Senior Director, Conference Program Management

Gartner; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-class benefits

Hybrid work environment

Generous paid time off

401(k) match

Stock purchase plan

Professional development

Job summary

Gartner seeks a senior conference leader to own multiple conferences, shaping strategy, content, and cross‑functional collaboration to drive growth, profitability, and retention.

You'll design attendee‑driven agendas, secure speakers, cultivate sponsorships, and partner with Marketing, Exhibits and Operations to deliver exceptional experiences and global reach. This role requires collaboration with C‑level audiences, travel readiness, and a track record in complex, multi‑day events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree; MBA preferred.
• 8‑12+ years’ experience in conference management, content-rich program planning or content strategy; development and creation.
• Experience with large, complex multi-day/multi-track conference programs.
• Proven ability to drive overall direction and development of conference programs: content strategy, agenda development, speaker management.
• Experience in driving or supporting audience and sponsorship acquisition.
• Proven track record creating and executing strategy and identifying market and growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative matrix environment with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Global/multinational event experience strongly preferred.
• Strong multi‑project management, prioritization, and time‑management skills.
• Good familiarity with AI, data, and analytics.
• Ability to accommodate moderate travel, including international.

Responsibilities

• Own several conferences and develop conference strategy while orchestrating cross‑functional team collaboration to drive growth, profitability and customer retention.
• Create compelling attendee‑driven conference agendas based on market needs in partnership with Gartner Research chair.
• Develop client‑focused programs that deliver high results, identify and secure keynote and panel speakers, and conduct primary and secondary market research to understand client needs, behaviors and market trends.
• Identify target audiences, define positioning for assigned conferences and collaborate with Exhibitor Products on sponsorship opportunities and content.
• Evaluate competitive events, attend them when necessary, and create portfolio strategy in collaboration with global colleagues and stakeholders.
• Evangelize and promote assigned conferences to internal and external constituents.
• Innovate conference experiences, content, and formats.
• Work closely with Conferences Marketing to create messaging and campaigns that drive growth and increase retention.
• Collaborate with Exhibits Sales to identify prospective exhibitors and accelerate sales growth and retention.
• Collaborate with Conference Operations to ensure a great attendee and sponsor experience in an efficient and cost‑effective way.
• Partner with financial‑planning teams on annual budget and investment processes.

Skills

Conference management

Content strategy

Speaker management

Audience development

Sponsorship acquisition

Stakeholder management

C-level engagement

Global/multinational events

AI, data, analytics

Travel readiness

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

MBA preferred

Job description

This critical position is responsible for developing the content, programs, and experiences of several major Gartner conferences that serve C‑level business executives and their teams, making them must‑attend events for those leaders, and achieving the annual financial targets for the referenced conferences.

Responsibilities

• Own several conferences and develop conference strategy while orchestrating cross‑functional team collaboration to drive growth, profitability and customer retention.
• Create compelling attendee‑driven conference agendas based on market needs in partnership with Gartner Research chair.
• Develop client‑focused programs that deliver high results, identify and secure keynote and panel speakers, and conduct primary and secondary market research to understand client needs, behaviors and market trends.
• Identify target audiences, define positioning for assigned conferences and collaborate with Exhibitor Products on sponsorship opportunities and content.
• Evaluate competitive events, attend them when necessary, and create portfolio strategy in collaboration with global colleagues and stakeholders.
• Evangelize and promote assigned conferences to internal and external constituents.
• Innovate conference experiences, content, and formats.
• Work closely with Conferences Marketing to create messaging and campaigns that drive growth and increase retention.
• Collaborate with Exhibits Sales to identify prospective exhibitors and accelerate sales growth and retention.
• Collaborate with Conference Operations to ensure a great attendee and sponsor experience in an efficient and cost‑effective way.
• Partner with financial‑planning teams on annual budget and investment processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree; MBA preferred.
• 8‑12+ years’ experience in conference management, content‑rich program planning or content strategy, development and creation.
• Experience with large, complex multi‑day/multi‑track conference programs preferred.
• Proven ability to drive overall direction and development of conference programs: content strategy, agenda development, speaker management.
• Experience in driving or supporting audience and sponsorship acquisition.
• Proven track record creating and executing strategy and identifying market and growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative matrix environment with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication, and ability to influence.
• Global/multinational event experience strongly preferred.
• Strong multi‑project management, prioritization, and time‑management skills.
• Good familiarity with AI, data, and analytics.
• Ability to accommodate moderate travel, including international.
• Ability to engage effectively with C‑level executives.

Benefits

• World‑class benefits and highly competitive compensation.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility to work virtually or in a community setting.
• Generous paid time off.
• 401(k) match up to $7,200 per year.
• Opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
• Additional benefit programs (e.g., health, wellness, and professional development).

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gartner is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers, including those with disabilities. Gartner provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.