Convention Programming Manager

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing, marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children's entertainment properties in the world.

Learn more online at corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.

Get to know the role

• Job Title: Convention Programming Manager

• Job Summary: Owns session-style programming such as panel discussions, keynotes, interactive sessions, 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

• FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

• People Manager: No

What you’ll do

• Ideate, plan, and execute session style programming including but not limited to traditional panels, interactive panels, keynote sessions and autographs, for global Pokémon events.

• Partner with relevant stakeholders and department  to ensure programming aligns with company’s vision and goals.

• Liaise with Bilingual Project Management team to work with partners in Asia.

• Identify, contract, and manage internal and external talent / speakers for event programming.

• With manager, create and maintain event programming schedules including but not limited to pre-event rehearsals, onsite rehearsals, and final sessions.

• Partner with relevant stakeholders to create copy and collateral, including but not limited to scripts for panels, website descriptions, session titles, presentations, and handouts / giveaways.

• With manager, create and develop pitches / presentations for programming to present to other teams, executives, and external partners.

• Work with Convention Operations team and Project Management team to ensure on-time programming deliverables.

• Support team in conducting post event surveys and reports to improve events.

• Keep on top of industry trends and actively search for new ideas for events.

• Travel required – pre-event site visits and must be onsite for events.

What you’ll bring

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.

• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple events and sessions at the same time. 

• Extensive knowledge in creating panel discussions, building a conference-style sessions, and other programming.

• Experience with talent/speaker management for conferences or conventions.

• Working knowledge of Anime/Comic/Gaming conventions and a strong understanding of B2C and fan conventions.

• Strong understanding and knowledge of Pokémon brand and its fan base. 

• Ability to understand Japanese a plus (read, write and/or speak) but not a requirement.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Creative and effective problem