Company Name: IBM
Location: Cambridge, MA
Type: Full Time
Job Description:
The Geo Event Lead is responsible for local event planning and execution of large scale, in-person technical conferences to small “regional in a box” virtual and physical experiences in their assigned Geo. This position reports to the Events Leader in Global Sales and dotted lines into the Marketing Geo Event Leader.
Key Job Responsibilities –
Overall Geo Stakeholder Integration
- Own overall planning, execution, and outcomes for local TechXchange events using repeatable global approach/structure working closely with Global TechXchange Leads and Geo aligned Technical Sales/Field Marketing Leaders
- Participate in weekly Global TechXchange team project plan meetings, workstream calls, stand-ups, etc.; represent TechXchange in regular local Marketing Event team calls with Marketing Geo Event Leader
- Facilitate overall project management including identification of critical workstreams, workstream owners, key milestones, dependencies, and due dates; work with global event manager(s) to monitor and track process by Geo in Airtable
- Provide monthly showcase email to Geo Stakeholders on recent TechXchange activities and KPIs
- Ensure adherence with Marketing Global Event Process and IBM security, data privacy, and safety measures
Geo Landing Global Conference
- Collaborate with Geo specific IBM stakeholders on conference vision, performance, and expectations including city/site selection, registration targets by Market/Brand, payment collection process validation/approval (sponsors + attendee paid registration model), post event RLM strategy, etc.
- Lead interlocks with Geo specific IBM stakeholders to align on key speakers, localization of content, call for papers/session selection, exec 1×1 meeting outreach, local sales/FMM actions to promote call for papers and audience acquisition, etc.; pull in Global Content team as needed to ensure consistent approach and support Rainfocus catalog development
- Manage local agency/vendor/venue relationships including contract negotiation, budget management, event production, etc.
- Aide Global Event Exhibitor/Business Partner Lead in creation of localized sponsorship packages and Solution Center approach based on event footprint/budget; support partner sponsorship and audience acquisition with local Ecosystem team
- Coordinate registration, website, on-site tool/data collection/reporting needs, etc. with Event Infrastructure Lead
- Advise and oversee Global Event Manager(s) on additional execution support needs, i.e. submit Airtable/EMB entries, nomination/CTEBA process, reg emails, housing, catering, registration, 1×1 meetings, agency management, surround activities, signage, food and beverage, security, risk management and staff scheduling
- Partner with Global Audience Acquisition Lead to localize client/partner facing materials for sellers to account for Geo specific nuances/needs; work with Geo aligned Technical Sales and Field Marketing Leaders to promote assets in appropriate channels
- Own on-site staffing plan, pre-event logistics call(s) and overall run of show
- Provide executive-level updates on project status
- Identify plan risks and create risks mitigation plans
- Ensure key event artifacts are maintained for each for use across the extended team in a consistent box location (ex. WAAG, registration reports, Think vs. TechXchange positioning slide, overall pitch deck)
Regional in a box experiences:
- Partner with Event Instructure Lead to develop turn-key request process and standard SLAs (service level agreements) for light event execution support surrounding technical sales led events
- Ongoing provide light execution support in response to Technical Sales requests based on agreed upon SLAs, i.e. submit Airtable/EMB entries, nomination/CTEBA process, IBM venue booking, light catering, lab coordination, registration page setup, etc.
- Execute local MDF partner funded technical client advocacy initiatives in partnership with Global Exhibitor/Business Partner Lead
Required Technical and Professional Expertise
- 5+ years or more experience in marketing or related role
- 2+ years or more experience in event marketing
- Experience with event and/or marketing platforms including Rainfocus, CVENT, Airtable, Marketo, etc. preferred
- Ability to analyze effectiveness of sponsorships to ensure they are aligned with marketing and business strategy and delivering an ROI
- Ability to think strategically and to manage resources (time and budget) to achieve objectives
- Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time
- Strong project management and organizational skills, including attention to detail
- High energy, independent worker, self-starter, resourceful, and problem-solver
- Demonstrated ability to work independently under pressure, managing resources and several projects simultaneously
- Passionate about developing client advocates around IBM’s product portfolio
IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.