Event Assistants

Our Mission: Spread ideas, foster community and create impact

TED is on a mission to discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community. TED is owned by a nonprofit, nonpartisan foundation. Our aim is to help create a future worth pursuing for all.

These are short-term, temporary contract roles for in-person, onsite support at the TED2024 in Vancouver, BC. Event orientation and onsite work will take place between April 11 - 19, 2024. Successful applicants will be responsible for any travel, accommodation, and meal costs. Event Assistants are generally paid a day rate between $210 - $240/ DAY CDN.

Event Assistants help the Event Production team produce multiple aspects of the TED2024 experience, so we’re looking for people who are comfortable assisting high-profile guests with discretion and tact, actively listening to requests and taking the temperature of a situation before reacting. We want people who are proactive and resourceful, able to think critically, and act decisively when solving problems and managing competing priorities with minimal oversight.
On-site roles involve walking and standing for long periods and being able to participate in some physical work and heavy lifting of up to 50 lbs.

Potential Responsibilities

• Working with the TED team to execute a pre-set program schedule
• Accurately interpret and follow floor plans, room layouts, one-sheets and running orders for session setup, paying attention to the smallest details
• Wayfinding + assisting attendees with conference programming questions, directions and local city recommendations
• Tear down events or spaces, moving, packing and disassembling furniture and decor
• Take accurate debrief notes of the event as required, escalate any questions or concerns to the Event Production team
• Use mobile devices or tablets to take attendance or track engagement 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 and/or hospitality experience
• Tech-savvy with a functional understanding of laptops, tablets, and cell phones
• Previous event production or tourism management experience
• 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

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