How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in a Conference Producer Interview
“Tell me about yourself” can feel like a big question in a conference production interview.
This guide helps you respond confidently by focusing on the value you bring, not just your CV. Using a simple framework inspired by Rebecca Okamoto’s TED talk, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself clearly and naturally, with a focus on delivering successful events and building strong stakeholder relationships.
How can Conference Producers answer the “Tell Me About Yourself” question in interviews?
If you’re preparing for a conference producer interview, it’s useful to remember one simple thing: your answer doesn’t need to be a full career history. Hiring managers don’t want a list of everything you’ve ever done. They want a clear picture of:
✔ what you do
✔ who you help
✔ what you deliver
Rebecca Okamoto’s TED talk, “How to introduce yourself — and get hired,” offers a really helpful framework for this. She suggests keeping your introduction short, specific, and focused on value – the kind of value a conference producer delivers every day.
A Helpful Way to Structure Your Answer
Try thinking of your response in three parts:
1. Who you support
(eg. internal and external stakeholders, speakers, sponsors, delegates)
2. What you do
(eg. research and create commercially successful agendas, identify and secure the best speakers, deliver seamless production, project manage and liaise with all stakeholders……)
3. The outcome
(eg. high attendee satisfaction, high sponsor ROI and retention, smooth event delivery…)
Example Answers
Here are a few options you can adapt depending on your experience:
- Option 1 — Value-led: “I produce conference programmes by developing compelling agendas, sourcing speakers, and shaping content that connects with audiences and attracts sponsors.”
- Option 2 — Outcome-focused: “I create conference content and agendas that deliver clear learning outcomes, strong delegate engagement, and measurable ROI for sponsors.”
- Option 3 — Strength-based: “I’m known for my ability to create engaging agendas within agreed timelines, while balancing audience needs and stakeholder priorities.”
- Option 4 — Passion-led: “I’m passionate about building conference experiences that combine strong content, clear narrative, and meaningful audience outcomes.”
Adding a Brief Example (Without Overwhelming)
After your introduction, you can add one short example:
“In my last role, I developed the agenda for a 2-day conference, managing speaker research, session formats, and stakeholder feedback. The event achieved its commercial targets, received strong engagement and repeat attendance.”
This keeps the answer grounded in real experience while staying concise.
A Gentle Interview Mindset
The goal isn’t to impress with a long list of achievements. It’s to make it easy for the interviewer to understand what you create and why you’re effective at it.
If they want more detail, they’ll ask – and that’s exactly what you want.
If you’d like personalised interview support for conference production roles, get in touch – we’re happy to help.
*Here is the link to Rebecca’s Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/rebecca_okamoto_how_to_introduce_yourself_and_get_hired
Contact us if you would like to learn more about how we connect top commercial talent with world-class media and events organisations.
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:
- Researcher
- Conference producer
- Event Marketing
- Sales – delegate, sponsorship & Business Development
- Event Manager
- Editor
We recruit for organisations in the UK and overseas, with success in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore and Australia.