Bilal Saymeh
Commercial Director
Dubai
Summary
I have 18 years of experience in business development, focusing on organizing and leading events in the MENA region. I excel in selling event sponsorships and creating strategic plans for revenue growth. I consistently meet targets and foster year-over-year growth in the event business. I possess diverse skills and can effectively lead and influence, fostering high performance in myself and my team in the dynamic fields of business development and the events industry.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Head of Sponsorship & Media Solutions
Informa Markets
05.2021 - Current
- Adapting to Industry Shifts: Successfully tackled the challenges posed by the decrease in face-to-face events during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating the Digital Media and Marketing Solutions department at Omnia Health Insight
- Flexible Revenue Growth: Managed a Profit & Loss account totaling 13M USD in sponsorship sales, achieving outstanding sales performance at Healthcare Events in 2023, including well-known exhibitions like Arab Health, Medlab ME, Global Health Exhibition, and Africa Health
- Innovative Sponsorship Expansion: Took the lead in establishing and expanding sponsorship offerings at Informa Market, introducing venue branding solutions and driving growth in both Sponsorship and Digital sales departments, resulting in increased revenue and client renewals
- Comprehensive Sales Leadership: Led the entire sales cycle with a holistic approach, ensuring smooth and impactful client engagement, fostering growth, and promoting customer adoption
- Team Building Excellence: Directed the recruitment, training, and development of a high-performing team, leading to an outstanding 120% increase in sales performance in 2023
- Successfully won business from new markets, showcasing effective leadership and mentorship
- Strategic Market Expansion: Developed and executed potent sales strategies, utilizing market trends and customer insights to drive sustained growth and increase market share, demonstrating a results-oriented and market-savvy approach.
Commercial Director
MEED
09.2014 - 04.2021
- led sales efforts for various events like the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, the Saudi Hotel Investment Conference, and Innovation Live
- My strategic approach significantly boosted the success of each event
- Focused on increasing sales in sponsorship and delegate categories, I excelled in both winning new business and keeping existing clients
- I consistently exceeded targets and achieved year-on-year growth in conference revenue
- I also pioneered a new revenue stream by managing client events, including networking sessions and workshops
- I successfully secured deals with key clients like PIF, Red SEA, RAK Tourism Authority, and the Executive Council of Dubai, contributing to substantial business growth.
Advertising Group Manager
Gulf News
05.2011 - 09.2014
- Managed budgets for various projects, consistently meeting financial targets while maintaining high-quality output.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing favorable terms beneficial to the organization''s bottom line.
- Collaborated with other group managers to develop best practices for operational efficiency across departments.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budget constraints.
- Established strong relationships with key clients, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and retention rates.
Sales Manager
Aswaq News
02.2009 - 05.2011
Account Group Manager
AWI - Al Waseet International
10.2007 - 01.2009
Sales- Account Executive
AWI - Al Waseet International
09.2005 - 10.2007
Education
BBA - Business/Commerce
Damascus University
Syria 04.2001 - 04.2005
Data Driven Journey - Green Belt - undefined
Informa Ignite
09.2022 - 05.2022
Skills
Revenue Growth
Timeline
Data Driven Journey - Green Belt - undefined
Informa Ignite
09.2022 - 05.2022
Head of Sponsorship & Media Solutions
Informa Markets
05.2021 - Current
Commercial Director
MEED
09.2014 - 04.2021
Advertising Group Manager
Gulf News
05.2011 - 09.2014
Sales Manager
Aswaq News
02.2009 - 05.2011
Account Group Manager
AWI - Al Waseet International
10.2007 - 01.2009
Sales- Account Executive
AWI - Al Waseet International
09.2005 - 10.2007
BBA - Business/Commerce
Damascus University
04.2001 - 04.2005