Term: Contract Basis

Salary: $80,000 to $110,000

The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is seeking an independent contractor with an established business number for it's Global Events Manager position. 

Application Deadline – ​Before midnight EDT on Thursday February 12th, 2026

Your Mission

The Global Events Manager will lead the planning 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 dynamic and detail-oriented professional to oversee 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.

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Global Events Manager will drive 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 Global Events Manager is responsible for the successful 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, and Canada Reception.

The Global Events Manager serves as a key liaison between CADSI, the Government of Canada, provincial partners, and industry participants, ensuring Canada’s presence at international events is professional, collaborative, and impactful.

Core Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position are to:

Program & Event Management

• Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of CADSI’s Canada Program, including pavilion participation at international trade shows and missions abroad.
• Oversee the design, build, and branding of the Canada Pavilion, ensuring it meets CADSI’s quality standards and strategic objectives.
• Manage relationships and contracts with key suppliers such as Full Circle Events (booth builder) and Kallman Worldwide (sales partner).
• Negotiate and secure pavilion exhibit space at major international events.
• Coordinate closely with federal and provincial government partners to ensure alignment, efficiency, and shared success.
• Deliver all on-site operational elements, including logistics, pavilion management, and supplier coordination.
• Plan and execute high-profile networking events such as the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Maple Hour, and Canada Reception.

Canada Market Briefing (Flagship Event)

• 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 stakeholders.
• Develop the agenda and programming in collaboration with CADSI leadership and government partners.
• Identify, invite, and manage speakers and panellists 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.
• Oversee marketing and delegate engagement to ensurestrong attendance and high-quality delivery.
• Coordinate with CADSI’s communications team on media relations and press engagement.
• Prepare detailed post-event reports on participation, outcomes, and media impact.

Marketing & Outreach

• Collaborate with CADSI’s Marketing and Communications team to promote international program 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.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all global event communications.

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Engage with federal and provincial partners through working groups and joint planning committees.
• Act as CADSI’s key liaison with government departments, embassies, and international trade show organizers.
• Support coordination of ministerial visits, official delegations, and dignitary programs as part of the Canada Pavilion.
• Maintain positive, solution-focused relationships that strengthen CADSI’s reputation and influence globally.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for CADSI’s international activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Lead the CanExport Associations funding process, including applications, interim reports, and post-event submissions.
• Provide monthly performance updates, financial summaries, and strategic recommendations to the Vice President, Operations.
• Ensure all event expenditures and revenues align with CADSI’s annual operational plan (AOP) and board-approved budgets.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to CADSI’s International Business Development Strategy, including annual updates and recommendations to the CADSI Board.
• Identify new international event opportunities, partnerships, and emerging markets that support CADSI’s mission.
• Analyze global market and policy trends to shape CADSI’s future participation priorities.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation within CADSI’s event delivery framework.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in Event Management, International Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in large-scale event, trade show, or program management,
• ideally with international exposure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, contracts, suppliers, and complex logistics.
• Proven track record delivering high-profile conferences or pavilions with government and
• industry participation.
• Experience preparing and managing grant or contribution funding (e.g., CanExport Associations) is considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of government-industry collaboration and Canada’s defence and
  security ecosystem.
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital project management tools.
  Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CADSI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit one writing sample (e.g. research report, article, newsletters), along with your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages that addresses the following points:

1. Why you want to work for CADSI.
2. How your background and skills ideally suit you to fulfil this position.
3. Ways in which your work experience demonstrate your results-oriented professional approach.
4. Compensation expectations.

Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] by no later than midnight EST on Thursday February 12th, 2026. Only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

About CADSI

Advancing Canada’s Defence and Security future, CADSI represents over 1000 businesses and innovators who build Canada’s defence and security strength. From small manufacturers to global primes, from emerging tech firms to trusted partners in government, our community works toward one shared goal: protecting Canada’s sovereignty and advancing our national interests at home and abroad.

Learn more at www.defenceandsecurity.ca or follow us on LinkedIn.