Frieze Abu Dhabi Events Senior Specialist

Overview

Events Senior Specialist

Frieze Abu Dhabi

Role Overview

Events Senior Specialist

Event Planning & Delivery

• Working closely with the Head of Events and the Events and VIP teams, to action and deliver events for Frieze Fairs.
• Lead the logistical delivery of VIP Cultivation events year-round, focusing on regional fairs and work with the Head of Events to define strategy and process.
• Event types to deliver include but are not limited to: talks, tours, gallery walks, breakfasts, cocktails, lunches, dinners (seated and standing), and other networking or cultural engagements.
• This role will support on fairs and events outside of region as needed, pending schedules.
• Working closely with VIP team on deliverables which include covering government protocol and procedure for events in the region
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Stakeholder Management

• Build and sustain strong relationships with internal teams (e.g., VIP, Partnerships, Studios, Production, Exhibitions, Design, Press, Marketing, and Publishing)
• Build and sustain strong relationships with external collaborators, including artists, galleries, sponsors, vendors, and venues (including liaising with local artists for the production or exhibition of work).

Budget Oversight

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost control and timely delivery within allocated resources.

Logistics & Operations

• Direct all logistical aspects of events, such as venue selection, catering, AV, transportation, signage, and staffing, ensuring flawless execution and attention to detail.
• Support other internal departments (such as Studios) in the selection and management of venues for a client or partner activation
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Team Coordination

• Manage and delegate responsibilities to temporary event staff, contractors, and support teams.
• Collaborate with the Head of Events to strategize and execute the year-round events calendar across fairs.

Guest Experience

• Create memorable experiences by managing guest lists, invitations, on-site services, and catering for all events.

Brand Integrity

• Ensure all events align with Frieze’s brand identity, maintaining high standards and a consistent cultural ethos across all activations.
• Be available to be the Frieze representative during filming should client content capture arise outside of fair times.

Post-Event Analysis

• Lead post-event evaluations to assess success, gather insights, and identify opportunities for future improvement and innovation on Frieze events.

Specific Role Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Events on planning, logistics, and implementation of fair week events.
• Oversee and execute Frieze VIP Cultivation events in the region.

Requirements

• Bachelor in Event Management / Event & Festival Management, Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor in Cultural or Arts Management
• At least 4 years of event management experience, ideally in the arts, culture, or luxury sectors.
• Familiarity with the art world and working with high-profile clients is highly desirable.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end event management, from concept to post-event reporting.
• Exceptional project management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, adept at collaborating with senior stakeholders, clients, and vendors.
• Comprehensive understanding of contemporary art fairs, gallery exhibitions, and cultural events.
• Proficiency in event management tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM systems is an advantage.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt and remain calm under pressure.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, with a focus on excellence in execution.
• Creative thinker who brings innovative solutions and adapts quickly in dynamic situations.
• Collaborative team player capable of taking initiative and working independently when needed.
• Deeply passionate about contemporary art, culture, and delivering unique experiences for diverse audiences.
• Please note that frequent travel across the region as required (covered by Frieze), including evenings and weekends around major event dates.
• The role may be required to support key events outside of the region as and when required.
• Interested candidates are invited to apply or share their CV for consideration.