Conference Production Manager

Smithers; Akron (OH); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Conference Production Manager in a forward-thinking company specializing in B2B events. This role involves crafting engaging conference programs, conducting in-depth market research, and securing top-tier speakers. You will play a vital role in shaping successful events that bring together industry leaders and decision-makers. If you possess strong commercial acumen, excellent research abilities, and a passion for delivering high-quality events, this position offers a dynamic and supportive environment where your contributions will make a significant impact. Join a team that values innovation and collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of B2B conferences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in conference production with a strong background in B2B events.
• Excellent research and negotiation skills for speaker acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market research to identify industry trends and opportunities.
• Develop innovative conference agendas and secure high-profile speakers.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables for successful event execution.

Skills

Conference Production

Market Research

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Commercial Acumen

Event Management

Job description

Conference Production Manager – Americas, based in Akron, Ohio (hybrid)

Exciting opportunity in B2B Events

Are you a commercially minded and inquisitive professional with a proven track record in conference production? Do you thrive on developing compelling agendas, recruiting high level speakers and conducting in-depth market research? If so, we want to hear from you!

The role

As Conference Production Manager you will play a crucial role in shaping the success of our B2B conferences. You will be responsible for identifying key industry trends, crafting engaging conference programs and securing top tier speakers to ensure our events are insightful, relevant and commercially successful.

Key responsibilities in the Conference Production Manager role:

• Conduct thorough market research and work with advisory boards to identify key industry trends, challenges and opportunities.
• Develop innovative and commercially viable conference agendas that attract a senior level audience.
• Identify, approach, and secure high-profile speakers, industry leaders and expert panellists.
• Work closely with marketing, sales, and operations teams to ensure the events commercial success.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, sponsors and industry influencers.
• Manage timelines, budgets and deliverables to ensure smooth and effective execution.
• Contribute to strategic development and long-term growth plans across our portfolio through event growth and launching new events.
• Managerial responsibility for training, development and performance of one conference producer.

The person

In the Conference Production Manager role, we require the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience in conference production with a strong background in B2B events.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to identify profitable opportunities and industry gaps.
• Excellent research skills and the ability to translate insights into compelling content.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills for speaker acquisition.
• A proactive, results-driven mindset with a passion for delivering high-quality events.

About us

Here at Smithers Information, we are a leading provider of B2B conferences, market reports and consultancy services, delivering independent and expert market insights to help businesses navigate industry changes and drive growth. Our in-depth research and high-level events bring together key decision makers, industry leaders and innovators, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and industry partnerships.

With a specialist focus on packaging, paper and print, we provide in-depth analysis and strategic intelligence to support businesses in these industries. However, our expertise extends beyond these sectors, covering multiple industries, where innovation, regulation and market shifts create new challenges and opportunities.

Operating from offices in the US, UK and China, we have a truly global perspective, ensuring that our insights reflect both regional and international market dynamics.

As part of the larger Smithers Group which provides scientific testing, we leverage deep technical expertise to provide accurate data, on time, with high touch!

We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, reflected in the long tenure of many of our employees who thrive in our dynamic and supportive environment.