Title: Event Manager

Location: London SE1 8BF

Job Type: 3 months Contract

Function: Marketing

Work Type: Hybrid - onsite 3 days per week

At our company, you'll collaborate and grow alongside some of the industry's most respected experts. You'll work with leading brands and be exposed to world-shaping innovations. You'll apply your energy and intellect to helping clients be faster to market and faster to revenue.

We're a vibrant community of world-class practitioners - over 2000 colleagues strong - with offices in 19 locations around the world. We're traded on Nasdaq and also part of our company, a global leader in business-to-business events, digital services, and academic research in the FTSE 100 who are #3 in Glassdoor's Best Places to Work 2025 UK list.

The organisation is seeking senior-level Event Managers on a contract basis to deliver large-scale, high-profile Canalys Forum events across EMEA, the US and APAC. These are premium, insight-led B2B conferences supported by a strong sales and sponsorship function and backed by significant budgets.

The roles are required due to team attrition and a recruitment freeze, with contractors needed to own and deliver events end-to-end through Q4 (October-December peak delivery period). There is potential for conversion to permanent roles if the fit is right.

The roles are UK-based (London preferred), with regular office attendance and international travel.

Role Profile:

The Event Manager is responsible for managing all events within their designated region while maintaining a global perspective. This role is critical in enhancing Omdia's brand recognition within the IT channel industry, supporting its research and insights, and contributing to the company's revenue and orders targets. Reporting directly to the VP of Global Events, the Event Manager must possess a global mindset, commercial drive, and extensive experience in the events business, preferably within the IT Channel industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Areas of Responsibility and Accountability

Event Planning and Execution:

• Overseeing the planning, execution, and post-event analysis of regional events in the Americas region.
• Ensuring five-star event experiences for senior audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to set event goals, themes, and target audiences.

Budget Management:

• Manage a budget of over $2 million, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Allocate funds to events strategically and track spending.
• Report budget status to department head and VP of Events.

P&L Impact:

• Make resource allocation decisions based on data insights.
• Understand the impact of events on the company's performance.

Vendor Management and Negotiation:

• Source, evaluate, and negotiate vendor contracts for cost optimization.
• Maintain relationships with key vendors and address concerns.
• Be the regional point of contact for supplier issues.

Risk Management:

• Identify and address potential event-related risks.
• Develop contingency plans for unexpected issues.

Industry Knowledge:

• Working understanding of the IT channel ecosystem, including MSPs, SMBs, resellers, VARs, distributors, vendors, and media.
• Ability to navigate partnerships and commercial discussions within the channel.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders.
• Regular communication with C-level executives, internally and externally.

Measurement and Evaluation:

Implement KPIs to measure event success and impact.

What do I need?

• 5-10+ years' experience in event management running large scale commercial events - B2B or B2C experience
• Background in large-scale commercial events is essential
• Experience from B2B events is ideal, but strong B2C backgrounds are also acceptable if transferable
• Particularly valued experience includes:
  • Major conferences (1,000+ delegates)
  • Sporting events or global commercial events
  • High-production, brand-led experiences
• Direct tech or IT background not required - communication and delivery skills are prioritised over sector knowledge

• Experience must include knowledge of the IT channel, commercial awareness of the IT industry, full event project management, experience with managing dedicated budgets, management of senior event executives, and established supplier relationships.

We know the perfect candidate does not exist, so if you're interested in a temporary contract at our company but don't meet every requirement listed above, we still encourage you to apply. If this role isn't the right fit, the next opportunity could be just around the corner- and you might be perfect for it!

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.