Conference Manager

The Association for Cultural Enterprises is seeking a Conference Manager to lead the planning, commercial management and delivery of the annual Cultural Enterprises Conference & Trade Show.

The role will commence on a part-time basis for 3 days (60% FTE) per week until 31 October 2026, increasing to 5 days per week (100% FTE) from 1 November 2026 until 31 March 2027 in line with conference planning and delivery requirements.

Salary: £40,000 100% FTE

Location: Home-based with regular UK travel, including attendance at the Conference & Trade Show and key planning meetings.

Reports to: Chief Executive

Contract: Fixed Term to 31 March 2027

Start date: Immediate

Hours: Flexible and variable throughout the year.

About the Role

The Association for Cultural Enterprises is the membership body for commercial and entrepreneurial professionals working across museums, galleries, heritage sites, arts organisations and visitor attractions.

The annual Cultural Enterprises Conference & Trade Show is the Association’s flagship event, bringing together hundreds of delegates, exhibitors, speakers and sponsors from across the cultural sector.

The purpose of this role is to lead the planning, commercial management and delivery of the Conference & Trade Show, ensuring it remains the leading event for cultural enterprises in the UK and delivers against agreed financial, attendance and satisfaction targets.

Key Responsibilities

Conference Planning & Project Management

• Lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of the Annual Conference & Trade Show.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive project plan, ensuring milestones, deadlines and dependencies are clearly identified and managed.
• Coordinate internal teams, suppliers and external partners to ensure successful event delivery.
• Manage risk, contingency planning and operational readiness.
• Produce regular progress reports for the Chief Executive and senior team.

Programme & Speaker Management

• Support the development and delivery of the conference programme.
• Coordinate all speaker communications, logistics and requirements.
• Ensure speakers receive an excellent experience throughout the planning process and during the event itself.
• Work closely with the Conference Advisory Group and wider team on programme development.

Trade Show & Exhibitor Management

• Lead the operational delivery of the Trade Show.
• Manage exhibitor communications and logistics.
• Oversee floorplan development and exhibitor allocations.
• Work with sponsors and exhibitors to maximise value and satisfaction.
• Support exhibitor retention and future growth.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Manage the Conference & Trade Show budget in conjunction with the Finance Controller and Chief Executive.
• Monitor income and expenditure throughout the planning cycle.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial performance and delegate experience.
• Produce post-event evaluation and performance reports.

Delegate Experience

• Oversee delegate communications and registration processes.
• Work with colleagues to ensure a seamless customer journey before, during and after the event.
• Monitor delegate satisfaction and implement improvements based on feedback.
• Ensure the conference continues to deliver a high-quality and inclusive experience for all attendees.

Event Delivery

• Lead on-site operational delivery of the Conference & Trade Show.
• Manage suppliers, contractors and venue relationships.
• Coordinate event logistics, registration, signage, catering and AV requirements.
• Act as the principal operational lead throughout the event.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience managing large-scale conferences, exhibitions or trade shows.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Experience managing event budgets and commercial targets.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving capability.

Desirable

• Experience within the cultural, heritage, arts or visitor attraction sectors.
• Experience managing sponsors and exhibitors.
• Experience working remotely within a small team environment.

Success Measures

Success in this role will be demonstrated through:

• Delivery of Conference & Trade Show 2027 on time and within budget.
• Achievement of agreed delegate attendance targets.
• High levels of exhibitor and sponsor satisfaction.
• Positive delegate feedback and evaluation scores.
• Effective project management and reporting throughout the planning cycle.
• Strong financial performance of the event.

Benefits

• Unlimited holiday policy
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Flexible working arrangements by agreement with the CEO

We are an inclusive, equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of experience, merit and organisational need.

To Apply

Please send a covering letter and CV to admin@culturalenterprises.org.uk

Applications will close on 24 June 2026.

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact our CEO Paul Griffiths paul@culturalenterprises.org.uk