Events Manager & Reception Liaison

At Informa, no two days and no two people are the same, and you will find the freedom, opportunity and support of a fantastic community to make a real impact. We’re an international business that connects specialists with knowledge, helping them to learn more, know more and do more through live and on-demand events, digital and data-driven services and academic research. We are home to over 14,000 colleagues across 30 countries and are a member of the UK’s FTSE 100 group of leading public companies.

This role is based in our 240 Blackfriars office. Are you passionate about delivering exceptional event experiences and ensuring seamless reception services? Informa is seeking an Event Manager and Reception Liaison to uphold our reputation for excellence and innovation in event management while providing outstanding support to colleagues and tenants.

About the Role

As the Event Manager and Reception Liaison, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth event operations and reception services. This highly visible position requires a proactive approach, attention to detail, and a genuine sense of care and understanding. You will work closely with service providers, the vendor account manager, and the Informa Facilities Manager to deliver exceptional experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Management: Coordinate and oversee the event enquiry and booking process, ensuring operational factors are carefully considered. Collaborate with a range of service providers to facilitate successful events that reflect Informa’s standards of excellence. Maintain regular onsite engagement to ensure the smooth running of reception services. Act as the primary point of contact for reception-related matters, liaising proactively with the vendor account manager and Facilities Manager.
• Event Coordination and Management: Maintain accurate records of events from enquiry to completion, ensuring all essential information is tracked and shared with relevant stakeholders. Act as the main point of contact for executive and non-executive meetings, focusing on planning, preparation, and service excellence. Build strong relationships with executive assistants and event organisers, providing solutions to space, equipment, and logistical challenges. Schedule planning calls or meetings ahead of events to ensure all operations, costs, and requirements are clearly communicated. Book and manage meeting rooms, including preparation and post-event periods, using the CheckIn application, and ensure updates for any changes. Oversee guest experience during events, ensuring smooth access, exit, and optimal environment conditions (e.g., lighting, temperature, cleanliness).
• Operational Oversight: Supervise the preparation of event spaces, ensuring all equipment, food, beverages, and service items are clean, functional, and safe for use. Manage inventory for VIP guest equipment, including silverware, glassware, crockery, and specialized appliances. Coordinate with IT, AV, and telephony teams to ensure all systems are operational during events, including WiFi access. Oversee bookings for couriers, taxis, and restaurant reservations as requested by guests or executive assistants. Collect and share dietary requirements and allergy information to ensure health and safety compliance.
• Team and Facility Management: Ensure Housekeeping and Front of House (FoH) teams are well-presented and adequately staffed, coordinating break schedules and liaising with Facilities Management for additional support when needed. Plan washroom attendance and ensure upgraded supplies are provided during large events. Conduct visual inspections of event equipment and report issues to Facilities Management.
• Safety and Security: Prepare security access badges for event attendees and ensure accurate updates for VIP access. Serve as a Fire Warden and First Aid giver, completing required training.

Qualifications

Experience: At least 3+ years of experience as an Events Manager or Executive Assistant supporting senior executives. Proven track record in coordinating complex, high-profile events and managing logistics.

Skills: Exceptional organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail. Strong written and verbal communication abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. Experience with expense management systems and processes. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism. Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs.

Flexibility: Willingness to work outside standard business hours to meet business requirements.

Preferred Experience: Background in events, technology, and Front-of-House industries is highly desirable.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That’s why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

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. Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks.
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too.
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning.
• Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year.
• A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company funded private medical cover.
• A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares.
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more.
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes.
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

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 will 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.