping the next generation of business festivals.

We're part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100 who are #3 in Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025 UK list. 

This role is based in our 5 Howick Place office

As the International Event Director, you will lead the strategic planning and operational execution of Black Hat's international events, with primary responsibility for Black Hat Europe, Black Hat Asia, and SecTor. In this role, you will manage key partnerships for regional events, including Black Hat MEA (Middle East & Africa). You will drive growth, enhance attendee experience, and strengthen Black Hat's global brand presence while maintaining the high standards that define our events.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Growth
  • Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to grow Black Hat's international events in attendance, revenue, and market impact
  • Identify new market opportunities and expansion possibilities for the Black Hat brand
  • Create innovative event formats that resonate with regional audiences while maintaining Black Hat's core identity
• Event Planning & Execution
  • Lead end-to-end planning and delivery of Black Hat Europe and Sector
  • Oversee all operational aspects including venue selection, budget management, logistics, and on-site execution
  • Ensure seamless integration of content, training, exhibition, and networking components
• Partnership Management
  • Manage strategic relationships with regional partners, including Tahaluf for Black Hat Middle East & Africa
  • Establish clear communication channels, performance metrics, and quality standards for partner-operated events
  • Collaborate with partners to ensure consistent brand experience across all Black Hat events globally
• Commercial Performance
  • Drive revenue growth through attendee acquisition, sponsorship sales, and new revenue streams
  • Manage event P&L with responsibility for budget planning, forecasting, and financial performance
  • Identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities without compromising event quality
• Team Leadership
  • Build and lead high-performing international event teams
  • Recruit, develop, and retain top talent across event management functions
  • Foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement
• Stakeholder Management
  • Collaborate with content, marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure integrated event delivery
  • Maintain strong relationships with key industry partners, sponsors, and community leaders
  • Represent Black Hat at industry events and in business development opportunities

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with exceptional operational execution skills. They will understand the unique challenges of delivering premium events in different international markets while maintaining brand consistency. They will be commercially driven, with a focus on growth and innovation, while also appreciating the technical nature and community aspects that make Black Hat events special.

What We Offer

• Leadership role within a globally recognized event brand and Informa Tech, a leader in B2B events
• Opportunity to shape the international growth strategy for the world's premier cybersecurity event series
• Competitive compensation package including performance-based incentives
• Global travel opportunities across the Black Hat portfolio
• Collaborative work environment with industry experts and event professionals

• 10+ years of experience in international event management, with at least 5 years at a senior leadership level
• Proven track record of growing B2B events in terms of attendance, revenue, and market impact
• Experience managing complex international partnerships and cross-cultural business relationships
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated P&L management skills
• Excellent leadership abilities with experience building and developing international teams
• Outstanding project management and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience in technology or cybersecurity events preferred
• Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 30-40%)

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you're not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here's some of what you can expect when you join us. But don't just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say 

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it's time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We're not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

If you would like to request reasonable adjustments or accommodations to assist your participation in the hiring process and, or in the advertised position, please inform the appropriate Talent Acquisition Partner for the role once they have been in touch. Your request will be reviewed and considered in confidence. At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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