Business Development Manager, The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC)

About The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC) The Festival Of Connoisseurs is an experiential lifestyle celebration that curates luxury living through immersive editorial storytelling. It brings together visionary contemporary connoisseurs to discover, experience, exchange and redefine luxury living through exhibition, conversations, education and beyond. Guests are immersed in curated events, expert voices, emerging talents, taste-forward trends and best-in-class hospitality. Launching November 2026 in Hong Kong, TFOC will expand to a full-scale festival in June 2027. ROLE SUMMARY: This commercial role is responsible for end-to-end sponsorship sales and strategic business development for The Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), Asia’s flagship luxury lifestyle festival based in Hong Kong. The incumbent will leverage proven large-scale event sponsorship experience to secure high-value brand and corporate partnerships, drive core revenue growth, and build influential industry networks across 9 TFOC connoisseurship sectors. The role requires a target-driven sales professional with solid track records in premium event sponsorship acquisition and client relationship management. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and execute end-to-end sponsorship sales strategies for TFOC luxury lifestyle festival, achieve annual sponsorship revenue targets and KPIs. Source, pitch and negotiate commercial sponsorships, brand partnerships and premium corporate collaborations across all nine TFOC connoisseurship sectors. Build and maintain long-term relationships with luxury brands, high-net-worth clientele, corporate enterprises and industry stakeholders in Asia’s luxury market. Design customized sponsorship packages and brand activation solutions tailored to the unique "City-as-Your-Showroom" event model. Collaborate with internal marketing, operation and project teams to deliver seamless sponsorship implementation and on-site activation execution. Monitor market trends, competitor activities and luxury industry dynamics to optimize sales strategies and partnership offerings. Prepare sales proposals, commercial reports and client presentation materials for senior management and partner reviews. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Sales or related disciplines. Minimum 10 years of proven sponsorship sales and business development experience in large-scale events, premium exhibitions or international sports/luxury events; solid track record of closing high-value sponsorship deals. In-depth understanding of Hong Kong and Asia luxury lifestyle market, with mature network of luxury brands, corporate clients and industry resources. Demonstrated ability to develop customized commercial solutions, conduct high-level client pitching and negotiation independently. Excellent business acumen, sales-driven mindset and target-oriented working attitude. Strong presentation, communication and cross-team collaboration skills, able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Existing client resources in luxury automotive, yachting, private aviation, high-end jewellery, art and fine dining industries. Prior working experience with premium international exhibitions, lifestyle festivals or top-tier sports events is a big plus. Excellent in written and spoken English, Cantonese and Mandarin is a must. Additional Information 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 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. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence and used solely for recruitment purposes. To apply, please quote your date of availability, current and expected salary and Click "Quick apply"