Head of Event Marketing

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