ABO 2027 Conference Assistant (fixed term)

Black Lives In Music; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

ABO is seeking a Conference Assistant for a fixed-term role starting December 2026 in the lead-up to and during the ABO 2027 Conference. You will support member services, assist with bookings, and help manage communications and content across platforms.

The role requires strong organisational ability, good communication, and a proactive approach. IT literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office are advantageous for daily tasks and presentation support.

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and communication skills are essential.
• Confidence using IT and MS Office; awareness of data protection is important.

Responsibilities

• Support member services in advance of the conference, including newsletters, enquiries, and updating the ABO database.
• Assist conference booking for delegates and sponsors, create and order lanyards, badges, and printed programmes.
• Regularly update conference information on the ABO website and CrowdComms, including sessions and speaker bios.
• Assist Marketing & Communications Manager with content on social media and delegate emails.
• Attend the full conference, welcome delegates, speakers, sponsors and VIPs at registration.
• Liaise with venue staff for smooth conference operation and supervise sessions.
• Assist with ABO Marketplace set-up and liaise with sponsors and exhibitors.
• Take on additional duties as required by the ABO team.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

IT proficiency

MS Office

Data protection awareness

Teamwork

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABO 2027 Conference Assistant (fixed term)

We are looking for a conference assistant to join the ABO team for a fixed-term period beginning in December 2026 in the run-up to and for the duration of the conference. Many former assistants and interns who started at the ABO have gone on to successful careers in the sector and now work for organisations that are themselves members of the association.

Job Description

• Supporting member services in advance of the conference, including member newsletters, answering telephone and email enquiries, and updating the ABO database as needed.
• Supporting the conference booking process for delegates, trade and sponsorship places, creation and ordering of lanyards, name badges, and printed programmes.
• Regularly updating conference information on the ABO website and online platforms (CrowdComms), including edits to the programme and session contents, uploading speaker biographies and photos, delegate lists and graphics/documents.
• Support the Marketing & Communications Manager in creating and posting content on the ABO’s social media channels in the lead up to and throughout the conference, as well as emails to delegates and scheduling messages through the conference app.
• Attend the full conference, welcoming delegates, speakers, sponsors and VIP guests at the registration desk.
• Supporting the Conference Manager liaising with venue staff to ensure smooth running of the conference, supervising sessions and moderating digital Q&As as required.
• Assisting the Marketing & Communications Manager in liaising with sponsors and trade exhibitors setting up for the ABO Marketplace.
• Assisting the ABO team with any additional duties as required.

Role Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with strong organisational and communication skills, as well as a keen interest in classical music and the orchestral sector. You will be a responsible individual with a proactive approach, excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. You may be liaising with ABO members, artists, audiences, or partner organisations, so a friendly and professional manner is essential.

This role involves using technology, so confidence using IT is essential, and an understanding of data protection and confidentiality is important. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs, including mail merge features, as well as the use of audio/visual hardware for presentations, meetings and social media would be an advantage. Previous experience in an arts or administrative role is helpful but not essential. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn and develop their skills within a supportive team environment.