Event Assistant

Event Assistant - TED Countdown Summit 2023, Detroit, MI

This is a short-term, temporary contract role for in-person, onsite support at the TED Countdown Summit 2023 conference in Detroit, MI. You may be asked to work some or all of the dates between July 5 and July 15, 2023. The successful applicant will be responsible for any travel, accommodation and meal costs.

As an Events Assistant, you’ll help the Experience Production team produce TED’s multi-track programming- optional workshops, activities and lunch or dinner parties that let attendees take a deeper dive into topics from the mainstage talks, learn a new skill, or connect through meaningful discussion.

You’ll oversee the success of these sessions, working from a pre-set plan to set up and tear down session rooms and supplies with accuracy and strong attention to detail. You’ll act as a session greeter and check-in person, warmly welcoming attendees to help them feel oriented, included and comfortable. As people arrive, you’ll use a tablet and program provided by TED to take digital attendance. You may also support hosts and facilitators during the sessions and adhere to the session running order. Sessions may take place onsite at Michigan Central.

You’re a people person who's comfortable assisting high-profile guests with discretion and tact, actively listening to requests and taking the temperature of a situation before reacting. You’re proactive and resourceful, able to think critically and act decisively when solving problems and managing competing priorities with minimal oversight. You’re also highly organized and extremely detail-oriented - nothing escapes your notice!

This position involves walking and standing for long periods and being able to participate in some physical work and heavy lifting of up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Accurately interpret and follow floor plans, room layouts, one-sheets and running orders for session setup, paying attention to the smallest details
• Set up signage prior to the event and removal at the end of the event; wayfinding + assisting attendees with directions
• Tear down events, moving, packing and disassembling furniture and decor
• Take accurate debrief notes of the event as required
• Use mobile devices or tablets to take attendance using TED software programs
• Interact with high-profile guests and manage stressful or time-sensitive situations with calm discretion
• Welcome and support attendees to help them feel oriented, included and comfortable
• Represent and exemplify TED’s service ethos - warm, inclusive, welcoming

• Previous customer service experience required; hospitality experience is a strong plus
• Tech-savvy with a functional understanding of laptops, tablets, and cell phones
• Previous event production or tourism management experience is a strong plus
• Able to work well under little supervision, with excellent time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proactive and resourceful
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Calm, kind and discreet
• Fluent in English
• Able to stand for long periods, participate in physical work, and heavy lifting up to 50 lbs

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.