Director, International Event Operations

Director, International Event Operations

Director, International Event Operations

September 22, 2026

Events

Position Title: Director, International Event Operations (New position)
Reports To: Associate Vice President, Event Operations
Term: Full-Time Permanent
Location: CADSI Office (Ottawa, ON)
Closing Date: October 23, 2026, midnight EST
Submit Applications to:
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YOUR MISSION

The Director, International Event Operations will lead the strategy, planning, delivery and execution of CADSI’s international engagement portfolio, delivering world-class experiences that showcase Canada’s defence, security, and cyber industries on the global stage. This role requires a strategic, collaborative, and detail-oriented leader to lead the Canada Pavilion program, manage strategic partnerships with suppliers and government stakeholders, and execute flagship initiatives such as the Canada Market Briefing, Maple Hour, and Canada Reception in various cities globally. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Event Operations, the Director, International Event Operations will drive strategic and operational excellence, elevate Canada’s presence at key international events, and create meaningful opportunities for Canadian companies to connect, collaborate, and grow abroad.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, International Event Operations is responsible for the strategic planning, organization, and execution of CADSI’s international events portfolio under the Canada Program. This includes managing the Canada Pavilion at major global trade shows, coordinating trade missions, and delivering high-value programming such as the Canada Market Briefing, Maple Hour, Canada Reception and development of value-added sessions to CADSI membership, Canadian Armed Forces and Multi Level Government partners. The ideal candidate serves as a key liaison and senior operational lead between CADSI, the Government of Canada, provincial partners, and industry participants, ensuring Canada’s presence at international events is professional, collaborative, and impactful.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage relationships and contracts with key suppliers such as Show Services Providers and Kallman Worldwide (CADSI’s exhibit space sales partner).
• Negotiate and secure pavilion exhibit and reception space at major international events.
• Coordinate closely with federal and provincial government partners to ensure alignment, efficiency, and shared success.
• Deliver KPIs and sustain high levels of service in accordance with agreements and contracts.
• Lead all on-site operational elements, including logistics, pavilion management, and supplier coordination.
• Lead the end-to-end production of the Canada Market Briefing - a high-impact, half-day conference designed to inform and connect Canadian and international audiences, and high-profile networking events such as the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, CADSI’s Maple Hour, and the Canada Reception at various global defence shows.
• Develop agendas and programming in collaboration with CADSI leadership and government partners.
• Lead the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of CADSI’s International Program, including pavilion participation at international trade shows and missions abroad. In accordance with CADSI leadership.
• Identify, invite, and manage speakers and panelists from the Canadian and host-country governments, industry leaders, and allied organizations.
• Manage all aspects of the event venue selection, A/V, catering, logistics, registration, and on-site execution with the support of the CADSI event operations team.
• Oversee the design, build, and branding of the Canada Pavilion, ensuring it meets CADSI’s quality standards and strategic objectives and meets the specifications of our partners requirements.
• Prepare detailed post-event reports on participation, outcomes, and media impact.
  
• Collaborate with CADSI’s Marketing and Communications team to promote the value of the international program it’s opportunities to members and the broader defence and security community.
• Coordinate the development of marketing materials, digital campaigns, and promotional content for pavilions and briefings.
• Plan and host webinars and virtual briefings to prepare Canadian companies for participation in international events.
• Coordinate with CADSI’s communications team on media relations and press engagement.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all glo