Associate Director, Global Creative Journey and Branding Team

Role Purpose

Senior member of the Global Creative Journey and Branding team with responsibility for onsite branding experiences for our corporate events and incentives portfolio, both operationally and creatively as well as creative brand implementation across all conference portfolios. Work cohesively with other Conference Center of Excellence teams to strategically plan and execute physical and digital experiences that align to the overall creative, planning and execution of the conference attendee journey.

Collaborate with Sr. Leaders on all development and execution of the brand's creative vision for destination and internal events and conferences, overseeing projects from concept to completion, and ensuring consistency across all global events and conferences.

• Lead the creative journey for Corporate Events and Incentives with a focus on build, signage, branding elements and digital platforms of Corporate Events.
• Management of operational process and project management through planning processes and onsite or virtual execution at internal and external conferences.
• Lead the planning and implementation of signage, build, branding, furniture and finishing/accessory requirements for all Corporate Events and Incentives as well as collaboration on destination portfolio.
• Build excellent relationships with the vendor partners – leading them to a Gartner level of creativity, innovation and passion in their conference planning and delivery.

• Lead the team with a creative vision, setting clear direction and inspiring innovative approaches to brand development and event experiences.
• Partner with creative agencies to conceptualize and deliver compelling brand narratives and memorable attendee experiences.
• Establish and champion a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, encouraging the team to push boundaries and elevate every aspect of our work.
• Collaborate closely with Gartner internal stakeholders to strategically align event objectives, ensuring that each conference reflects our brand vision and delivers impactful experiences.

• Effective financial management and predictability including budget creation, cost negotiation and accurate forecasting; highlight risks, recommendations for allocation of funds and management of a production planning calendar.
• Recruit, retain and coach a team of agile, customer focused, operational experts.
• Build team infrastructure to scale and operate efficiently.

• Flawless execution of the attendee journey across global conferences and events.
• Conference consistency through standardized and operational processes, project management and best practices both during planning and onsite execution.
• Self-starter, proactive and motivated, with ability to autonomously follow through on tasks to completion.
• Innovative and creative approach to all aspects of the role with a focus on cross-functional collaboration.
• Exceptional execution of attendee, client, and prospect experiences.
• Achievement of Gartner business unit objectives.
• Executive presence as a representative of Gartner Conferences to the wider Gartner Organization.
• Effective vendor partner relationships.
• Excellence in financial management.

• Corporate Events & Incentives, Corporate Marketing and Brand Teams, Creative Centre of Excellence, Global Conference Logistics, Global Conference Exhibitor Operations, Strategic Partnerships.

• Third party suppliers and contractors

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 10+ Years Event Management, Creative Development, Branding and Operations.
• Proven creative and operational management responsibility & management of teams.
• Proven event operational and project management skills.
• Proven experience in managing agency and vendor partners.
• Proven people management experience.
• Effective people management skills and leadership.
• Experience in creation of event spaces/environments/floor plans.
• Proven and exceptional project management skills, effective management of time and prioritization.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills especially with senior level…