Why Recruiters Thrive as Conference Producers
Recruiters often enjoy the shift from transactional hiring to research-driven, content-rich work. Here are a few of the reasons why ex-Recruitment Consultants loved their move into Conference Production.
1.More Intellectual Depth
Conference producers spend their time doing deep-dive research, crafting unique agendas, and talking to experts, execs, and innovators about meaningful, complex issues.
“I finally get to use my degree again – I’m constantly reading, learning, and talking to fascinating people doing cutting-edge work.”
2.Tangible Ownership of a Product
Recruiters usually help others get hired, but in conference production, they own and deliver a final product: an event that impacts an entire industry.
- You shape the agenda
- Your speaker lineup sets the tone
- You feel proud seeing hundreds of professionals attend something you created
As a conference producer, you own and deliver something real. You build the event, shape the agenda, choose the speakers – it’s your project.
“It’s incredibly satisfying to see a full room engaged in content I researched and curated.”
3.Still Very People-Focused
Recruiters often feel reduced to KPIs and cold calls, with little time for meaningful relationship-building. While it’s less about closing roles, conference production involves:
- Building long-term relationships with speakers, sponsors, and attendees
- Collaborating across internal teams (marketing, event ops, sales)
- Leading high value conversations around key industry challenges
- It’s strategic, not transactional work
You can still talk to amazing people every day – but conversations will be about ideas, trends, innovation, and so much more – not just CVs. You will build relationships and knowledge, not just pipelines.
4.Clear Career Progression & Skill Development
Conference Producers gain skills in:
- Project management
- Strategic content planning
- Industry research and analysis
- Commercial thinking (many go on to launch new events, lead teams, or even found businesses)
It’s not just a job – it’s a strategic career move.
5.Greater Purpose & Industry Impact
Recruiters moving into conference production roles can feel closer to big-picture change:
- Supporting breakthroughs and innovations in industry
- Helping professionals collaborate and solve real-world problems
- Being at the forefront of whats happening in industry
“I feel like what I do actually contributes to something meaningful.”
If you would like more information about becoming a conference producer, please get in contact with Helen@jbrecruitment.co.uk
About Jackson Barnes Recruitment
Jackson Barnes Recruitment delivers international recruitment solutions within the events, media, and publishing sectors. Jackson Barnes recruits Graduate to MD level in the following positions:
• Sales – delegate, sponsorship & Business Development
• Editor
We recruit for organisations in the UK and overseas, with success in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore and Australia.