Event manager

Economist Impact combines the rigour of a think-tank with the creativity of a media brand to engage an influential global audience. We work with corporations, foundations, NGOs and governments across big themes including sustainability, health and the changing shape of globalisation to catalyse change and enable progress. Our award winning live and virtual international events convene senior executives seeking new insights into strategic issues. These meetings include industry conferences and exhibitions, management events and government roundtables. Each meeting organised by the events teams delivers objective and informed analysis. 

The role of event manager reports into the Head of Operations. You will be expected to lead end-to-end project management and event planning, focusing on coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and ensuring seamless execution of client-focused events. You will initiate and oversee project kick-offs, timelines, and internal and external communications, serving as the central liaison across departments such as production, logistics, marketing, and programming. Responsibilities include managing project budgets, operational processes, and creative event concepts, as well as handling logistics, supplier selection, and event documentation. This position requires overseeing multiple events simultaneously, conducting detailed debriefs post-event, and ensuring all aspects align with client objectives and high-quality standards.

Project Management:

• Lead comprehensive project management throughout the delivery phase, ensuring seamless execution of key milestones
• Initiate and oversee project kick-off meetings, setting clear objectives and expectations
• Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams, ensuring coordination across functions such as production, commercial, programming, creative, logistics, and marketing
• Act as the facilitator for external and internal communications, organizing and documenting meeting agendas, notes, and presentations before, during, and after events
• Conduct detailed debriefs post-event, gathering feedback and identifying areas for future improvement
• Develop and manage project timelines, clearly outlining all deliverables and the scope of work for both internal teams and clients
• Oversee multiple events concurrently, ensuring all aspects align with client objectives and timelines
• Coordinate and document all internal kick-off meetings and client debriefs to maintain clear communication and accountability

Event & Exhibition Management:

• Responsible for project budgets, ensuring financial control and efficient resource allocation
• Execute operational processes for events and exhibitions
• Create exhibition floor plans and advise the team on show floor configuration
• Supplier selection including event venues, exhibition suppliers, production, signage and digital platforms
• Manage venue logistics, ensuring smooth operations in terms of site preparation, staging, and production requirements
• Design and implement creative event concepts, coordinating aspects such as exhibit layouts, attendee experience, and branding
• Handle all logistics, including accommodation, catering, signage, and transportation for event participants
• Creation of all event event documentation
• All onsite planning including event schedules, staff travel and accommodation

The ideal skills for this role are:

• University degree
• Proven experience managing B2B Events
• Proven experience managing large conferences and exhibitions (500+)
• Strong spoken and written English skills
• Ability to plan, drive and manage different projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in MS Office and Google applications advantageous
• Exceptional client management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a changing, fast-paced work environment
• Familiarity with event technologies, and ability to assess new technologies and make strategic recommendations
• Able to fulfil flexible working hours during busy periods, and travel as required 
• Pro-active, reliable, results orientated and ability to work well under pressure
• Good presentation skills

NB - Closing date for applicants 29/11/2024