Events Director

ABOUT WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. WTTC promotes sustainable growth for the Travel & Tourism sector, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, drive exports, and generate prosperity. Council Members are the Chairs, Presidents, and Chief Executives of the world's leading private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. Alongside our Council Members and Board of Vice-Chairs, OpCo and Executive Committee (EXCOM) representatives from our Member organisations, WTTC professionals guide and support the work of the Council in fulfilment of its mission. PURPOSE The Events Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering WTTC's global events programme, including the annual Global Summit and other key international gatherings. This hands-on and strategic role oversees all aspects of event operations, logistics, delegate management, and on-site delivery, ensuring that all WTTC events are executed to the highest professional standard and reflect the organisation's global standing and impact. Reporting directly to the Interim President & CEO, the Events Director works closely with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless delivery of complex, high-profile international events. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Event Planning & Operations Plan and deliver WTTC's major events, including the annual Global Summit and other international meetings. Oversee all operational and logistical elements, including venues, suppliers, travel, accommodation, production, and catering. Coordinate with host destinations, professional conference organisers (PCOs), destination management companies (DMCs), and third-party suppliers. Support event budget preparation and monitor costs to ensure accurate tracking and control. Support the Interim President & CEO with event scheduling, briefing materials, and speaking engagement logistics. Attend site visits, technical access, and manage on-site event delivery. Oversee event set-up, including staging, signage, delegate areas, and exhibition spaces. Ensure all WTTC brand, sponsorship, and partnership commitments are delivered on-site. Delegate & Stakeholder Management Oversee delegate registration processes and communications. Work with the Marketing team on event websites, registration platforms, and digital communications. Act as a primary point of contact for delegates, partners, and sponsors. Maintain accurate delegate data and produce registration and attendance reports. Coordinate guest lists for meetings, dinners, and receptions with the CEO's office. Sponsorship & Partner Coordination Support sponsorship administration and track delivery of agreed commitments. Liaise with sponsors and event hosts to ensure visibility opportunities, exhibition areas, and partner activations are delivered as agreed. Provide updates and reporting on sponsor fulfilment and event performance. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Communications and Marketing to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and media activity at events. Coordinate with the COO on procurement, contracts, and supplier management. Work with Finance to ensure accurate budgeting, payments, and financial reporting. Support internal coordination and staff briefings ahead of events. On-Site Management Lead on-site event operations, including coordination of staff and volunteers. Oversee delegate logistics, including transfers, registration desks, and hospitality arrangements. Ensure effective communication between WTTC teams, suppliers, and venues during live events. Prepare post-event reports summarising outcomes, attendance, and areas for improvement. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Minimum of 15 years' experience in international event planning and management. Proven experience delivering large-scale conferences or summits. Strong experience managing event budgets, contracts, and supplier relationships. Experience working with senior-level stakeholders, sponsors, and partners. High level of IT literacy, including event platforms, CRM systems, and MS Office, Cvent. Fluent in English required; additional European languages desirable. Willingness to travel internationally as required. SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES Highly organised, detail-oriented, and delivery-focused. Hands-on and pragmatic, with strong problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. Comfortable working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines. Collaborative, professional, and diplomatic when representing WTTC externally. Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to manage changing priorities. CORE COMPETENCIES Strong ownership and accountability Sound judgement and decision-making Executive-level coordination and delivery Attention to detail and quality Stakeholder and relationship management Adaptability in fast-paced environments Professionalism and discretion