Director of Events

The Director of Events is a strategic and operational leader responsible for the end-to-end planning, production, and execution of Nerdio's corporate event portfolio, including flagship external events like NerdioCon and Microsoft Ignite, as well as key internal events like the Company Meeting and President's Club. This role translates brand strategy into high-impact experiences that drive pipeline and brand loyalty, requiring creative vision, operational precision, and executive presence. The Director will manage a team including a Corporate Events Manager and external vendors, and will leverage AI to streamline planning and scale the events function.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end strategy, execution, and budget for the annual customer & partner conference (NerdioCon) and our largest third-party conference (Microsoft Ignite)
• Provide strategic oversight for the annual sales incentive trip (e.g., President’s Club), partnering with Sales leadership and the Corporate Events Manager who leads day-to-day execution
• Provide strategic oversight of the company-wide All-Hands Meeting, with day-to-day execution led by the Corporate Events Manager
• Partner with the Senior Event Manager on key internal leadership and executive offsites plus additional internal events as needed
• Develop standardized processes, templates, and toolkits for event planning and execution that can be used across the organization
• Own the events technology stack (registration, mobile apps, event management platforms, virtual/hybrid tools)
• Identify and deploy AI tools across the events workflow — content creation, agenda and logistics planning, attendee personalization, and post-event analysis — to improve speed, quality, and ROI
• Establish and track KPIs for event ROI, attendee satisfaction, NPS, and lead generation for corporate events
• Manage post-event reporting and debrief processes to drive continuous improvement for corporate events
• Develop and manage the consolidated events budget across the corporate events portfolio, with the Corporate Events Manager owning budget execution for internal events
• Oversee overall RFP and contracts process, with individual RFPs & contracts driven by the team
• Ensure compliance with procurement and legal requirements for vendor agreements
• Identify cost efficiencies without compromising attendee experience
• Serve as the senior liaison to Sales, Product, HR, Finance, and the Executive team for flagship and strategic corporate events
• Partner with Demand Generation to ensure events drive measurable pipeline contribution
• Collaborate with Content and Creative teams on event branding, signage, videos, and promotional materials
• Brief and align executive stakeholders on event strategy, timelines, and status throughout the planning cycle
• Lead and develop a high-performing events team, including the Corporate Events Manager (a direct report who supports internal company events and select corporate events) and additional internal staff and/or agencies and contractors
• Source, onboard, and manage external event agencies and production partners as needed
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and creativity within the events function

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive event management experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or director-level role
• Proven track record managing large-scale user conferences (1,000+ attendees, and $4M+ budgets) and trade shows
• Experience with incentive travel and President's Club-style programs
• Demonstrated expertise managing internal corporate events including all-hands and executive offsites
• Strong budget management skills with experience owning event P&L
• Exceptional project management abilities — able to manage multiple complex events simultaneously
• Excellent vendor negotiation and contract management experience
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; executive presence
• Comfortable with ambiguity, fast timelines, and shifting priorities
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40%, including nights and weekends during events

Nice to have

• Experience in B2B SaaS, cloud technology, or Microsoft ecosystem companies
• Background working with partner/channel communities and channel-focused events
• Proficiency with event technology platforms, specifically Cvent
• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation or equivalent certification
• Experience managing hybrid and virtual event formats
• Hands-on experience using AI tools to enhance event planning, marketing, or operations
• Agency management experience

Benefits

• Competitive Base and Incentive Plan
• Stock Options
• Health and Welfare Plans*
• Life and Disability Plans*
• Retirement Plan*
• Unlimited Flexible Paid Time Off, including your birthday off!
• Collaborative Team Culture