Conference Planner

Seeking Conference Planner to coordinate logistics, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure a seamless conference experience for attendees of our upcoming conference.

DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The IWI Conference Planner will be responsible for the full lifecycle of an event, from strategic planning and budgeting to on-site logistics and post-event evaluation, ensuring the event aligns with The IWI's mission and goals. Key duties include venue and vendor selection, budget management, marketing and attendee registration, speaker and sponsor coordination, managing event staff and volunteers, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and reporting on event success to leadership. This role requires strong project management, budget management, communication, and negotiation skills to deliver a high-quality experience within financial constraints.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Strategy & Planning:

Collaborate with stakeholders to define event goals, themes, and target audiences, and develop comprehensive plans and timelines.

Budget Management:

Create and manage event budgets, identifying cost-effective solutions, securing sponsorships, and tracking expenditures to meet financial objectives.

Logistics & Operations:

Oversee all logistical aspects, including venue selection, vendor management (catering, AV, decor), and event setup and breakdown.

Marketing & Communication:

Develop and implement marketing and promotion strategies to attract attendees, manage attendee registrations, and ensure smooth communication before and during the event.

Stakeholder & Speaker Management:

Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, and speakers, managing contracts and ensuring all logistical needs are met.

On-site Management:

Provide leadership and support on the day of the event, troubleshooting issues, coordinating staff and volunteers, and ensuring the event runs smoothly.

Post-Event Activities:

Conduct post-event evaluations, analyse success metrics, gather feedback, and prepare reports to inform future events.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Project Management:

Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise deadlines, and develop detailed event plans.

Budget Management:

Proficiency in creating, managing, and adhering to budgets.

Communication & Negotiation:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with diverse stakeholders and negotiate with vendors.

Organisational Skills:

Meticulous attention to detail to manage complex logistics and ensure all event components are coordinated effectively.

Problem-Solving:

Ability to think on your feet, identify roadblocks, and provide timely, thoughtful solutions to unexpected challenges.

Tech Savvy:

Experience with various event platforms and tools for virtual and in-person events.

Passion for The IWI's Mission:

Understanding and alignment with the organisation's core mission to effectively promote and execute relevant events.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience in conference planning or event management, with a track record of successful event execution.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and trends in conference planning and management.
• Knowledge with sponsorship and donor acquisition.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required for conference.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial tracking for conferences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.