**Introduction** At IBM, we believe technology shapes the world, and we are a catalyst for that innovation and creativity. We are on the forefront of groundbreaking change - improving businesses, society, and the human condition. As a leader in Hybrid Cloud and AI, we are leading the charge in a world-wide digital transformation. Our Marketing, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility (MCC) team tells this story and is responsible for positioning IBM in the market. We define and optimize IBM’s brand, capture the market’s attention, and articulate our point of view for clients, partners, the media, and even other IBMers. As part of our team, you'll be surrounded by bright minds and keen collaborators - always willing to help and be helped - as you apply passion to work that will compel our audience to choose IBM's products and services. **Your role and responsibilities** The IBM event team plans and executes best-in-class virtual, in-person and hybrid events that deliver new pipeline, build brand awareness, and offer outstanding attendee experiences. Delivering great client events involves many stakeholders and the event strategist role provides critical services and consulting, playing a key role by partnering across functions to ensure event compliance and audit readiness. As part of this broader events mission, the IBM Global Conference team scope is end-to-end execution of Think and TechXchange global conferences, the two annual IBM flagship conferences for clients and partners. The ideal candidate for this role is passionate about B2B events, has a good understanding of event workstream alignment and can lead multiple projects at the same time, has strong project management and leadership skills, is detail and goal orientated, self-driven, and is a motivated thought-leader eager to learn and grow in the company. Key responsibilities · Operates at strategic level focusing on strategic event planning of the two annual Global Conferences - with the goal to achieve business outcomes and brand building; sets strategic event vision aligning business goals, focus on ROI, and long-term audience engagement · Leads pre-event, during-event and post-event activities for these events including selecting locations, managing agencies and venues, budget management, onsite logistics management and post-event follow-up · Drives innovation in event execution with and through technology. Provides streamlining and efficiency recommendations and drives a culture of optimization · Provides financial strategy for event planning: helps define event budget strategy and uses financial data to make decisions. Master of optimizing budgets and resources - can prioritize work efforts and resources. · Leads overall event workstream management- fosters an environment of collaboration to drive all business processes, while holding individuals and teams accountable for their outcomes and contributions to the overall event planning and execution. · Manages post event outcomes and performance with relevant stakeholders (i.e. field marketing) · Remains current with B2B event industry trends, best practices and new thinking in areas such as environmental sustainability, inclusivity, and the role of AI in events · Acts as an event advocate, promote events internally and externally to drive interest and engagement · Ensures all legal, compliance, procurement, finance, and other required processes are efficiently completed **Required technical and professional expertise** * Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communication, Business Administration or equivalent experience. * Ten (10) years or more experience in marketing or related role; Five (5) years or more experience in planning and executing a wide range of B2B events * Responsible team player with a demonstrated ability to work independently under pressure, managing resources and several projects simultaneously * Strong project management and organizational skills, including attention to detail and adherence to deadlines * Avid learner who consistently expands knowledge to gain new skills and expertise * Experience with event technology systems such as registration sites, event management platforms and mobile apps * Outcomes focused: strategic thinker that drives ROI and audience first mentality across the team; Ability to manage resources (time and budget) to achieve objectives, predict needs and prevent issues * Communication / Negotiation: partners well across functions, effectively utilizing group dynamics and negotiating to define approaches and goals; has strong written and verbal communication skills * Problem Solving: recognizes complex problems related to functional objectives. Applies creativity and judgement to manage work on different projects within the business environment. * Analytics/ Data driven: employing a data driven approach to decision making and recommendations, based on event performance analysis; partners across functions and utilizes marketing analytics and reporting tools & systems, including Excel, to analyze event-related data, identifying patterns or areas of focus. * Impact on Business: Accountable for results and for activities and/or projects involving multi-functional teams. Regularly participates in overall functional program planning. Demonstrates discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance to IBM. * Contribution / Leadership: Understands functional mission and team vision. Utilizes expertise to directly influence people outside function. Contributes to defining objectives within specified projects. We offer a dynamic blend of personal flexibility and a thriving in-office environment. This role requires three days of in-office presence per week, with two days for remote work **Preferred technical and professional experience** * Master’s degree (or equivalent) in marketing/ event management or related discipline * Experience using RainFocus * Flexibility to travel 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, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.