Open to opportunities

Irene Gruen

@irenegruen

Message

Seasoned event marketing leader driving revenue growth, team performance, and exceptional attendee experiences.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a leadership role in event marketing where I can drive revenue growth, develop teams, and build scalable event programs within a collaborative, data-driven organization.

I am a seasoned event marketing leader with extensive experience in strategic planning, multi-channel campaign execution, and event operations for B2B and consumer shows. I lead and mentor cross-functional teams, aligning stakeholders to deliver measurable growth and superior customer experiences.

Throughout my career I have driven notable results—achieving a 45% and 3% consecutive year-over-year increase in registrations for a flagship eCommerce event, delivering 20% growth and improved retention through resource programs, and launching 15 new event start-ups. I revitalize partner relationships, develop sponsorship programs, and design digital frameworks for virtual and hybrid events.

I build scalable processes and training that increase team competency and operational efficiency, from migrating event sites to a new CMS to training 100+ speakers and sponsors. I combine data-driven decision making, budget management, and a hands-on approach to create innovative event experiences that boost sales and client advocacy.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Marketing Director

Current

Emerald Expositions

Feb 2023 - Present (2 years 10 months)

Developed marketing strategy and led a team executing multi-channel campaigns for B2B trade shows, driving a 45% and 3% YoY increase in flagship event registrations and 20% growth in customer retention through revamped messaging and resource programs.

Multi channel Marketing Digital Marketing Email Marketing Social Media Budget Management Team Leadership Campaign Strategy

Event Operations Director

Bobit Business Media

Jan 2019 - Jan 2023 (4 years)

Directed event operations and marketing, implementing best-practice processes and leading 20+ marketing campaigns and 15 event startups, increasing attendance and streamlining CMS and digital event delivery.

Event Operations Event Marketing Project Management Virtual Events Stakeholder Management Risk Management

Senior Event Marketing Manager

Bobit Business Media

Aug 2010 - Jan 2019 (8 years 5 months)

Managed event marketing strategy, messaging and execution across channels, led collateral development and media partnerships, and drove initiatives that raised attendance by up to 50% for multiple events.

Event Marketing Content Development Sponsorship Sales Audience Targeting Marketing Analytics Training

Co-Owner

Fishback/Gruen, LLC

Feb 2005 - Oct 2011 (6 years 8 months)

Built and scaled a nationally branded consumer art show business from one to three locations, managing 100+ staff, producing 200+ workshops and 50+ speakers while reducing marketing costs by 30% through data-driven decisions.

entrepreneurship Operations Management Sponsorship Sales Budget Management Program Development Strategic Partnerships