Contract / Remote - 4 Month Contract

Are you a senior level international Programming Lead with experience in large scale conference production, including content and strategy?

The company

Our client is one of the leading event production agencies based in the Middle East!   As an agency they design and produce award winning events on a global scale for some of the country's biggest, well-known brands.

Collaboration, extensive resources, friendly and team focused are some of the words that could describe this agency, but then so could big budget, pitch winning, highly creative, technically innovative and a cut above...

We are seeking a programming lead for a major international conference taking place in the middle east. 

The role

Due to continued business success, we are now seeking an experienced programming lead to join this diverse and dynamic team.  The programming lead will manage the programming workstream and oversee the day-to-day execution of all program-related topics. 

This role includes developing and executing the overall programming strategy, acting as the point of contact for the client, and coordinating internal team members across different workstreams. The programming lead will ensure the successful delivery of all programming aspects and will report directly to the project lead and head of branch

Key responsibilities include:

-    Define the overall programming and content strategy for the conference (topics and tracks)

-    Ensure programming aligns with the conference's objectives and target audience

-    Curate keynotes, panel sessions, and workshops 

-    Identify and secure speakers and moderators for each session, negotiating with speakers and agencies to maximise value

-    Develop content for programming, including session titles, descriptions, and speaker bios

-    Serve as the main point of contact for the client on all programming-related matters

-    Collaborate with stakeholders, partners, and sponsors to integrate key representatives into various sessions

-    Lead the programming team (speaker manager and coordinators) to ensure timely delivery of work.

-    Coordinate with other departments (e.g. project management, delegate management, marketing and PR, creative and operations) 

-    Provide weekly updates on team meetings and lead programming workstream meetings

-    Create detailed schedules and timelines for programming deliverables

-    Ensure flawless execution of programming during the conference (overseeing rehearsals and speaker briefings)

-    Post-event reporting

The candidate

We are looking for an internationally experienced professional with expertise in programming for conferences, exceptional client communication skills, a proactive attitude, strong attention to detail, and a proven track record in quality management specific to conference programming. The role requires a deep understanding of content production, time management, and seamless coordination across multiple teams. Experience in similar high-profile conferences is essential, and knowledge of esports and gaming is highly desirable to ensure programming aligns with industry trends and client expectations.

Live specialises in all disciplines (and at all levels) across events, experiential and exhibitions.  If this position isn't quite what you're looking for please visit (url removed) to view all of the opportunities we are recruiting.

As a specialist events recruitment agency we help our clients build the most talented and diverse teams in the UK. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, embracing diversity across all intersecting dimensions, including ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, well-being, abilities, and neurodiversity.

We are dedicated to ensuring a supportive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or accommodations for any reason, please do not hesitate to let us know.

VACANCY REF: SP13599