Director of Talent and Content

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.

Our purpose is to connect our customers to information and people that help them know more, do more and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.

We run around 800 events each year, create digital platforms based on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programmes for individuals and businesses.

FAN EXPO HQ is the largest pop-culture event producer in world. Our mission is to deliver the ultimate fan experience through our growing portfolio of events, which includes MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, FAN EXPO Canada, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO Portland, Toronto Comicon, and more.

FAN EXPO HQ is a division of Informa, the world’s leading events company, and together we create opportunities for fans to explore and celebrate all things pop-culture, through operational excellence, fandom expertise, and out-of-this-world content.

Ready to embark on a new and exciting adventure? Read on.

We are seeking an experienced industry professional with a strong background in talent (celebrity) relations and content management within the entertainment and live events sector. The successful candidate will focus on Talent and Content initiatives across a portfolio of large-scale B2C entertainment events in North America. They will be responsible for developing innovative programming strategies while ensuring the Talent acquisition approach supports the programming goals.

On the Talent side, the Director will work closely with the Strategy & Business Development Director, and the President of B2C North America to establish celebrity content objectives, oversee guest acquisition strategies, and negotiate contracts. They will spend a large portion of their time with the team and at events, ensuring oversight and confidence in critical on-site processes. 

On the Content side, the Director will work with the content team led by a Senior Content Manager and their team to integrate innovative content into the event schedules, driving audience growth. This role requires collaboration with Show Management, Marketing, and Sponsorship teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and KPI’s.

Who are you? 

• Highly energized professional
• Road warrior, excited by travel and prepared to be on-site at all events from the earliest day to the close out in addition to in-person team summits, office meetings, etc.
• Commercially savvy leader, able to put together carefully crafted strategic plans that show your ability to think 5 steps ahead.
• A strong negotiator with a heightened sense of detail
• Comfortable with balancing between high level oversight of planning and processes to getting into the detail to support your team
• A coach that understands how to optimize talent within their teams to succeed together
• Motivated by winning!

Key Responsibilities

Talent:

• Collaborate with the Strategy & Business Development Director on celebrity and guest operations at Fan Expo HQ events.
• Lead and manage on-site talent activities from pre-set up to close out.  Connect with the team at summits and other meetings across various North American locations.
• Develop guest lists for content genres and liaise with booking agents and talent agencies.
• Oversee guest contract negotiation and ensure accuracy, working with legal counsel as needed.
• Manage the project timeline for events involving celebrity content.
• Provide reports and feedback to Event Directors and Managers.
• Identify opportunities for departmental improvement and development.
• Prepare reports on department activities, performance, and opportunities.
• Support recruitment, training, and mentoring of staff.
• Ensure adherence to event budgets and negotiate contracts effectively.
• Promote a strong team environment through recognition and reward.

Content:

• Develop content strategies with the team for shows across central genre pillars to attract new demographics and drive attendee growth.
• Monitor trends in pop culture and report on competitor activity.
• Work with the Sponsorship team to create content-led sponsorship opportunities.
• Propose innovative ideas for content innovations and localized programming.
• Oversee and manage the Content Team and related consultants to ensure efficient processes.
• Build relationships with key content partners across primary genres.
• Collaborate with Sponsorship and Marketing teams to align content strategy with campaign messaging.
• Assist Show Managers in implementing programming content efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Analyze and report on content successes and areas for improvement post-show.

KPI’s & Objectives

• Achieve programming objectives, particularly celebrity-led content and innovative initiatives.
• Manage and support the Talent and Content departments.
• Enhance celebrity guest lists at events.
• Improve team processes, systems, and engagement with a close eye on the event processes.
• In partnership with the Strategy and Business Development Director, build new and foster existing industry connections to drive revenue streams.
• Ensure budget adherence and mitigate risks effectively.

• Minimum of 8 years of management experience in the entertainment industry, with strong project management and leadership skills.
• Experience working with celebrity talent and executing media or live events reliant on such talent.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to implement and drive team programs and procedures.
• Skilled at managing and developing geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in guest services and amenity placements.
• Experience increasing revenues and improving team performance.
• Extensive and frequent travel across North America, including weekends (approximately 17+ shows per year).
• Toronto-based candidates preferred (2-3 days in the office per week); remote work acceptable with occasional travel to Toronto/New York additional to shows.

The pay range for this position is $185,000 - $200,000 depending on experience 

This posting will automatically expire on 3/21/2025

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 at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns
• 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: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
• 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.

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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