Gartner Conferences is seeking an experienced Associate Director to manage and optimize the Production Experience and Marquee Content team for the Destination Conferences portfolio. This leader will oversee a team of project managers responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of marquee conference sessions—including Keynotes, Signature Series sessions, Guest Keynotes, and other high‑profile sessions. The Director will focus on the strategic direction of the Production Experience and ensure operational excellence, continuous process improvement, and a world‑class attendee experience.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic direction of the Production Experience for the Destinations Conferences portfolio with a focus on globally scalable solutions that result in a world‑class attendee experience.
- Lead and develop a team of production project managers, ensuring effective planning and execution of conference production projects.
- Oversee project management for Marquee Content sessions, ensuring timelines, budgets and deliverables are met.
- Collaborate with Conference Program Management, Logistics and Business and Technology Insights teams to align production with conference objectives and audience needs.
- Manage relationships with internal and external production partners and vendors, ensuring high‑quality creative and technical execution.
- Implement and refine processes, templates, and documentation to drive operational efficiency and scalability across the global portfolio.
- Ensure all production assets align with Gartner’s brand standards and creative direction.
- Be responsible for financial management of production projects, including budget tracking, forecasting and vendor negotiations.
- Use data to drive decisions about new initiatives and areas for improvement.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team—creating individual development plans for all team members to continue to grow in their careers.
- Represent the Production experience team in cross‑functional meetings, initiatives and special projects.
- Domestic and international travel as required.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Conferences Operations / Logistics / Content Teams
- Conference Program Management and External Speaker Management Teams
- Conferences Process Improvement and Operations Teams
- Gartner Business and Technology Insights Teams
- External Production Partners
Expected Results
- High attendee satisfaction scores for Keynotes.
- Consistent and efficient execution of production projects globally.
- Achievement of financial and operational objectives.
- Strong team performance and professional development.
- Effective management of internal and external partners.
- Continuous process improvement and innovation.
- Excellent working relationships across teams and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- 7–10+ years experience in conference management, conference project management, event production or related fields.
- Experience leading teams.
- Experience with agency and vendor management.
- Experience managing complex multi‑day conference programs.
- Global event experience preferred.
- Client‑focused, results‑oriented and collaborative.
- Strong organizational, prioritization and time management skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Effective team leadership and development.
- Strong process improvement and documentation abilities.
- Creative thinker with attention to detail.
- Executive presence and confident decision‑making.
- Willingness to travel as required.
Benefits
Gartner offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, generous paid‑time‑off, a 401(k) match of up to $7,200 per year, stock purchase opportunities, and other performance incentives.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Gartner is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities or veteran status may request reasonable accommodations.
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