Associate Director, Conferences Program Management in Surrey

This critical position is responsible for developing the content, programs, and experiences of several Gartner conferences, as well as overall management of those events.

• Own the assigned conference(s) and execute 2 main missions:
• Develop the event strategy and orchestrate cross‑functional team collaboration to drive growth, profitability and customer retention.
• Create a compelling attendee‑driven conference agenda based on market needs and requirements, in close partnership with Gartner Research chair.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting, Audience Acquisition/Marketing, Sponsorship Sales, Conference Operations/Logistics, Research Marketing and Sales.
• Create client‑focused programs that deliver the highest results.
• Identify and secure guest speakers such as keynotes, panelists and case studies.
• Drive primary and secondary market research to understand client issues and behaviours.
• Identify target audience and define positioning for assigned conferences.
• Partner with Exhibitor Products to define sponsorship opportunities.
• Identify and evaluate competitive events, including attending them.
• Collaborate with global colleagues and stakeholders to create conference or portfolio strategy.
• Promote assigned conferences to internal and external constituents.
• Innovate conference experiences, content, and formats.
• Work with Events Marketing to create compelling messaging and campaigns to grow and retain customers, and develop partnerships with associations, user groups, and media.
• Collaborate with Events Sales to identify prospective exhibitors, articulate the value proposition, and accelerate sales growth and retention.
• Collaborate with Event Operations to deliver a great attendee and sponsor experience efficiently and cost‑effectively.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree; MBA preferred.
• 7–10+ years’ experience in conference management, content‑rich program planning, or conference content strategy, development and creation.
• Experience with large, complex multi‑day/multi‑track conference programs preferred.
• Proven ability to drive overall direction and development of conference programs: content strategy and creation, agenda development, speaker management, etc.
• Experience in driving or supporting audience and sponsorship acquisition.
• Proven track record creating and executing strategy, identifying untapped market and growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative matrix environment with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication, and ability to influence.
• Global/multinational event experience strongly preferred.
• Strong multi‑project management, prioritisation, and time‑management capacity.
• IT/tech sector familiarity or interest is a plus.
• Ability to accommodate moderate travel, including international.
• Ability to engage effectively with C‑level executives.