Senior Conference Manager

Informa Plc; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 87,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

A global events company is seeking a Senior Conference Manager in Chicago, IL, to develop and execute impactful conference programs. This role requires a strategic leader with expertise in market research and content development, coupled with strong communication skills. Benefits include competitive compensation and professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

401k match

Health, vision, and dental insurance

15 PTO days with increases over time

Career development opportunities

Wellness support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in content development and event programming, preferably in B2B events.
• Proven success in developing high-quality conference agendas and securing top-tier speakers.
• Ability to travel for onsite event management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of marketable agendas addressing audience needs.
• Identify, invite, and secure high-caliber speakers.
• Track content performance and apply learnings for continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Creative problem-solving

Exceptional communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications

Tools

Speaker management platforms

Event software

Digital content tools

Job description

Informa Markets, a division within Informa, creates global platforms for industries. We organise over 500 large-scale branded and transaction-oriented events in 14 specialist markets. These are typically not-to-be-missed annual events where buyers and sellers build relationships, see and show products and do business.

We also provide year-round online platforms where companies showcase their businesses and products and buyers conduct research, generating valuable leads, and we provide data and digital content that supports the flow of knowledge and transactions in markets.

This role is based in Chicago, IL.

The Senior Conference Manager is a strategic content leader responsible for developing and executing high-impact conference programs across a portfolio of events, including engineering, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing. This role combines deep industry knowledge, creative thinking, and a strategic mindset to deliver exceptional attendee experiences. The Senior Conference Manager takes full ownership of the content lifecycle—from market research to onsite execution—while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive value, innovation, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Content Strategy & Development

• Lead the development of forward-thinking, marketable agendas that address audience needs and industry challenges.
• Conduct market research through internal data, industry trends, and attendee insights to shape compelling content programs for live, hybrid, and digital events.
• Identify white space opportunities and align content strategies with broader event goals.
• Write engaging session titles and descriptions that drive registrations and communicate value.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to brainstorm and pitch innovative content ideas.

Speaker Management

• Identify, invite, and secure high-caliber speakers, including key opinion leaders, emerging voices, and progressive thinkers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry influencers, trade organizations, and strategic partners.
• Manage all speaker logistics, including communications, deliverables, and database tracking.
• Organize speaker-ready calls, develop speaker packets, and provide comprehensive support pre-, during, and post-event.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and operations teams to align content with sponsorship goals, promotional campaigns, and audience engagement strategies.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and needs effectively to stakeholders and participate in regular show team meetings.

Event Execution

• Attend events to oversee program delivery, support speakers, and troubleshoot issues.
• Ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees, speakers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee temporary staff managing speaker-ready rooms or green rooms onsite.

Budget & Project Management

• Develop and manage conference budgets, including speaker stipends and other expenses.
• Create and adhere to conference timelines aligned with overall event schedules.
• Ensure all deliverables are met within deadlines and budget constraints.

Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Track content performance, attendee feedback, and speaker input to generate actionable insights.
• Provide thorough post-show analysis and apply learnings to improve future events.
• Pilot innovative content formats and explore strategic partnerships to enhance program quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in content development and event programming, preferably in B2B events.
• Proven success in developing high-quality conference agendas and securing top-tier speakers.
• Strong strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication, copywriting, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency with speaker management platforms, event software, and digital content tools.
• Ability to travel for onsite event management.

Additional Information

We believe that great things happen when people connect face-to-face. That's why we work in-person with each other, or with customers and partners, three days a week or more. When you’re not spending time together in one of our offices or other workplaces – like at an Informa event – you get the flexibility and support to work from home or remotely.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount
• Strong wellbeing support: through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

The pay range for this position is $87,000 — $93,000 depending on experience. This advertisement will expire on 12/30/2025.