Conference Sponsorship Sales Director - Foodservice

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. 

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.

This role is based in our 240 Blackfriars Rd office.

We are seeking a dynamic Conference Sponsorship Sales Director to join our international events team, focusing on driving sponsorship revenue from European and APAC markets. This role combines strategic sales expertise with deep industry knowledge development, positioning you as a key relationship builder in the global restaurant and foodservice technology sectors.

Primary Responsibilities

Sponsorship Sales

• Drive sponsorship sales for the flagship Global Restaurant Leadership Conference (France 2026) and other premier industry events
• Develop and execute sales strategies targeting European-headquartered companies and international prospects outside the US market
• Sell European companies into US-based events including Restaurant Leadership Conference and FS Tech
• Meet and exceed annual sponsorship revenue targets through strategic account management and new business development

Market Development & Expertise

• Evolve into a subject matter expert on European and APAC restaurant industry trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Build and maintain relationships with restaurant operators and buyers to drive event attendance
• Identify emerging market opportunities and provide strategic insights to the broader team
• Represent the company at major European food shows and industry events

Relationship Management

• Cultivate long-term partnerships with key industry stakeholders across Europe and APAC
• Develop a robust pipeline of prospects through networking, industry engagement, and strategic outreach
• Collaborate closely with US-based team members to ensure seamless client experience and knowledge sharing

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel to major European food shows and industry conferences
• Occasional travel to Dubai and other APAC locations for market development
• Estimated travel: 20-40% of time

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years in event sales, with preference for executive conference sales experience
• Industry Knowledge: Restaurant industry experience required
• Location: Based in London with ability to travel extensively across Europe and APAC.  Other European locations possible.
• Skills: Proven track record of meeting/exceeding sales targets in B2B environment

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong relationship-building skills with C-level executives and decision makers
• Understanding of the European business landscape and cultural nuances
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently while being part of a distributed team
• Strategic thinker with tactical execution capabilities
• Passion for the restaurant and foodservice industry

Why This Role is Perfect for You

As an Informa colleague, you already understand the power of our global network and the value we bring to industries worldwide. This role offers you the chance to:

• Expand Your Expertise: Deepen your knowledge of the European and APAC restaurant and foodservice technology sectors while becoming a trusted industry expert.
• Build Global Relationships: Work with top-tier clients and stakeholders across Europe, APAC, and beyond, positioning yourself as a key player in the global market.
• Shape Industry Events: Play a pivotal role in the success of flagship events like the Global Restaurant Leadership Conference (France 2026) and other premier gatherings. It is more than a sales position, but an opportunity to help us grow our international business. 
• Travel the World: Represent Informa at major European food shows, industry conferences, and market development trips to Dubai and APAC locations.

Team Structure

This position will be part of a collaborative team based in the United States, requiring strong communication skills and comfort with remote team dynamics while maintaining independence in the European market.

Ready to drive the future of restaurant industry events across Europe and APAC? We want to hear from you.

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 at LifeAt.Informa.com

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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