Event Program Manager

About Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific

Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific is a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, a global leader in organizing international trade fairs and business events. Operating across Australia and Southeast Asia, the company specializes in organizing large-scale exhibitions, conferences, and industry programs that connect businesses, governments, innovators, and professionals. Their event portfolio includes CeMAT Australia, CeMAT Southeast Asia, Selangor Techsphere Summit, and ITAP, covering sectors such as technology, logistics, manufacturing, automation, and industrial innovation. Working alongside leading industry partners, associations, exhibitors, and speakers, they provide platforms that facilitate business growth, knowledge exchange, and sustainable industry advancement. This role grants exposure to an international event portfolio spanning varied industries and regional markets in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Key Responsibilities

• Create engaging event programs by collaborating with the wider events team to develop onsite content like workshops, site tours, and conference sessions.
• Leverage primary research, industry insights, and competitor analysis to design high-value, relevant programs that attract essential attendance.
• Identify, invite, and secure prominent domestic and international speakers.
• Work closely with sales and marketing to synchronize event themes and content with target audiences and client segments.
• Partner with sponsors and association affiliates to craft workshops, site visits, and other activations that enrich the event experience.
• Accurately maintain records of invited, confirmed, and declined speakers.
• Manage speaker fees and expenses within allocated budgets or develop business cases for additional spending if beneficial to attendance or outcomes.
• Coordinate the transfer to the speaker management team and stay engaged throughout program execution.
• Oversee project timelines ensuring critical milestones are met.
• Arrange logistics for workshops, site visits, and various content components.
• Ensure marketing teams keep event websites and program information current and accurate.
• Collaborate with operations during event planning to guarantee venues are equipped with required AV, seating, signage, and other facilities.
• Ensure event spaces are properly set up according to plan.
• Welcome and support speakers onsite, facilitating introductions with key stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder expectations and nurture strong relationships during the event.
• Provide support for smooth program delivery and promptly address arising issues.
• Stay informed about market trends, industry developments, and competitors.
• Attend relevant industry functions and meetings as necessary.
• Utilize market knowledge to craft compelling programs with competitive advantages.
• Contribute ideas to enhance content quality, delegate engagement, and overall event delivery.
• Focus on delivering outstanding client and delegate experiences to encourage repeat participation and retention.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of Program and Partnerships for the Industrial sector, this role allows you to influence the content and delegate experience at major events in Australia and Southeast Asia, including CeMAT Australia and CeMAT Southeast Asia. It presents a chance to manage an international event portfolio, build relationships with leading industry figures and organizations, and produce programs that attendees eagerly anticipate. If you are enthusiastic about industrial events, developing impactful content, and creating meaningful delegate and client experiences, this position offers a rewarding career path with Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific.