Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations
Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations

Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations

Egham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to manage exhibits and sponsorships for exciting B2B conferences.
  • Company: Join Gartner, a global leader in providing actionable insights for enterprise leaders since 1979.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid work, competitive pay, and world-class benefits tailored for your growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while collaborating with diverse teams in a vibrant, inclusive culture.
  • Qualifications: 5-7 years in event management; strong leadership and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Travel 20% of the time for conferences and be part of a respected, innovative team.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking a passionate, collaborative, and effective manager with experience in conferences, events or trade shows to join the Exhibit Operations team. This manager will direct a team of associates to deliver exhibits and sponsorships across Gartner’s B2B conference portfolio. Key performance measures for the role include exhibit and sponsorship retention, exhibit and sponsorship revenue growth and associate retention and satisfaction. This role will be responsible for the development and management of global exhibitor products across multiple B2B conferences.

Biggest areas of impact include:

  • Exhibit/Sponsorship product delivery & inventory management
  • Develop strategies for engagement between conference attendees and exhibitors
  • Collaborate on strategic projects and identify key initiatives with leadership
  • Enhance financial forecasting for scalability and profit margin growth
  • Establish positive relationships with internal and external partners

What you will do:

  • Oversee all aspects of sponsorship delivery and conference planning process of Gartner’s C-level portfolio of conferences to include our flagship conference, Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo.
  • Lead and inspire a rapidly expanding and diverse global team, with a focus on continuous feedback and coaching.
  • Liaise and collaborate with key partners and team members (both internal and external) to ensure successful execution; build and maintain good relationships by establishing trust.
  • Create and execute strategies for attendee and exhibitor engagement by generating valuable interactions for both exhibitors and attendees.
  • Create KPIs and analyze data to evaluate success of implemented strategies.
  • Effectively lead supplier management and contract negotiations for select vendors that support conference delivery focusing on reducing expenses to improve margins.
  • Consistently innovate conference delivery processes and procedures to create efficiencies and improve output.
  • Manage product inventory and projection modeling for various exhibit and sponsorship products.
  • Create and maintain product strategies to drive maximum revenue.
  • Develop and present risk assessments for various components of exhibitor products based on shifts in market demand or capacity.
  • Partner with Exhibit Operations leadership team on projects by providing feedback and maximize output to scale the business.
  • Analyze data to develop metrics-driven exhibitor retention and attendee engagement strategy to determine best course of action on various conference elements.
  • Attend conferences as the onsite lead for in-person delivery including managing the production schedule, conference staff and liaising with agency partners and vendors.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of Gartner’s business including the value proposition for attendees and exhibitors.
  • Become an expert on Gartner’s exhibitor products, pricing strategy and conference financials.
  • Achieve operational excellence and execute conferences on time, within budget and with great attention to detail.
  • Become a respected leader and mentor across Gartner and build a strong personal brand reputation.

What you will need:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • 5-7 Years Experiential Marketing, Event Management, Event Marketing and/or Tradeshow Management
  • Track record of creating or fulfilling revenue driving sponsorship products in complex live-event environments
  • Project management experience on detailed programs with multiple variables and dependencies
  • Proven ability to improve business processes resulting in increased efficiency and productivity
  • Proven management of teams and talent development
  • Effective people management and leadership skills with a passion for a collaborative work environment
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills especially with senior level professionals, cross-functionally and with agency partners
  • Creative, innovative and strategic thinker with a strong attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to adapt, implement, manage change and strive for continuous improvement
  • Strong oral & written communication skills with experience presenting to audiences with the purpose of motivating or persuading
  • Excel in finance and budget management
  • Motivated team player with desire to learn and grow
  • Ability to thrive in high pressure situations and meet deadlines
  • Comfortable traveling 20% of the time both regional and international

Gartner offers world-class benefits, highly competitive compensation and disproportionate rewards for top performers. In our hybrid work environment, we provide the flexibility and support for you to thrive — working virtually when it is productive to do so and getting together with colleagues in a vibrant community that is purposeful, engaging and inspiring.

Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations employer: Gartner

Gartner is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, empowering employees to thrive in their careers. With a commitment to professional growth, competitive compensation, and world-class benefits, Gartner provides a vibrant environment where innovative ideas are celebrated and teamwork is paramount. Located in a dynamic setting, this role offers the unique opportunity to lead a diverse global team while making a significant impact on the B2B conference landscape.
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Contact Detail:

Gartner Recruiting Team

ApplicantAccommodations@gartner.com

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Gartner's conference portfolio and their exhibitor products. Understanding the specifics of what they offer will help you speak confidently about how you can enhance their exhibit and sponsorship strategies during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the events and trade show industry, especially those who have experience with B2B conferences. Building relationships can provide you with insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your past experiences in managing teams and delivering successful events. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved processes or increased revenue in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the key performance measures for the position.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest trends in experiential marketing and event management. Being knowledgeable about current industry practices will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

We think you need these skills to ace Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations

Event Management
Experiential Marketing
Sponsorship Product Development
Project Management
Team Leadership
Financial Forecasting
Data Analysis
Relationship Building
Contract Negotiation
Process Improvement
Creative Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Budget Management
Adaptability
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in conference management, event planning, and sponsorship delivery. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in these areas, particularly focusing on metrics like revenue growth and team management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with Gartner's mission and values, and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in the past.

Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your project management skills, ability to build relationships, and experience in financial forecasting. Mention any specific tools or methodologies you’ve used that are relevant to the role, as this will show your preparedness for the position.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since the role involves leading a diverse global team, include examples of your leadership style and how you've inspired and developed talent in previous roles. This could be through mentoring, coaching, or implementing feedback systems.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gartner

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in event management or experiential marketing. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed sponsorships or exhibits, focusing on the outcomes and metrics that demonstrate your impact.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since this role involves leading a diverse team, share your experiences in managing teams effectively. Discuss how you foster collaboration, provide feedback, and inspire your team to achieve their goals.

✨Understand Gartner's Business

Familiarise yourself with Gartner’s mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences align with their goals, particularly in enhancing exhibitor products and attendee engagement.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Prepare scenarios where you had to innovate processes or manage change, and explain how you approached these challenges to improve efficiency.

Conference Manager, Exhibit Operations
Gartner
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