Job Description

Introduction

The Economist Events\xe2\x80\x94the award-winning events and conferences division of The Economist Group\xe2\x80\x94seeks a contract Programme Assistant who will be responsible for providing integral assistance to the Programing team in the development of our event programs. The role requires strong written and oral communication skills, project management ability and business savvy as well as the ability to collaborate across the entire events team. This role will have a particular focus on a major innovation-themed event to be held in Germany in June 2020.

Accountabilities

How you will contribute:

• Support the programme editor to manage programme development, speaker invitations, and speaker management process
• Researching contact details, creating and sending invitations, making follow up calls and emails, and setting meetings for programme editor
• Managing speaker communications and logistics in the lead up to event/s. This includes collecting required information from speakers, setting calls between speakers and moderators, managing speaker and moderator travel and protocol requirements, liaising with marketing, operations and editorial staff, and other administrative tasks as required
• Follow up with confirmed speakers to obtain key materials: biography, photo, video release form, VIP dinner attendance
• Assist in conference programme development as required, including topic and speaker research
• Coordinate with marketing, sponsorship, operations and other teams to ensure smooth planning for and running of events
• Coordinate with client in-house event team and other service providers as required

• University level education; 1-2 years of work experience is an advantage
• Subject-matter expertise in business innovation and/or technology is an advantage
• Fluency in spoken English. Ability to make phone calls with a confident and professional demeanour in a range of situations
• Excellent copy-writing and editing skills in English. Ability to write invitations and briefs for senior editors and speakers
• Ability to communicate with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior level business and government representatives
• Outstanding administrative and project management skills
• Highly organized and proactive personality; problem solving and analytical capabilities, combined with an ability to carefully follow instructions and processes
• An understanding of The Economist and Economist Events brand

The Economist Group