Conference Planner, Creative Journey & Branding

About the role

This role is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of branding and attendee experience initiatives across Gartner’s portfolio of internal and external global conferences and events. The position combines creative vision, operational excellence, and project management expertise to deliver engaging, high-quality experiences that enhance the attendee journey across both in-person and virtual environments. This individual will partner closely with business units, conference teams, and external vendors to execute impactful event experiences that align with Gartner’s brand standards and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative journey for Gartner’s external conferences and internal corporate events, overseeing branding, environmental design, attendee engagement, and digital touchpoints across a global event portfolio.
• Manage conference and event projects from concept through execution, ensuring seamless delivery of branding, production, and attendee experience initiatives across both in-person and virtual formats.
• Project manage the planning, production, and implementation of signage, event builds, branding elements, furniture, and experiential components in collaboration with cross-functional conference teams.
• Integrate digital platforms and technology solutions into the overall conference experience to create cohesive and engaging attendee journeys.
• Partner with Gartner business units to understand event objectives and provide strategic recommendations that enhance attendee engagement and support business outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of operational processes, project management frameworks, and best practices to improve consistency, efficiency, and scalability across conferences and regions.
• Foster strong relationships with vendor partners, ensuring the delivery of innovative, high-quality, and brand-aligned solutions that meet Gartner standards.
• Apply a creative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset to continuously improve conference experiences, operational effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Manage event budgets with accuracy and accountability, including forecasting, cost negotiations, risk identification, production scheduling, and financial recommendations.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure successful planning, communication, and execution of conference branding and attendee experience initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1-3+ years of experience in event management, experiential marketing, branding, conference planning, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing creative and operational event initiatives within a collaborative team environment.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Experience managing external agencies, production partners, and vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of event design, environmental branding, space planning, and attendee experience development.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative, innovative, and strategic thinker with a passion for delivering exceptional event experiences.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management, forecasting, and cost control.
• Client-focused and solution-oriented with a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency, sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Sheets, and Slides.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% of the time.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in event management, experiential marketing, branding, conference planning, or a related field.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale event projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and external vendors.
• Advanced knowledge of event design, environmental branding, space planning, and attendee experience development.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen with a demonstrated ability to forecast, negotiate, and control budgets.
• Proven ability to develop and implement project management frameworks and best practices.
• Experience in developing and executing innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to lead and mentor junior staff members.

Skills

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience with event planning software and tools.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the time.

Benefits

At Gartner, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being. This includes:

• Competitive base salary with the possibility of an annual bonus based on company and individual performance.
• Market-leading health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• A 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• The opportunity to purchase company stock at a discounted rate.
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Employee assistance program for personal and family issues.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• Discounted gym memberships and wellness programs.
• Access to Gartner’s employee resource groups for diversity and inclusion.

Pay

Base salary for this role is estimated to be between 50,000 USD and 74,000 USD annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Actual salaries may vary based on factors such as education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.

Schedule

Our hybrid work environment allows for flexible scheduling, with the option to work remotely when productive. However, there may be instances where in-person attendance is required, particularly during critical phases of event planning and execution.