📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr Conference Planner - Content
🔹 Company: Gartner
🔹 Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Event Planning
🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid flexibility
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading operational delivery of conference agendas, capacity, financial management, and staff planning
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams and agency partners for seamless conference execution
- Managing client-facing conference website and app, ensuring accurate session information and timely updates
- Analyzing data to improve attendee engagement and predict behavior, driving informed decision-making
- Attending conferences as the onsite lead, managing session execution, data collection, and liaising with vendors
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to manage multiple concurrent conferences and stakeholders effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead operational delivery of all agenda elements across multiple concurrent in-person conferences, including agenda management, capacity management, financial management, and staff planning
✅ Collaborate with conference operations teams to ensure seamless delivery of first-class conferences, building effective relationships and sharing best practices
✅ Partner with program management to deliver a client-focused agenda, developing and rolling out new processes for session management and agenda guidelines
✅ Create and continuously manage client-facing website and conference app, adhering to agenda go-live and session access deadlines
✅ Analyze data to improve attendee engagement and predict attendee behavior, determining the best course of action for various conference elements
✅ Create and maintain conference master planner, ensuring up-to-date session information and room allocation is available to all key stakeholders
✅ Attend conferences as the onsite lead for in-person delivery, managing session execution, data collection, and liaising with agency partners and vendors
✅ Partner with content leadership team on projects to scale the business and bring best practices to the APAC region, proactively identifying improvements for global processes
✅ Constantly evaluate the experience, feedback, and results, implementing changes accordingly and creating detailed post-conference analysis reports and conference debriefs for review with management/other team members
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of travel (approximately 20% of time) to attend conferences and provide onsite support.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred
Experience: 3 - 5 years of relevant event experience, preferably in a corporate environment
Required Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, cross-functionally and with agency partners
- Creative, innovative, and strategic thinker with a strong attention to detail
- Motivated team player with a desire to learn and grow
- Excellent written/oral communication and presentation skills
- Demonstrated ability to adapt, implement, and manage change and strive for continuous improvement
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines, and thrive in high-pressure situations
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with Gartner or similar research and advisory companies
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in event planning or a related field is crucial for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 120,000 - 150,000 per annum (based on industry standards for mid-senior level event planning roles in Sydney)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans
- Generous time-off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
- Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility for onsite conference support
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Sydney. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and company performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Market Research and Advisory Services
Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees)
Founded: 1979 (as Gartner Group)
Company Description:
- Gartner is a leading research and advisory company, providing insights and guidance to business leaders across various industries
- Known for its comprehensive market research, analysis, and strategic guidance, Gartner helps clients make informed decisions and drive business success
- With a global presence and a diverse team of experts, Gartner offers unparalleled insights into emerging trends and market dynamics
Company Specialties:
- Market Research and Analysis
- Business Advisory Services
- Technology and Innovation Research
- Leadership and Organizational Development
Company Website: www.gartner.com
ASSUMPTION: Gartner's extensive industry knowledge and global presence provide a robust environment for professional growth and learning opportunities.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior Level
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Content Operations Manager and works closely with cross-functional teams, including program management, marketing, and sales
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work, requiring approximately 20% travel for onsite conference support
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a senior or management role within the content operations team or related departments
- Expansion into other areas of Gartner's business, such as research, consulting, or sales
- International assignments or relocation opportunities, given Gartner's global presence
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, both within the content operations team and across Gartner's diverse business areas.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art facilities
Office Location(s): North Sydney - 40 Mount Street, North Sydney NSW 2060, Australia
Geographic Context:
- Sydney is Australia's largest and most diverse city, offering a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful beaches, and numerous outdoor activities
- The North Sydney office is conveniently located near public transportation and various amenities
- Sydney's mild climate and coastal location provide an enjoyable work environment year-round
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility for onsite conference support
ASSUMPTION: The North Sydney office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, fostering productivity and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or HR
- In-person or virtual interview with the Content Operations Manager and a team member
- Final interview with the Director of Content Operations or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Event planning and management skills
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Communication and collaboration abilities
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant event planning experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of Gartner's business and the role's responsibilities
- Showcase your ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively
ATS Keywords: Conference Planning, Event Management, Agenda Management, Cross-Functional Teams, Stakeholder Management, Data Analysis, Post-Conference Analysis
ASSUMPTION: Gartner's application process is thorough and competitive, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Conference management software (e.g., Cvent, Hopin)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant event planning tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Client Focus
- Excellence
- Teamwork
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Client-centric and committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines?
- Are you an effective communicator and collaborator, able to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders?
- Do you possess a strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work?
ASSUMPTION: Gartner values a strong cultural fit, seeking candidates who align with their core values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple concurrent conferences and stakeholders effectively
- Adapting to changes in conference formats, agendas, or logistics
- Balancing onsite conference support with day-to-day planning and management responsibilities
- Meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards under pressure
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other event planning roles, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and a higher level of strategic involvement
- Gartner's global presence provides opportunities for international exposure and career growth not typically available in smaller organizations
- This role focuses on content and agenda management, whereas similar roles in other companies may have a broader or more specialized focus (e.g., logistics, vendor management, or sponsorship)
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities, strategic involvement, and global exposure, setting it apart from similar positions in other organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing the agenda and logistics for Gartner's annual Symposium/ITxpo, a large-scale, multi-day conference with thousands of attendees
- Collaborating with program management to develop and implement new processes for session management and agenda guidelines, improving efficiency and consistency across Gartner's conferences
- Analyzing post-conference data to identify trends and opportunities for enhancing attendee engagement and driving conference growth
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and strategic nature of the responsibilities in this role, requiring a strong skill set and adaptability.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical conference cycle and how this role fits into the overall event planning process?
- How does Gartner support the professional development and growth of its event planning team members?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how has the team addressed them in the past?
- How does Gartner measure the success of its conferences, and how does this role contribute to those metrics?
- What opportunities exist for collaboration and knowledge-sharing with other departments or teams within Gartner?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding Gartner's business.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Gartner careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant event planning experience and skills, demonstrating your understanding of the role's responsibilities and Gartner's business
- Prepare for interviews by researching Gartner's industry, business, and conference portfolio, as well as the specific requirements of this role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
