Conference manager (Agrifood)

In this role, you will work in a fast-paced, international environment. Your main goal is to create engaging conference sessions, source speakers, manage key stakeholder relationships and oversee conference operations from inception to execution across the AgriFood portfolio.

You stay on top of 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 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 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 a leader internationally in the field of livestock farming and protein production across species.

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 high content quality, ensuring content is fresh and relevant to the target audience
• Designing 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
• Being responsible for acquiring high-level industry speakers through research and initiating contact who can deliver valuable insights and relevant content for audiences
• Building partnerships with key industry players including associations, investors, and government bodies in the agrifood sector to enhance the quality and reach of the conferences
• Together with the project managers, managing conference budgets and ensuring programs are delivered within budget while maintaining 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, handle multiple relationships and tasks at the same time, and operate independently in line with show objectives while 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 strong interpersonal skills
• A professional, honest, enthusiastic, open, committed and positive attitude with a can-do approach
• The ability to drive projects innovatively, build strong industry and political networks, and a great insight into 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. The culture is open and informal, and collaboration and innovation are key. It is the ambition to become Europe’s most sustainable event organiser by 2030, and you are invited to join in making real impact.

What we offer

• 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 the collective health insurance with CZ

Fun extra’s

• Free access to all own events and trade shows
• Two half-days per year to volunteer to the 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 the 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

Please note that for this position it is required that you already work and live in the Netherlands. We will not provide sponsorship.