Exhibitions, Trade, and Sustainability Executive

About Visit Isle of Wight:

We’re the team putting the Isle of Wight on the map as one of the UK’s most loved travel destinations. From dreamy beaches to vibrant festivals, we’re here to showcase the Island’s treasures to visitors near and far. Now, we need an enthusiastic Exhibitions, Trade, and Sustainability Executive to help us build meaningful connections and drive sustainable tourism and impact on the Visitor Economy.

Your role:

As the Exhibitions, Trade, and Sustainability Executive, you’ll focus on the following

1. Exhibitions coordinator: Plan, organise, and deliver awe-inspiring events, exhibitions, and trade shows to showcase the best of the Isle of Wight.
2. Trade champion: Build strong relationships with local tourism businesses, travel operators, and group organisers to enhance our presence across the UK and beyond.
3. Sustainability advocate: Develop and champion green initiatives that help protect our Island’s beauty while ensuring a thriving tourism economy.
4. Marketing supporter: Drive our marketing efforts to ensure the Isle of Wight stands out in a crowded market, creating campaigns that captivate and convert.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibitions & events:

• Manage the Exhibitions Partnership, which includes presenting ideas and evaluating show impact.
• Plan and coordinate exhibitions and events, as directed by the Exhibitions Partnership.
• Be our on-the-ground representative at exhibitions, promoting the Isle of Wight’s unique charm.
• Work with designers and partners to create eye-catching stands, banners, and promotional materials.

Trade:

• Foster relationships with local tourism providers, travel agents, and industry stakeholders.
• Act as a bridge between Visit Isle of Wight and national/international travel networks.
• Gather feedback and insights from partners to continually improve our offerings.
• Actively take part in off-island networking events alongside UKInbound, Coach Tourism Association (CTA) and others.

Sustainability initiatives:

• Lead the charge on green projects, such as the IOW Green Tourism Award and the IOW Green Bus Pass.
• Lead the development and marketing of the online cycling and walking mapping platform, Outdooractive.
• Work with local businesses to highlight their sustainability achievements.
• Support the management of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, when needed.

Marketing:

• Develop and implement creative digital marketing campaigns to attract and inspire potential visitors.
• Work alongside the Head of Marketing and Sustainability to analyse website traffic and social media metrics to refine strategies and enhance performance.
• Use SEO, email marketing, and online advertising to boost the Isle of Wight’s visibility.
• Create compelling content, including blogs, newsletters, and videos, that celebrate the Island’s unique offerings.

General:

• Manage budgets and timelines for projects and events.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of exhibitions, trade campaigns, and sustainability initiatives.
• Keep up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
• Deputise for the Head of Marketing and Sustainability, when needed.

Person specification

Essential skills & experience:

• Event expertise: Experience planning and delivering events or exhibitions.
• Relationship building: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to nurture partnerships and networks.
• Marketing Expertise: Proven ability to create and manage innovative marketing campaigns across various channels, including digital, print, social media, and partnerships, with experience in leveraging tools like SEO, email marketing, analytics, and creative storytelling to drive engagement and results.
• Passion for sustainability: A genuine commitment to green tourism and sustainable practices.
• Organisational skills: Ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and deadlines.
• Creative flair: An eye for design and storytelling to create standout promotional materials and campaigns.
• Tourism knowledge: An understanding of the travel industry, especially domestic tourism.
  • 5 years minimum of working within the industry, or
  • degree level qualification and 2 years minimum of working within the industry.

Desirable skills & experience:

• Familiarity with the Isle of Wight’s attractions, culture, and history.
• Experience working with eco-certifications or green initiatives in a professional setting.
• Marketing skills, particularly within tourism and/or sustainability sectors.
• Proficiency in using digital tools like Canva, WordPress, or email marketing platforms.
• Photography or video editing skills for creating original digital content.

Personal attributes:

• Enthusiastic and positive with a can-do attitude.
• A self-starter able to use their own initiative.
• A natural problem solver who thrives on challenges.
• Flexible and adaptable to work in a dynamic environment.
• A full UK driving licence.
• A love for the Isle of Wight and all its quirks!

What we offer:

• A chance to make a meaningful impact on tourism, sustainability and the Visitor Economy.
• Hybrid working arrangements (office 3 days a week, then home, or café by the sea – your choice!).
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
• The joy of working in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK!