Conference Manager at Salt South Africa

About the Role

• As the Conference Manager, you will take full ownership of conference content development and speaker management across a portfolio of events. You will be responsible for researching industries, identifying market trends, developing compelling conference programmes, securing high-profile speakers, and ensuring the successful delivery of conferences from concept through to execution.
• Working closely with sales, marketing, operations, and digital teams, you will play a key role in shaping event strategy and delivering valuable content that attracts and engages industry stakeholders.
• This position reports directly to the Production Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth market research and industry analysis.
• Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges within target sectors.
• Develop conference themes, topics, and programme structures.
• Write engaging agenda copy, speaker invitations, and event content.
• Source, engage, and manage senior-level speakers and industry experts.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to maximise commercial success and audience engagement.
• Coordinate with operations and digital teams to ensure seamless event delivery.
• Manage conference programmes and speaker relationships during live events.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and industry leaders.
• Promote events through professional networking platforms, particularly LinkedIn.

About You
Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in conference production, event content development, publishing, journalism, editorial, or a related field.
• Strong research, analytical, and communication skills.
• Excellent written communication and content creation abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working independently.
• Experience supporting the delivery of in-person and/or virtual events.
• Strong understanding of professional networking and social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn.

Personal Attributes

• Customer-focused with a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.
• Creative thinker with the ability to develop innovative content and event concepts.
• Growth-oriented mindset and a collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Energetic, positive, and enthusiastic about events and relationship building.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to quality and execution excellence.