Ekka Event Planner

Royal National Agricultural & Industrial Association of QLD; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

5 days Wellness Leave

Free onsite parking

Staff events & activities

Career progression opportunities

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

The RNA invites applications for an Ekka Event Planner to lead the planning and operation of diverse competitions and events within Queensland's Royal Queensland Show portfolio.

You will coordinate schedules, budgets, and stakeholder relationships across 58 competitions, with hands-on involvement during peak periods to ensure successful delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience in event planning with full lifecycle management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities across competing events.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationships.
• Hands-on support during peak event periods.

Responsibilities

• Plan and operate diverse events and competition portfolios for Ekka.
• Manage schedules, budgets and resources across 58+ competitions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external exhibitors to ensure smooth delivery.
• Provide hands-on support during busy event periods to ensure successful outcomes.

Skills

Planning & Organising

Project Management

Resilience & Adaptability

Stakeholder / Exhibitor Relationships

Communication

Results Orientation

Teamwork & Collaboration

Compliance Management

Job description

An exciting and rare opportunity has opened up within our Ekka team as we look for our next Ekka Event Planner

You will be responsible for the successful planning and operation of various events and competition portfolios. With over 58 competitions ranging from beef cattle and wine through to bush poetry, there is variety and diversity across the various events, and no two days are the same!

This is a Permanent Full-Time position commencing immediately.

About You

To be successful in the role, you will be an experienced event professional with strong planning, organisational and stakeholder management skills. You will be confident managing multiple priorities and working across the full event lifecycle, while also being happy to get hands‑on and jump in to support the team wherever needed, particularly during busy event periods.

You will need to be proficient in the following competencies:

• Planning & Organising – Effectively plan the full life cycle of the competition from schedule development through to implementation, with strong attention to detail and time management.
• Project Management – Effectively project manage the components of the competition life cycle to ensure critical milestones are met on time and on budget. Project management experience is highly desirable.
• Resilience & Adaptability –Handle challenges and pressure with a positive and solutions-focused approach, proactively resolving issues in a timely and constructive manner.
• Stakeholder / Exhibitor Relationships – Build and maintain strong professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and exhibitors, fostering long-term partnerships and positive experiences.
• Communication – Communicate regularly and when needed with all stakeholders in a way that is confident, professional and easy for others to understand, whatever their level.
• Results Orientation – Deliver outcomes in an effective manner. Driven and willing to take the necessary steps to ensure targets are achieved on time and on budget, in line with expectations.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Work collaboratively with the broader Ekka team and be willing to get hands‑on and support the team where needed to ensure successful event delivery.
• Compliance Management – Oversee and ensure the various competitions and events adhere to WHS regulations and relevant compliance requirements.

About Us

The RNA runs the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka), Queensland's largest event, on behalf of the community for 9 days each year in August. Staged at its original birthplace, the Brisbane Showgrounds, the Ekka showcases its unique tradition and heritage by bringing the city and country together for a once-a-year exhibition. On average, 400,000 people gather to see thousands of exhibits, animals, world-class entertainment and taste award‑winning food and wine.

Benefits of Joining the RNA Team

• 5 weeks of annual leave, calculated on a pro-rata basis
• 5 days annual Wellness Leave
• Free Inner-City Onsite Parking
• Staff Events, like team building, lunches & activities
• Supportive, innovative, friendly team and inclusive company culture
• Competitive compensation packages
• Career progression opportunities
• Opportunity to work on Queensland’s largest annual event, the Ekka

Skills and Experience

Although not essential, the following qualifications / experience would be seen favourably:

• 2-3 years’ experience in major events, sporting organisations, agricultural shows or community events
• Experience working in the agricultural (Ag) industry is highly desirable
• Project Management and/or Event Planning experience
• Experience managing multiple projects, events or portfolios simultaneously
• A tertiary qualification in Event Management, Project Management or a related discipline
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills
• Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders, exhibitors, suppliers and industry representatives

Please note that depending on the volume of applications received, we may not be able to respond to all. However, all applications submitted will be thoroughly reviewed to assess suitability for the position.