Event Marketer Wrapped 2024: Celebrating 30 Leaders Who Made an Impact in Event Marketing This Year
As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to recognize the outstanding individuals who have shaped the landscape of event marketing this year. Inspired by the concept of Spotify Wrapped, Event Marketer Wrapped 2024 highlights 30 leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry. These professionals, whether directly involved in event marketing or influencing it from adjacent roles, have set new standards and driven innovation.
From crafting innovative event experiences to showcasing outstanding leadership, these individuals have made a lasting impact on the event marketing world. Join us in celebrating their creativity, fresh ideas, and forward-thinking approaches that continue to shape and inspire the future of events.
Ready to meet the game-changers of Event Marketing?
Adrienne Lichten
Company: Incident.io
Position: Event Marketing Manager
Adrienne Lichten, Event Marketing Manager at Incident.io, brings a wealth of experience in crafting events that boost brand visibility and foster deep audience engagement. With a background that spans roles at DataGrail and Cedar, she has honed her expertise in both experiential and event marketing. Adrienne's strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail have consistently set her apart in the industry.
Most recently, she was a key player in the success of Sev0, Incident.io’s user conference, where her leadership helped create a memorable and impactful experience for attendees. Her ability to seamlessly blend creativity with execution ensures that every event leaves a lasting impression. For a closer look at Sev0 and more of her work, check out Incident.io’s LinkedIn page!
Ashley Nuske
Company: Overhaul
Position: Director, Global Corporate Events
Ashley Nuske, Director of Global Corporate Events at Overhaul, leads the charge in creating integrated event strategies that drive impressive results. With over two years in her current role, Ashley has mastered the art of managing large-scale events, from logistics and budgeting to collaborating with cross-functional teams. Her efforts have secured significant ROI and pipeline growth, reinforcing her ability to deliver impactful, high-visibility events.
Whether it’s orchestrating major trade shows or targeted micro-events, Ashley’s strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail shine through. By aligning event strategies with broader marketing objectives, she ensures that every event contributes meaningfully to Overhaul’s growth. Check out more about her transformative work on Overhaul’s LinkedIn page!
Amy Walter
Company: Atlassian
Position: Head of Events
Amy Walter, Head of Events at Atlassian, brings over 17 years of expertise in orchestrating global marketing campaigns and event programs that drive long-term growth and community engagement. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Atlassian’s event portfolio, aligning strategy with business objectives to deliver impactful experiences. With a knack for managing large budgets and distributed teams, Amy’s comprehensive approach ensures seamless execution from start to finish.
Passionate about event production, attendee journey creation, and strategic development, Amy thrives in high-growth environments, bringing innovation to every project she touches. For more insights into her impressive career and contributions, take a look at Amy’s LinkedIn!
Austin Sandmeyer
Company: Sendoso
Position: Head of Growth and Customer Marketing
Austin Sandmeyer, Head of Growth & Customer Marketing at Sendoso, is known for his innovative approach to B2B marketing, consistently thinking outside the box to create memorable experiences. His knack for blending creativity with strategy has led to standout initiatives like Sendoso’s Real Retreat and their baseball-themed booth with a trading card game at Inbound. These events not only captivate attendees but also drive meaningful engagement and brand visibility.
With a passion for go-to-market strategies and a deep understanding of digital marketing, Austin has been pivotal in enhancing customer connections at Sendoso. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he co-founded A&A Apothecary, further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. For more insights into Austin’s creative marketing journey, check out his profile on LinkedIn!
Bethany Murphy
Company: 6sense
Position: Senior Director, Events
Bethany Murphy is currently the Senior Director of Events at 6sense, where she leverages her extensive expertise in corporate and non-profit educational events. With a strong foundation in event strategy, budget management, and logistical execution, Bethany has been instrumental in orchestrating impactful experiences that align with business goals. One of her notable achievements includes leading the planning for 6sense Breakthrough, a flagship event that showcases her ability to deliver high-caliber, engaging experiences.
Bethany’s skill set spans across venue sourcing, contract negotiations, and the meticulous coordination of every event detail, ensuring seamless execution from start to finish. For a closer look at her work on 6sense Breakthrough and more, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Brianna Rohrhoff
Company: Gong
Position: Senior Manager, Global Event Marketing
Brianna Rohrhoff, Senior Manager of Global Event Marketing at Gong, brings over a decade of experience in leading corporate events and integrated marketing campaigns that deliver measurable business growth. At Gong, she oversees a $2M annual budget and spearheads the planning and execution of flagship events like Celebrate, which has driven impressive results, including $109M in pipeline and $21.6M in closed-won deals in FY24.
Known for her ability to drive brand engagement through innovative event concepts, Brianna excels in cross-functional collaboration, ensuring seamless integration with overall business strategies. Her data-driven approach and creative problem-solving have consistently resulted in high-impact events that strengthen customer relationships and generate significant pipeline. Learn more about Brianna’s expertise and her work at Gong by visiting her LinkedIn profile!
Camille (White-Stern) Arnold
Company: Splash
Position: Director of Experiential Marketing
Camille (White-Stern) Arnold, Director of Experiential Marketing at Splash, is at the forefront of creating events and community strategies that not only influence the pipeline but also amplify the Splash brand across multiple channels. With nearly 15 years of experience spanning industries like music, fashion, and technology, Camille brings a rich blend of creativity, data-driven strategy, and collaborative ideation to her role. She also hosts Checked In with Splash, a podcast that dives deep into best practices and stories from event professionals.
Passionate about inspiring others, Camille's leadership at Splash is marked by her commitment to crafting meaningful, impactful events that resonate with audiences and drive results. To learn more about her work and contributions, check out her LinkedIn profile!
Celeste Kathleen
Company: LaunchBoom
Position: Director of Events
Celeste Kathleen, Director of Events at LaunchBoom, channels her remarkable journey of overcoming adversity into empowering product creators and entrepreneurs. With expertise in event marketing and community building, Celeste plays a pivotal role in organizing impactful events like the Crowdfunded Summit, the world’s largest virtual crowdfunding conference. Her efforts help innovators transform their ideas into thriving 7-figure businesses.
Passionate about storytelling and authentic connections, Celeste not only drives event success but also teaches valuable skills to others, drawing from her personal experiences. At LaunchBoom, she contributes to a global team that has generated over $100M in revenue for clients. Discover more about her inspiring journey and professional insights on her LinkedIn profile!
Darcy Dobis
Company: Ashby
Position: Event Leader
Darcy Dobis, Event Leader at Ashby, is renowned for her ability to blend creativity with strategy, ensuring that every event is uniquely tailored to meet business objectives and enhance audience engagement. With a background that includes roles as Senior Field Marketing Manager at Encamp and Event Marketing Contractor at Planwell, Darcy brings a wealth of experience in event management and corporate events.
Her meticulous planning process and innovative approach have consistently resulted in events that not only captivate attendees but also drive measurable outcomes. For more insights into Darcy’s expertise and her contributions to Ashby, check out her LinkedIn profile!
Devin Cleary
Company: CyberArk
Position: Head of Experiential Marketing
Devin Cleary, Head of Experiential Marketing at CyberArk, brings over 17 years of expertise in crafting and managing diverse marketing programs across B2B, nonprofit, and consumer markets. Known for his ability to lead world-class in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, Devin has a proven track record of driving brand loyalty and achieving measurable business results. His leadership in change management and team building has consistently resulted in high-performance outcomes.
Recognized for his contributions to the industry, Devin has earned accolades such as the Virtual Events Institute's Smart 100 and Connect Association's 40 Under 40. His strategic approach to experiential marketing continues to shape CyberArk’s global events and customer engagement programs. For more on Devin’s innovative work and achievements, visit his LinkedIn profile!
Denise Hibbard
Company: Zapier
Position: Head of Events Marketing
Denise Hibbard, Head of Events Marketing at Zapier, is a seasoned event professional with a talent for crafting engaging experiences that foster meaningful connections. Leading the company’s events marketing strategy, Denise is at the helm of initiatives like ZapConnect, Zapier’s annual virtual user conference, where she brings her passion for seamless event execution and audience engagement to life.
Before joining Zapier, Denise oversaw B2B marketing for DJI’s North American Enterprise division, including managing their annual user conference. Her expertise in both virtual and in-person events, combined with a keen eye for strategic marketing, makes her a standout in the industry. Outside of her professional life, Denise enjoys exploring the outdoors, practicing AcroYoga, and traveling to new destinations. Learn more about her journey and insights on her LinkedIn profile!
Jessica Toro
Company: Hostaway
Position: Events Manager
Jess Toro, Events Manager at Hostaway, is an accomplished event strategist with a keen focus on data-driven results. From non-profit galas to corporate conferences, Jess has navigated various event landscapes with expertise in logistics, trade shows, and global events. Her passion for flawless execution and innovation shines through in every project, particularly in her leadership role for Hostaway's user conference, Hostchella.
With a background in History and Tourism Studies, Jess blends creativity with analytical insights to demonstrate the tangible impact of events. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring with her partner and two dogs, drawing inspiration from the world around her. For more about Jess’s journey and her work on Hostchella, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Jonathan Kazarian
Company: Accelevents
Position: Founder & CEO
Jonathan Kazarian, Founder & CEO of Accelevents, is transforming the landscape of B2B events with a platform that simplifies and enhances the event planning process. Accelevents offers a comprehensive solution for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, providing customizable features that empower organizers to create engaging and seamless experiences. Jonathan’s mission is to ensure event organizers can sleep easy the night before their events, knowing they have the tools to succeed.
In addition to his role at Accelevents, Jonathan is a leading voice on LinkedIn, regularly sharing valuable insights and knowledge about B2B events. His thought leadership helps event professionals navigate challenges and elevate their event strategies. To follow his insights and learn more about his work, visit his LinkedIn profile!
Kathryn Frankson
Company: Money20/20
Position: Global Director of Marketing
Kathryn Frankson, Global Director of Marketing at Money20/20, is a seasoned marketing leader known for her storytelling prowess and strategic insights. With a career that spans B2B sales and marketing, Kathryn brings a unique blend of creativity and data-driven decision-making to her role. At Money20/20, she oversees the marketing strategy for premier fintech events across the globe, driving brand growth, audience engagement, and event success.
Kathryn's passion for storytelling and her background in sales have made her an influential figure in the event industry. Her work not only focuses on delivering impactful experiences but also on fostering inclusivity, as seen in her advisory role with Change the Stage. When she’s not driving marketing initiatives, Kathryn is a certified yoga instructor, avid tea enthusiast, and dedicated reader. For more about her journey and insights, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Katie Ray
Company: Demandbase
Position: Sr. Customer & Community Marketing Manager
Katie Ray, Sr. Customer & Community Marketing Manager at Demandbase, has cultivated a career centered around community, sales, and marketing. With a rich background in launching and growing communities, Katie has a knack for creating strategic campaigns that attract and engage customers.
With accolades such as CMX Speaker of the Year and Sales Hacker’s Most Dynamic Women in Sales, Katie is a recognized thought leader in the community space. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys long walks at Costco with her husband and playing with her energetic dogs. To learn more about her contributions and community insights, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Kayla Drake
Position: Director of Field Marketing
Kayla Drake, Former Director of Field Marketing at Apollo.io, is a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in shaping event strategies and leading field marketing teams for SaaS startups through IPOs and acquisitions. Her proficiency in orchestrating tradeshows and delivering unique event experiences has made her a driving force in the B2B tech space. Kayla’s expertise spans event coordination, vendor management, pipeline acceleration, and sales enablement.
Known for her passion for the events community, Kayla brings marketing activations to life through her innovative approach to field marketing. Her dedication to creating impactful, data-driven events continues to accelerate growth and engagement. For more on Kayla’s journey and her dynamic approach to field marketing, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Kim Katz
Company: Responsive
Position: Senior Manager, Field & Event Marketing
Kim Katz, Senior Manager of Field & Event Marketing at Responsive, is a seasoned event producer with a passion for creating engaging experiences that build brand loyalty and excitement. With a commitment to working for mission-driven companies, Kim has successfully executed a variety of high-profile events, from a cross-country Disney Junior Summer tour to pivotal marketing activations for Salesforce.
Kim's expertise in strategic event planning ensures that every experience she crafts resonates with attendees and supports business objectives. For more about her impactful work and innovative approach, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Kris Jenkins
Company: Mobly
Position: Co-Founder
Kris Jenkins, Co-Founder of Mobly, is a versatile leader and lifelong learner, bringing a wealth of experience in product and engineering leadership, partner strategy, and entrepreneurship. At Mobly, Kris is revolutionizing sales and marketing lead capture with a mobile-first approach, helping teams streamline engagement at events and seamlessly integrate with CRM or MAP tools.
With a rich history in building partner ecosystems, notably at ON24 and Workfront, Kris has consistently driven growth through strategic alliances and innovative product integrations. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, he’s the creator and host of The Utah CTO Show, sharing insights from Utah's tech leaders. To explore Kris’s dynamic career and his innovative contributions, visit his LinkedIn profile!
Liat Kozouch
Company: Hyro
Position: Field Marketing Lead
Liat Kozouch, Field Marketing Lead at Hyro, is celebrated for her expertise in orchestrating field marketing events that not only drive pipeline but also create meaningful customer engagements.
With a background in managing large-scale conferences and sponsorships, Liat’s career highlights her ability to blend strategic planning with hands-on execution. Her dedication to fostering impactful customer interactions continues to elevate Hyro’s presence in the market. For more on Liat’s contributions and insights, check out her LinkedIn profile!
Mallory Meyer
Company: Remodel Health
Position: Director of Marketing
Mallory Meyer, Director of Marketing at Remodel Health, plays a pivotal role in driving strategic marketing initiatives and leading the charge for the company’s annual user conference, AIM. Under her leadership, AIM has doubled in size for three consecutive years, showcasing her ability to scale events and deliver impactful experiences that resonate with attendees.
With a strong background in event management and strategic communications, Mallory combines her marketing expertise with a passion for fostering meaningful connections through events. Her work continues to elevate Remodel Health’s brand and customer engagement. For more about Mallory’s journey and achievements, check out her LinkedIn profile!
Melanie Reid
Company: Riskified
Position: Head of Strategic Events
Melanie Reid, Head of Strategic Events at Riskified, is a highly motivated event professional with extensive experience in orchestrating global flagship and field event experiences for technology companies. Her passion lies in crafting positive attendee experiences through meticulous planning and seamless execution. Melanie excels in integrating event strategies with business objectives, creating annual portfolios that drive both team support and organizational growth.
With expertise in event logistics, cross-functional project management, and ABX strategy, Melanie thrives in both hands-on roles and collaborative environments, effectively managing event elements with vendors and teammates. For more insights into Melanie’s strategic approach and her impactful work at Riskified, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Mikaela Karcher
Company: Seismic
Position: Sr. Event Marketing Manager
Mikaela Karcher, Senior Event Marketing Manager at Seismic, excels in crafting strategic events that enhance customer engagement and drive brand growth. Her leadership was pivotal in executing the Seismic City Tours, an international roadshow featuring one-day events in key cities like Boston, NYC, London, and Sydney. With plans already underway for 2025, Mikaela continues to push the boundaries of event marketing.
Her expertise in managing both virtual and in-person events, coupled with a deep understanding of cross-functional collaboration, ensures that Seismic’s events are not only impactful but also seamlessly executed. To learn more about Mikaela’s innovative approach and contributions, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Mike Kochis
Company: CoderPad
Position: Senior Demand Generation Manager
Mike Kochis, Senior Demand Generation Manager at CoderPad, expertly combines event marketing strategies with his B2B tech experience to generate leads and build strong customer relationships. By successfully leading strategic planning for over 5 events this past year, Mike has demonstrated his ability to drive growth through impactful event execution.
With a background in digital marketing, account-based marketing, and business intelligence, Mike focuses on creating seamless customer experiences while driving revenue. Outside of work, he enjoys DIY projects, exploring new places, golfing, and cooking. For more about Mike’s approach to demand generation and event marketing, visit his LinkedIn profile!
Rosie De La Cruz
Company: Customer.io
Position: Demand Generation Manager
Rosie Del La Cruz, Demand Generation Manager at Customer.io, is an experiential marketing leader with a passion for curating impactful events and webinars for marketers. With a strong belief that "one great rock show can change the world," Rosie leverages her love for storytelling and human connection to create experiences that drive innovation and resonate deeply with audiences.
In addition to her role at Customer.io, Rosie is the founder of Disco Outlaw, where she helps startups build unforgettable brand experiences. Her commitment to making a positive change fuels her creative approach to event planning. Outside of work, she’s always on the lookout for new movies and shows—feel free to DM her for recommendations! For more about Rosie’s work and event strategies, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Sam Trieu
Company: Clio
Position: Senior Events Program Manager
Sam Trieu, Senior Events Program Manager at Clio, excels in producing impactful event experiences that drive brand engagement and influence revenue targets. With a strong background in managing global brand events and Tier 1 tradeshows, Sam thrives in taking ownership of events from concept to completion, ensuring every project is delivered on scope, time, and budget.
Sam’s dedication to thoughtful brand interactions and her ability to collaborate with creative teams make her a standout in the event marketing space. For more on Sam’s expertise and event achievements, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Sara Ann Straw
Company: RingCentral
Position: Head of Global Events
Sara Ann Straw, Head of Global Events at RingCentral, leverages over 16 years of marketing leadership to craft and execute strategic events that drive substantial business outcomes. With expertise in orchestrating global user conferences, incentive programs, digital events, and trade shows, Sara combines strategic vision with data-driven insights to deliver events that generate leads, accelerate pipeline growth, and build strong customer advocacy.
In her role at RingCentral, Sara leads a comprehensive events program that unifies strategic, corporate, and field marketing efforts. She collaborates across teams to create impactful experiences that enhance brand visibility and align with corporate goals. Beyond her corporate achievements, Sara inspires women through her Solo Travel Woman blog and podcast, where she shares stories and encourages the empowerment of solo travel. For more about Sara’s journey and expertise, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Sarah Kamp
Company: Betterworks
Position: Senior Manager of Field Marketing & ABM
Sarah Kamp, Senior Manager of Field Marketing & ABM at Betterworks, brings over a decade of experience in sales and marketing for SaaS B2B companies. In her role, Sarah oversees global events, field marketing, and account-based marketing strategies, collaborating with sales, product, and customer success teams to plan and execute impactful campaigns. Her efforts are focused on driving awareness, pipeline, and revenue while delivering value to customers and prospects.
Sarah's passion for continuous learning and her dedication to Betterworks' mission of making work more meaningful shine through in her strategic approach to marketing. With expertise in demand generation and stakeholder management, she consistently creates engaging campaigns that align with organizational goals. For more insights into Sarah’s career and achievements, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Steph Pennell
Company: The Event Critic
Position: Founder
Steph Pennell brings over a decade of diverse experience in the event industry, working across B2B and B2C companies, to her latest venture, The Event Critic. As the Founder, Steph candidly reviews events and offers invaluable insights to help brands craft standout event strategies. From building a comprehensive venue bank to offering full event strategy and execution services, Steph is dedicated to elevating the event experience.
Whether you need a candid event review or hands-on execution, Steph's unfiltered approach ensures your events not only meet but exceed expectations. Dive into her expertise and learn how to make your next event unforgettable by visiting her LinkedIn profile!
Stephanie Anderson
Company: ClickUp
Position: Event Manager
Stephanie Anderson, Event Manager at ClickUp, is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience in show production and event management. Known for her hyper-organized and creative approach, Stephanie has successfully managed events for audiences of over 40,000, infusing storytelling and whimsical elements into every project to drive engagement and ROI.
At ClickUp, she has spearheaded full event lifecycle management across global locations, leading cross-functional teams to achieve seamless execution and alignment with business goals. Her past event collaborations include notable brands like Amazon, Disney, and Toyota. For more about Stephanie’s expertise and her innovative event strategies, visit her LinkedIn profile!
Susan Byrd
Company: Pavilion
Position: Director of Events
Susan Byrd is a seasoned marketing and events professional with nearly 20 years of experience delivering impactful marketing campaigns and managing high-profile events. As the Director of Events at Pavilion, Susan oversees the strategic planning and execution of more than 100 in-person events annually across North America and EMEA. Her innovative approach and commitment to excellence have made her a leader in the industry.
Susan’s ability to translate a single vision into tangible results, combined with her strong interpersonal skills, ensures that each event fosters meaningful connections and delivers exceptional experiences. Explore more of Susan's work and expertise on her LinkedIn profile!
As we close out this look at the year’s top event marketing leaders, we’re inspired by the creativity and innovation that continue to shape the industry. At Planwell, we’re dedicated to helping businesses deliver impactful events that engage and inspire. Whether you’re planning your next event or looking to enhance your event strategy, Planwell is here to support you every step of the way. Visit Planwell’s services page to see how we can support your next successful event.
