Head of Event Marketing

Job Description We are seeking an experienced, commercially driven Head of Marketing to lead integrated marketing campaigns for world-class conferences, exhibitions, summits, and live experiences across Saudi Arabia. This role owns the complete event marketing lifecycle from concept and strategy through execution, acquisition, and post-event analysis working closely with the Marketing Director to drive attendance, revenue, exhibitor participation, and brand awareness. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with a proven track record delivering high-profile B2B and B2C events across the Middle East, leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with commercial, production, and government stakeholders in Saudi Arabia's fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute annual marketing strategies aligned with business objectives
• Build integrated marketing plans with clear audience segmentation and positioning
• Create compelling value propositions for delegates, visitors, exhibitors, and sponsors
• Establish measurable KPIs for brand awareness, registrations, revenue, and ROI
• Lead go-to-market strategies for new launches and portfolio growth

Event Marketing Leadership

• Manage the full marketing journey across:

• Discovery & Planning: Market research, audience analysis, brand development, campaign planning

• Launch: Brand rollout, website launch, speaker announcements, PR and media engagement

• Growth: Delegate acquisition, digital advertising, CRM automation, email marketing, partnerships, social campaigns

• Live Delivery: Onsite execution, media coverage, VIP engagement, real-time optimization

• Post-Event: ROI analysis, lead nurturing, retention strategies, performance reporting

Commercial Responsibilities

• Deliver attendee acquisition targets and support sponsorship sales
• Maximize marketing ROI and manage budgets effectively
• Identify new audience segments and revenue opportunities
• Support market expansion across Saudi Arabia, the GCC, and internationally

Digital Marketing & Demand Generation

• Performance marketing, paid search/social, LinkedIn campaigns
• SEO/SEM, marketing automation, CRM strategy
• Email marketing, website optimization, conversion rate optimization
• Analytics, lead generation, retargeting, AI-enabled tools

Brand, Content & Communications

• Develop event brands and ensure consistency across channels
• Lead creative development, copywriting, and storytelling
• Oversee video, photography, and multimedia content
• Drive social media and thought leadership campaigns

Public Relations & Media

• Develop regional PR strategies and manage media relationships
• Manage external agencies and secure media partnerships
• Coordinate press conferences and crisis communications

Government & Stakeholder Management

• Build relationships with government ministries and public sector organizations
• Secure endorsements and strategic partnerships
• Align events with national priorities including Saudi Vision 2030
• Support compliance and protocol requirements for VIPs

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor high-performing marketing teams
• Manage internal specialists, agencies, and freelancers
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and set clear KPIs

Analytics & Performance Reporting

• Track registration performance, ticket sales, marketing ROI, and conversion rates

• Monitor lead generation, customer acquisition costs, and event profitability

• Present strategic recommendations to senior leadership

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or Communications (Master's preferred)

• 10+ years in integrated marketing with 5+ years in senior leadership

• Proven success with conferences, exhibitions, or large-scale events in Saudi Arabia and the GCC

• Experience launching new event brands and managing multi-million-dollar budgets

• Expertise in digital marketing, CRM, automation, and performance marketing

• Strong commercial acumen and experience with government stakeholders

• Relevant Event Experience: B2B conferences, international exhibitions, trade shows, government forums, investment summits, technology/healthcare congresses, sustainability forums, Vision 2030 initiatives, international association congresses