Conference manager (Agrifood)

What you will do

You will work from our Utrecht office, in a fast-paced, international environment. Your main goal is to create engaging conference sessions, source speakers, manage key stakeholder relationships and manage the conference operations from inception to execution across the AgriFood portfolio.

You stay on top of the market trends in the international livestock and protein sector and help stakeholders connect with their target audience through engaging content sessions that are relevant and stimulating to support the ongoing growth and development of the AgriFood sector. You will work closely with clients and partners, both in the office and out in the field.

You are able to identify industry influencers, translate research into conference programmes and manage the production from end to end. You enjoy building long-term relationships, and know how to turn ideas into results. You are proactive, a confident business partner for our clients and ready to make an impact.

About VIV

VIV is the flagship brand of VNU Europe Exhibitions (the international branch of Royal Jaarbeurs) and caters to the international agrifood sector. The brand is an absolute leader internationally in the field of livestock farming and protein production across species.

Our international trade shows include VIV Europe, VIV Asia, VIV MEA, VIV Africa, and the national editions like VIV Select China, VIV Select Türkiye and the recently launched VIV Select India. You can find a full overview of the portfolio on the website.

The VNU team in Utrecht consists of 15 colleagues, and is an international, multicultural, and dynamic team. You will also work closely with the team at the VNU office in Bangkok.

About the role

• Developing conference programs for international VIV shows guided by customer insights from past events and current market trends in line with the shows’ concepts

• Researching and producing editorial programs that are validated by industry peers and maintain a high content quality ensuring it is fresh and relevant to the target audience

• Design engaging programs that include a variety of session types including, keynotes, presentations, tech talks, panel discussions, round tables, networking sessions and workshops

• Coordinating both commercial partners and in-house sessions from start to finish ensuring all operational arrangements have been made in coordination with the Event Operations team

• You will be responsible for acquiring high-level industry speakers through research and initiating contact who can deliver valuable insights and relevant content for our audiences

• Building partnerships with key industry players including associations, investors, and government bodies in the agrifood sector to enhance the quality and reach of our conferences

• Together with the project managers you will manage the conference budgets and you will ensure programs are delivered within budget and maintain high quality standards

What you bring

You are outgoing and organized and have an eye for quality. You like to try something new and go for the best result.

You also have:

• Experience in conference production for at least 2 years

• The ability to solve problems under pressure, to handle multiple relationships and tasks at the same time and the ability to operate independently, in line with show objectives and ensuring targets are met

• Excellent proven conference management, planning and organizational skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

• The ability to thrive in a multicultural environment and have strong interpersonal skills

• You are professional, honest, enthusiastic, open, committed and positive with a can-do approach

• You are an innovative driver of the project with the ability to build strong industry and political networks as well as having a great inside on the events business developments

What you may expect from us

At Jaarbeurs you will have the space to do your work with joy and fulfilment and to continue growing as a professional. Our culture is open and informal and collaboration and innovation are key. It is our ambition to become Europe’s most sustainable event organiser by 2030. So we invite you to join us in making real impact.

What we offer

• A monthly salary of up to €4.660 based on 40 hours per week, depending on your experience

• 8% holiday allowance and a pension contribution

• 27 vacation days per year based on a 40-hour workweek, with the option to purchase additional days

• A collective company success bonus (max. 5%) when annual targets are met

• A sustainable mobility plan: reimbursement of public transport up to 50 km (one way), bicycle allowance, and option to lease a bike

• A laptop and a smartphone of your choice (up to €850)

• A 15% discount on supplemental health and/or dental insurance through our collective health insurance with CZ

• A prime workplace right next to Utrecht Central Station
  

Fun extra’s

• Free access to all our own exciting events and trade shows

• Two half-days per year to volunteer to our Jaarbeurs Charity Program

• Option to exchange four official public holidays for alternative days that match your personal beliefs or cultural background

• There's always something fun happening at Jaarbeurs. From monthly drinks in our in-house pub, to parties, team outings, and various sports and cultural activities

• A wide range of (live) trainings and workshops to help you grow a little more every day

You want this? Great :)

Are you interested? Then you should definitely apply. We would like to hear why you want to work for VIV and why you are suitable for this position. Of course we would also like to receive your resume (in English). For more information you can reach out to Mrs Nikki de Coole (recruiter) via nikki.de.coole@jaarbeurs.nl.

The closing date for the position is Wednesday 18th of March. We will close the vacancy earlier if we receive enough applications.

Please note that for this position it is required that you already work and live in the Netherlands. We will not provide a sponsorship. Applications should be made via the website. Applications sent by email will not be processed.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated

As part of the selection process for this position, a Talent Motivation Analysis (TMA) and reference check will be conducted