Senior Conference Producer - LIONS Riyadh - Arabic Speaker

Company Description

Tahaluf is the largest B2B live and on-demand events organiser in Saudi Arabia by space, attendance, colleagues, and revenue. It is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF).

Tahaluf is bold, visionary, and determined to make an impact. Our team fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and a little fun, here teamwork rules and work feels as exciting as the events we create. Scaling at this pace also requires exceptional local partners, and Tahaluf is proud to work with a range of government and non-government organisations at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s B2B and B2C large-scale events scene.

Be part of something BIG with Tahaluf’s series of record-breaking events: LEAP and Cityscape - the largest events in the world in their respective fields of tech and real estate; Black Hat MEA - a Guinness World Record holder for the largest CTF competition during the event; and CPHI Middle East - the largest pharma debut event in history, to name just a few. Tahaluf is making a huge impact on the global events sector.

Join our ambitious and highly committed team, unafraid to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo. From day one, you’ll dive into large-scale projects under the guidance of a supportive leadership team that will encourage your personal development and open doors to new opportunities.

About LIONS Riyadh

LIONS Riyadh marks a bold new chapter for the world’s most prestigious platform for creative marketing. Launched by Tahaluf in partnership with LIONS and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media, it is a distinct Festival within the global LIONS community, home to the renowned Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Designed to amplify Middle Eastern creativity on the global stage, LIONS Riyadh will showcase the region’s talent, ideas and storytelling while connecting its creative industries with the world’s leading networks, brands and decision-makers. The inaugural three-day Festival takes place at KAFD, Riyadh, from 6–8 December 2027. It will bring together regional and global CMOs, creative leaders, agencies, brands and emerging talent around creative excellence, effectiveness, culture and the future of the industry.

Job Description

The team is looking for a Senior Conference Producer who can demonstrate they have their finger on the pulse of a fast-paced and ever-changing industry.

The Senior Conference Producer will play a key role in shaping and delivering the content programme for LIONS Riyadh, developing original, relevant and culturally resonant sessions that reflect the conversations shaping creativity, marketing, media, technology and culture.

The successful candidate will be confident speaking to expert speakers from around the world and presenting the unique opportunity to showcase their knowledge and expertise at the Festival.

The role requires strong editorial judgement, curiosity and a deep understanding of the creative and marketing industries, combined with the organisational discipline needed to manage multiple sessions, speakers and programme deadlines.

Working closely with the Head of Content, the Senior Conference Producer will identify emerging themes, secure high-calibre speakers, develop compelling session formats and ensure every part of the programme delivers genuine value to the LIONS Riyadh audience.

With meticulous organisational skills, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing speakers and the order of show onsite at the Festival.

Key Responsibilities

Conference Production

• Produce high-level, relevant industry conference programmes.

• Research, develop and write compelling sessions across creativity, marketing, media, technology, culture and emerging industry trends.

• Liaise with key professionals, institutions and companies in the development of conference programmes.

• Engage with recommended speakers and confirm their attendance.

• Identify and secure high-quality global, Saudi and regional speakers who bring strong ideas, credibility and relevance to LIONS Riyadh.

• Ensure the speaker database is updated with accurate speaker information and status.

• Prepare and communicate creative briefs to the Marketing team.

• Develop detailed speaker briefs, session narratives and moderator guidance to ensure strong content quality.

• Assist in providing relevant leads and opportunities to the Commercial and Partnerships teams where appropriate.

• Mentor other conference producers within the team.

• Work closely with the Head of Content to maintain editorial quality, consistency and LIONS Riyadh standards across all programme stages.

• Conduct post-Festival analysis, including session performance, audience feedback and programme learning.

Market Research and Industry Networks

• Effectively research topics with relevant industry professionals and target audiences.

• Develop new programme ideas and content through meetings, interviews and industry research.

• Stay closely connected to developments across advertising, marketing, media, technology, entertainment, culture and the creator economy.

• Identify emerging ideas, talent and trends that can create fresh and distinctive programme opportunities for LIONS Riyadh.

• Identify key opinion leaders, organisations and companies relevant to the Festival.

• Maintain existing relationships and build new industry relationships to support programme development.

• Build and maintain a strong network across brands, agencies, media companies, creators, cultural organisations and creative leaders.

• Develop new content formats including masterclasses, debates, workshops, live case studies, creative demonstrations and other Festival experiences.

• Ensure a strong balance of global, Saudi and regional voices across the programme.

Speaker & Delegate Liaison

• Liaise and network with speakers, partners and delegates onsite to maintain strong service standards, resolve queries and gather feedback.

• Assist with onsite duties throughout the Festival, including extended working hours where required.

• Manage speaker preparation, briefing and onsite experience to ensure speakers are confident, well prepared and aligned with session objectives.

• Support stage delivery and order of show, working closely with production and operations teams.

• Build long-term relationships with priority speakers and industry contributors for future editions of LIONS Riyadh.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

• Degree or professional background in media, marketing, communications, journalism, creative industries or a related field is advantageous.

• Relevant content or editorial experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.

Background Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Minimum five years of experience in conference production.

• Speaks and writes clearly and fluently in English to both individuals and groups.

• Arabic Speaker.

• Computer literate and proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Commercial awareness.

• Research based role.

• Copywriting skills.

• Strong understanding of the creative, advertising, marketing, media and communications industries.

• Excellent editorial judgement and ability to identify compelling ideas, speakers and stories.

• Experience securing and managing senior or high-profile speakers.

• Ability to turn research and complex industry topics into engaging session concepts.

• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple speakers and deadlines simultaneously.

• Confident communicator with strong relationship-building and stakeholder-management skills.

• Curious, culturally aware and able to spot emerging trends and new voices.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative Festival environment.

Desirable

• Experience within advertising, media, marketing, entertainment or the wider creative industries.

• Experience working on a major international Festival, conference, media platform or cultural event.

• Existing network across brands, agencies, creators, media or creative-industry leaders.

• Saudi Arabia or GCC market experience.

• Experience working with international speakers and senior industry figures.

Additional Information

Core Benefits:

• Medical Insurance for individual and family
• Annual leave – 28 days
• Remote working on Sundays
• Working anywhere – 2 months every year
• School fees contribution, 40,000 SAR per child per year (up to a max of three children)
• Wellbeing Benefits
• Residency visa including yearly dependent fees
• Individual annual flight allowance for expats Local Relocation Package*:

• Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family
• 30 days accommodation or suitable serviced apartment from arrival date or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs*If eligible

International Relocation Package*:

• Paid flight to Riyadh – individual and family
• 60 days accommodation or a suitable serviced apartment from your arrival date, or a one-off payment of SAR 5,000
• Up to SAR 2,500 reimbursement of shipping goods/excess baggage costs
• Paid flight home for individual and end-of-service gratuity payment when leaving the company (if applicable)*If eligible

We work hard to make sure life at Tahaluf is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. We don't just accept difference, we celebrate it. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and circumstances and base hiring decisions on relevant qualifications and merit. We are proud to provide a disability-friendly environment. If you require any support or adjustments to participate in our interview or selection processes, please let us know.