Conference Assistant

About the ABO

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) is the national body representing the collective interest of professional orchestras, youth ensembles and the wider classical music industry throughout the UK. Our mission is to enable and support an innovative, collaborative and sustainable orchestral sector by providing advice, support, intelligence and information to the people who make British orchestras a global success.

The ABO’s primary event each year is its annual conference, the major gathering of the classical music industry in the UK, with over 300 delegates drawn from orchestras both from within the UK and abroad, plus funding agencies, venues, agents, publishers and suppliers. The 2027 ABO Conference will be held in Birmingham from 3-5 February 2027, hosted by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

We are looking for a conference assistant to join the ABO team for a fixed-term period beginning in December 2026 in the run-up to and for the duration of the conference. Many former assistants and interns who started at the ABO have gone on to successful careers in the sector and now work for organisations that are themselves members of the association.

Job Description

• Supporting member services in advance of the conference, including member newsletters, answering telephone and email enquiries, and updating the ABO database as needed.
• Supporting the conference booking process for delegates, trade and sponsorship places, creation and ordering of lanyards, name badges, and printed programmes.
• Regularly updating conference information on the ABO website and online platforms (CrowdComms), including edits to the programme and session contents, uploading speaker biographies and photos, delegate lists and graphics/documents.
• Support the Marketing & Communications Manager in creating and posting content on the ABO’s social media channels in the lead up to and throughout the conference, as well as emails to delegates and scheduling messages through the conference app.
• Attend the full conference, welcoming delegates, speakers, sponsors and VIP guests at the registration desk.
• Supporting the Conference Manager liaising with venue staff to ensure smooth running of the conference, supervising sessions and moderating digital Q&As as required.
• Assisting the Marketing & Communications Manager in liaising with sponsors and trade exhibitors setting up for the ABO Marketplace.
• Assisting the ABO team with any additional duties as required.

Role Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with strong organisational and communication skills, as well as a keen interest in classical music and the orchestral sector. You will be a responsible individual with a proactive approach, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. You may be liaising with ABO members, artists, audiences, or partner organisations, so a friendly and professional manner is essential.

This role involves using technology, so confidence using IT is essential, and an understanding of data protection and confidentiality is important. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, including mail merge features, as well as the use of audio/visual hardware for presentations, meetings and social media would be an advantage. Previous experience in an arts or administrative role is helpful but not essential. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn and develop their skills within a supportive team environment.

Benefits of Joining the ABO Team

Hands-on experience of working in a dynamic arts organisation and exposure to the UK’s orchestral sector and wider classical music industry.

Opportunity to develop key skills including event management, marketing and communications, database management and general business administration.

Opportunity to make contacts within the industry and develop skills and experience to support a career in arts and event management and membership organisations.

The ABO strives for an orchestral sector that is fully inclusive, representative and reflective of the communities that we serve. We believe that everyone deserves to have the same opportunities at every level in our industry. The ABO strives to be an equal opportunities employer. We will ensure that no individual receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, ethnic or national origin, religious beliefs, gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments to the role in confidence, please email Judith Webster, Chief Executive: judith@abo.org.uk

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