Operations Intern

Event Operations & Hospitality Intern – Abu DhabiBe our eyes and ears on the ground in Abu Dhabi.Proof of Talk is building a different kind of global event brand.Our philosophy is simple:Small rooms. Big decisions.We bring together founders, investors, executives, institutions, policymakers, and technology leaders in highly curated environments designed for meaningful conversations — not crowded expo halls.In December 2026, Proof of Talk comes to Louvre Abu Dhabi.And we are looking for a highly resourceful Event Operations & Hospitality Intern based in Abu Dhabi to help us create the experiences around the main event that people remember.This is not a typical event internship.You will help us find, plan, negotiate, and execute:Private CEO dinnersInvestor breakfastsPartner lunchesSpeaker gatheringsVIP receptionsSide eventsNetworking experiencesAfter-hours eventsHospitality moments across Abu DhabiSometimes the most important conversation at a conference happens over breakfast with 15 people, not on a stage with 1,500.Your job is to help us create those moments.Your RoleYou will become Proof of Talk's on-the-ground operator in Abu Dhabi.We want someone who can take a request like:“We need an intimate dinner for 30 CEOs next Thursday.”and come back with:Three great venue optionsPhotos and videosPricingMenusCapacityAvailabilityMinimum spendPros and consYour recommendationThen help us make it happen.You'll work closely with the Proof of Talk team to make sure every experience outside the main conference feels intentional, premium, and exceptionally well executed.What You'll Work On🍽️ Side Events & HospitalityYou'll research and help organize:Executive dinnersInvestor breakfastsPartner lunchesPrivate receptionsCocktail eventsSpeaker dinnersVIP gatheringsNetworking eventsCommunity side eventsYou'll help us find the venues people actually want to go to — not just the first result on Google.📍 Venue SourcingYou'll scout:RestaurantsHotelsRooftopsBeach clubsPrivate dining roomsGalleriesCultural spacesOutdoor venuesUnique locationsHidden gems across Abu DhabiYou'll visit venues personally when needed and evaluate:AtmosphereService qualityFoodCapacityPrivacyAccessibilityBranding possibilitiesGuest flowAV capabilitiesOverall fit for the Proof of Talk brand🤝 Local PartnershipsYou'll help build relationships with:RestaurantsHotelsHospitality groupsVenue managersEvent suppliersTransport companiesProduction partnersCatering companiesLocal experience providersYou'll help negotiate:Venue ratesMinimum spendsGroup bookingsFood and beverage packagesPreferential ratesPartnership opportunitiesAdded-value benefits🎯 On-the-Ground ExecutionPlanning is only half the job.You'll also make sure things actually work.That may mean:Being at a venue before guests arriveChecking table layoutsConfirming menusReviewing signage and brandingCoordinating suppliersMaking sure AV worksManaging guest arrivalsSupporting VIP requirementsSolving last-minute problemsMaking sure the experience feels seamlessIf something goes wrong, you're the kind of person who starts solving it before anyone else notices.The Person We're Looking ForYou do not necessarily need years of event experience.We care more about whether you are:Extremely organizedResourcefulReliableFastDetail-orientedComfortable speaking with vendors and senior peopleConfident making phone callsGood at negotiatingAble to work independentlyCalm under pressureNaturally proactiveObsessed with creating great experiencesYou should be someone who hears:“Find us the best place in Abu Dhabi for this.”and immediately starts researching, calling, visiting, comparing, and negotiating.RequiredCurrently based in Abu Dhabi or able to be regularly on the ground thereCurrently enrolled in or recently graduated from hospitality, events, business, tourism, marketing, communications, or a related fieldStrong English communication skillsExcellent organizationStrong attention to detailComfortable working independentlyConfident communicating with venues and suppliersAble to manage multiple tasks at the same timeWilling to visit venues and attend events in personAvailable around Proof of Talk Abu Dhabi in December 2026Nice to HavePrevious event or hospitality experienceKnowledge of Abu Dhabi restaurants, hotels, venues, and nightlifeExperience working with luxury hospitalityExisting relationships with venues or hospitality groupsEvent production experienceVendor negotiation experienceExperience with VIP or executive guestsArabic language skillsUAE driving licencePhotography or content skillsYou're Probably a Fit IfYour friends always ask you where they should go for dinnerYou enjoy finding places other people haven't discovered yetYou care about atmosphere, service, lighting, music, food, and small detailsYou can negotiate without being uncomfortableYou enjoy organizing thingsYou respond quicklyYou follow up until things are finishedYou are comfortable being trusted with responsibilityYou like solving practical problemsYou don't wait to be told every next stepYou enjoy high-energy environmentsYou take pride in making things feel effortless for guestsYou're Probably Not a Fit IfYou prefer purely desk-based workYou dislike calling suppliersYou need detailed instructions for every taskYou struggle with last-minute changesYou don't enjoy dealing with peopleYou are uncomfortable taking responsibilityYou think event planning is mainly making spreadsheetsWhy Proof of TalkProof of Talk is not trying to become the biggest conference.We're trying to build the most valuable room.Our flagship event in Paris takes place at the Louvre Palace and brings together senior leaders from finance, technology, digital assets, investment, and entrepreneurship.In December 2026, Proof of Talk expands to Louvre Abu Dhabi for two days focused on:Digital Assets & FinanceandArtificial Intelligence & TechnologyThe people coming to Abu Dhabi include founders, CEOs, investors, institutions, technology companies, and international partners.Our responsibility is to make sure the experience around the event feels as considered as the main stage.That's where you come in.What Makes This Different🌍 Real ResponsibilityYou won't spend your internship watching other people organize events.You'll help organize them yourself.Your venue recommendation could become the location for a dinner attended by some of the most influential people in the industry.🍽️ Learn Premium Event HospitalityYou'll learn how to create experiences for:FoundersCEOsInvestorsSpeakersGlobal partnersInstitutional guestsVIPsYou'll see firsthand how hospitality, environment, and details influence relationships and business outcomes.💪 Direct Access & Fast DecisionsWork directly with the Proof of Talk teamFast feedbackMinimal bureaucracyReal ownershipFreedom to suggest better venues and ideasOpportunity to build your network across Abu Dhabi's event and hospitality ecosystemIf you find something exceptional, we want to know about it.🚀 Career OpportunityExceptional performers may have opportunities to continue with Proof of Talk as we expand internationally.Potential future paths include:Event OperationsEvent ProductionHospitality ManagementPartnershipsGuest ExperienceInternational Event ManagementStructureInternshipAbu Dhabi based / on-the-ground roleFlexible working setup outside event periodsCompetitive internship compensationHigh responsibility from day oneDirect collaboration with the international Proof of Talk teamPotential for longer-term opportunitiesEmployment TypeInternshipJob FunctionEvent Operations · Hospitality · Event Planning · Guest ExperienceIndustryEvents · Hospitality · Technology · Finance