Convention Programming Manager

Get to know the role

• Job Title: Convention Programming Manager 
• Job Summary: This role owns session-style programming such as panel discussions, keynotes, autographs, meet and greet sessions, and more, to serve a broad range of customers at global Pokémon events -- overseeing the session style programming from planning to execution under the Manager, Convention Programming & Japanese Business Management. 
• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
• People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Plan and execute session style programming, including but not limited to, panel discussions, keynotes, autographs, as well as meet and greet sessions for global Pokémon events in support of growing the fan base.
• Along with the Manager, create and develop pitches/presentations for programming to present to other managers, executives, and external partners.
• Identify and acquire talent/speakers from internal and external brand ecosystems.
• Communicate and work with each internal stakeholder and department to make sure the company’s vision and goals are reflected in the programming.
• Along with the Manager, work with vendors and talent/speakers to ensure our vision and goals are effectively communicated.
• Actively search for new ideas/topics and improvements on programming through customer/market research and benchmarking other conventions/conferences.
• Manage talents’/speakers’ and stakeholders’ schedule(s) and lead rehearsals.
• Draft customer facing titles and descriptions for sessions/programs and obtain approval from stakeholders.
• Creates session schedule by listening to, and working with, internal and external individuals to balance all stakeholder constraints.
• Work with the Convention Operations Manager to ensure all logistics required to execute the programming ideas.
• Work with the Project Management team to ensure all timelines required to execute the programming ideas.
• Be on-site and oversee the execution during all relevant events.
• Support the Manager in creating reports after each event.

What you’ll bring

• 5 years of experience in a relevant industry, such as events, entertainment or gaming industries.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Extensive knowledge in creating panel discussions, building a conference-style program, and other session style programming.
• Experience with talent/speaker management for conferences or conventions.
• Ability to work on multiple sessions for multiple events at the same time. 
• Working knowledge of Anime/Comic/Gaming conventions and a strong understanding of B2C and fan conventions.
• Possess Marketing and PR perspective from professional experience. 
• Strong understanding and knowledge of Pokémon brand and its fan base. 
• Enthusiasm to increase fan satisfaction of events. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to understand Japanese a plus (read, write and/or speak) but not a requirement.
• Be proficient in Microsoft tools. (Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, etc.) 
• Ability to work under pressure and under challenging timelines. 
• Team player with ability to work with various groups across the organization. 
• Ability to switch between a supporting role and leading role. 

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $102,000 - 120,650 per year. The full range is $102,000 - $152,000 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

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