Conference & Program Specialist

Job Summary

The Conference & Program Specialist is responsible for the strategic development, planning, and execution of high-quality, profitable conferences, special events, educational programming, and industry community engagement for technical trade shows. This role is a key driver for enhancing the show’s value proposition for both visitors and exhibitors.

• Strategy & Profitability:
  Create and deliver profitable, high-impact conferences, special events, show floor experiences, training sessions, and educational programs that enhance visitor and exhibitor value.
• Content Development:
  Design and deploy a compelling Call for Papers process to identify and secure industry-leading speakers and content.
• Stakeholder Management:
  Establish, manage, and engage Advisory Council(s) for each show to ensure program relevance and industry alignment.
• Program Management:
  Develop comprehensive education outlines, set key deadlines, manage timelines, and ensure all program deliverables meet MFI standards.
• Speaker Coordination:
  Select, confirm, and manage all speakers and/or collaborative partners, handling all necessary communications.
• Marketing Collateral:
  Generate engaging session titles and descriptions, and collect all marketing-required assets (e.g., photos, bios) for promotional use.
• Logistics & Operations:
  Coordinate speaker/Advisory Council travel and registration details with the Operations Manager. Manage all program logistics, including room sets, AV requirements, and food and beverage needs.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with the Show Manager/Director to align program concepts with the overall show strategy and attendee experience.
• Evaluation & Improvement:
  Conduct thorough evaluations of all programs and feature areas, utilizing results to inform and elevate future plans.
• Innovation:
  Continually strive for creative ways to elevate the conferences and programs at all technical-based shows.
• Off-Year Programming:
  Develop independent educational opportunities (e.g., webinars, training) in the opposite year of the shows to maintain industry exposure.

• Awards Management:
  Manage the Industry Awards programs from initiation through execution and promotion.
• VIP
  
  Experience:
  
  Manage the VIP Lounge Experience, ensuring a high-value networking and hospitality environment (if applicable).

• Promotion
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Provide the PR & Marketing Manager with complete program schedules, feature area details, and content for all signage, social media, print, and digital marketing materials.
• Registration Management:
  Collaborate with the PR & Marketing Manager and the contracted registration company to ensure a comprehensive and smoothly executed registration process.
• Community
  
  Roadmap:
  
  Develop and execute a community communication roadmap aimed at producing an increased industry following for both the show and its educational programming.
• Content Repurposing:
  Convert session content into high-impact community engagement via social media and other media platforms to generate involvement from targeted industry sectors.
• Content
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with the Content Specialist to generate compelling copy that elevates community platforms and engagement.
• Relationship Building:
  Cultivate strong, lasting relationships with key individuals and organizations within the industries served.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 4+ years of professional conference management experience, preferably within a B2B or technical trade show environment.
• Expert knowledge of current conference management trends, best practices, and technology.
• Goal-oriented, flexible, and capable of demonstrating creativity and calm under pressure while managing multiple simultaneous projects.
• Exceptional communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated strong leadership and the ability to effectively motivate and…