Events & Organized Play Lead

About the role

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and commercially driven leader to own CardzCon, AOC’s flagship trading‑card and collectibles convention in the GCC. As the Events & Organized Play Lead you will be responsible for the full event lifecycle—from strategy and commercial planning to execution and regional expansion—ensuring revenue growth and an outstanding visitor experience.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement CardzCon’s overall strategy, business plan, budget and GCC growth roadmap.
• Drive commercial performance, including revenue, profitability, sponsorships, ticketing, exhibitor sales and strategic partnerships.
• Build and maintain relationships with international and regional TCG brands, distributors, vendors, creators, celebrities, judges and tournament organizers.
• Plan and deliver exhibitions, tournaments, trade nights, product launches, meet‑and‑greets, live‑streaming activities and VIP experiences.
• Design and manage a professional organized‑play program covering formats, schedules, rules, registration, judging, prizes and player experience.
• Oversee all event workstreams such as venue coordination, production, permits, security, insurance, logistics, travel, hospitality, vendors and crowd management.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Content teams to raise event awareness, drive ticket sales and attract exhibitors.
• Recruit, brief and manage event staff, contractors, volunteers, agencies and operational partners.
• Establish event policies, operating procedures, risk controls, contingency plans and service standards.
• Monitor performance metrics and prepare post‑event reports with improvement plans.

Required profile

• Minimum 7 years experience in large‑scale events, exhibitions, conventions, entertainment, gaming or organized play.
• At least 3 years in a senior event leadership or general management role.
• Proven track record managing event budgets, commercial partnerships, sponsorships and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of trading‑card games, collectibles, gaming or fan‑based communities (highly preferred).
• Experience delivering regional or international events with large visitor numbers.

Required skills