Events Lead

About this role

<p><strong>About the Position</strong><strong> </strong></p> <p>Bluefish is defining agentic marketing and how we show up in the world matters as much as what we build. As our <strong>Events Lead</strong>, you will own the full events function: from our inaugural owned thought leadership event to sponsored industry moments, client roundtables, and field experiences. You'll be both the strategist and the operator — the person who sees the big picture and makes sure every detail lands.</p> <p>This is a senior, high-ownership role for someone who knows how to build an events program from the ground up and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves to do it.</p> <p><strong>What You'll Do:</strong></p> <p><em>Operations & Production</em></p> <ul> <li>Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of Bluefish's global events portfolio, including our inaugural one-day, multi-session owned thought leadership event, sponsored events, client roundtables, webinars, and field experiences.</li> <li>Oversee all event operations end-to-end — budgets, timelines, creative development, main stage production, breakout sessions, on-site staffing, and vendor relationships — executed with precision and creativity.</li> <li>Project manage external agencies and production teams to bring event experiences to life through thoughtful design, world-class production, and seamless logistics.</li> <li>Negotiate and manage contracts with city tourism boards, DMCs, convention centers, hotel room blocks, and unionized venues.</li> <li>Build and manage custom registration sites and event apps that capture travel requirements and customized scheduling.</li> <li>Travel to lead on-site execution, manage teams and partners, and represent Bluefish with professionalism and authenticity.</li> <li>Manage logistical requirements for planning, staging, and shipping of tradeshow properties, products, and supporting materials.</li> </ul> <p><em>Executive Management</em></p> <ul> <li>Collaborate closely with executive leaders and cross-functional teams to shape event objectives, content, and storytelling that reflect our vision, values, and voice.</li> <li>Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, providing strategic recommendations, creative direction, and calm problem-solving under pressure.</li> <li>Establish staffing requirements, secure approvals, and recruit employees to support events as needed.</li> <li>Maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders through detailed briefs and regular planning updates.</li> </ul> <p><em>Content & Programming</em></p> <ul> <li>Partner with the Marketing Lead and Editorial Manager to build compelling content and programming — working with internal stakeholders and speakers to craft narratives that inspire, educate, and spark conversation.</li> <li>Define objectives, messaging, and audience generation strategies for each event, including email campaigns, speaker plans, collateral, and registration.</li> <li>Research and evaluate potential guest speakers and external voices to elevate programming.</li> <li>Stay ahead of industry trends in experiential marketing, technology, and event innovation to keep Bluefish's presence fresh and forward-thinking.</li> </ul> <p><em>Strategy & Measurement</em></p> <ul> <li>Own the events calendar, aligning all activity with broader marketing strategy and business goals — from research and conception through budget reconciliation and ROI tracking.</li> <li>Gather competitive intelligence, industry trends, and business objectives to inform event marketing recommendations.</li> <li>Track marketing development fund budgets for Business Development and report on effectiveness, including leads, pipeline influence, and other key metrics.</li> <li>Use data and feedback to measure success, evaluate ROI, and continuously evolve how Bluefish shows up through live and digital experiences.</li> <li>Collaborate across the broader marketing team to find efficiencies, implement best practices, and support other event initiatives as needed.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Who You Are:</strong></p> <ul> <li>10-14 years of experience leading events across owned conferences, field marketing, sponsored trade shows, and client experiences — ideally within a SaaS, Martech, or high-growth startup environment.</li> <li>A strategic thinker and hands-on operator — equally comfortable shaping event strategy as you are managing on-site logistics at 7am.</li> <li>Proven experience negotiating vendor contracts, managing complex budgets, and delivering events on time and on budget.</li> <li>A natural collaborator who works fluidly with senior leaders, marketing teams, and external partners to align on goals and execute with excellence.</li> <li>Data-informed and ROI-driven — you know how to define success before an event and measure it after.</li> <li>Organized, resourceful, and calm under pressure — you thrive when priorities shift and no two days look the same.</li> <li>Excited by the opportunity to build something from scratch and define what Bluefish's events presence looks like for years to come.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>About Bluefish:</strong></p> <p>Bluefish believes that AI represents the next major chapter of the internet – and that consumers will…