About MHM Publishing Inc.:
MHM Publishing Inc. is a Kitchener based aviation media company connecting the global aviation industry through leading publications, digital platforms, podcasts, marketplaces and industry events. Our portfolio includes respected brands such as Vertical, Valor, Insight, Skies and Vertical MRO, reaching aviation professionals and organizations around the world. We are a growing, entrepreneurial team that values great ideas, strong relationships and delivering high quality content and experiences for the industries we serve.
About the Role:
MHM Publishing Inc. is seeking an experienced, commercially minded Event Director to lead the continued growth and development of our Vertical MRO (VMRO) Conferences.
VMRO brings together leaders, operators, maintainers, manufacturers, suppliers and other key stakeholders from across the vertical aviation industry for highly focused conferences designed around education, networking and meaningful industry engagement.
As VMRO continues to grow, we are looking for an Event Director who can take ownership of the entire conference business, from venue selection and budgeting through exhibitor and sponsor strategy, programming, logistics and onsite execution.
Initially, the Event Director will focus on strengthening and growing VMRO’s North American events. Longer term, this role will play a key part in developing VMRO into an international conference brand, with potential expansion into Europe and Australia.
This is a hands on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable developing a multi year event strategy, negotiating a major venue contract, managing a substantial budget and solving unexpected operational issues onsite.
Key Responsibilities:
Conference Strategy & Growth
- Develop and execute the overall strategy for VMRO conferences.
- Build annual and multi year plans for conference growth, profitability, attendance, exhibitors and sponsorship.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen VMRO’s position within the vertical aviation industry.
- Evaluate potential new conference markets, destinations and formats.
- Lead the long-term development of VMRO’s international expansion strategy, including potential conferences in Europe and Australia.
- Develop a scalable event model that can be successfully replicated across multiple markets.
- Work closely with company ownership and senior leadership on the strategic direction of VMRO.
Financial Management
- Develop detailed conference budgets and revenue forecasts in collaboration with the Controller.
- Manage event expenses against approved budgets and profitability targets.
- Monitor registration, exhibitor and sponsorship performance throughout the sales cycle.
- Negotiate venue, hotel, catering, production and supplier agreements with a strong focus on both cost and value.
- Provide regular reporting on event performance, risks and forecasts.
Venue & Destination Management
- Research and evaluate potential conference destinations and venues throughout North America and, eventually, international markets.
- Prepare and manage venue RFP processes.
- Conduct venue site inspections and assess operational suitability.
- Negotiate venue and hotel agreements, including room blocks, attrition, food and beverage commitments, meeting space, concessions and cancellation terms.
- Ensure venues can accommodate the unique requirements of an aviation conference, including large exhibit areas and, where applicable, aircraft or helicopter displays.
- Develop strong relationships with convention centers, hotels, destination organizations and event suppliers.
Exhibitors & Sponsorship
- Work closely with the sales team to develop compelling exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.
- Ensure sponsor commitments and contracted benefits are delivered.
- Identify new opportunities to increase exhibitor participation.
- Maintain strong relationships with exhibitors, sponsors and key industry partners.
- Continuously evaluate the exhibitor experience and recommend improvements.
Conference Programming
- Collaborate with MHM’s Director of Education and Programming, editorial team, industry partners and subject matter experts to develop relevant and engaging conference programming.
- Identify emerging industry issues and topics that should be represented at VMRO.
- Balance educational programming with networking, exhibits and sponsor opportunities.
- Ensure programming supports VMRO’s reputation as an industry led, commercially relevant event.
Event Operations
Take ownership of all major operational elements of the conference, including:
- Registration
- Exhibitor management
- Floor plans and booth assignments
- Sponsorship fulfillment
- Venue coordination
- Food and beverage
- Audio/visual and production
- Signage and branding
- Transportation
- Aircraft and helicopter display logistics where applicable
- Security
- Insurance requirements
- Vendor management
- Speaker logistics
- Networking events and receptions
- Staffing coordination
- Run-of-show development
- Onsite execution
Develop detailed project plans, timelines and checklists to ensure deadlines are clearly communicated and consistently met.
International Expansion
As VMRO grows, the Event Director will help determine how the conference model can be successfully introduced into international markets.
Responsibilities will eventually include:
- Researching potential destinations and venues in Europe and Australia.
- Evaluating market demand and competitive events.
- Identifying potential local partners, sponsors and industry associations.
- Understanding local venue practices, regulations, taxes and event requirements.
- Developing preliminary budgets and business cases for international events.
- Establishing local vendor and supplier networks.
- Adapting the VMRO model where necessary while maintaining a consistent global brand and attendee experience.
International travel will become an increasing component of the position as VMRO expands.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone with:
- Significant professional experience managing conferences, tradeshows or large corporate events.
- Demonstrated responsibility for event budgets and financial performance.
- Experience negotiating hotel, convention centre and supplier contracts.
- Experience managing exhibitors and sponsors.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent negotiation and vendor management capabilities.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Confidence working with senior executives, customers, sponsors and industry leaders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A willingness and ability to travel as needed.
Experience with international events, aviation, aerospace, B2B media or trade associations are considered a significant asset.
