ANNENBERG FOUNDATION X COMPARABLY
Client:
Comparably
Year:
2018
Role:
Experiential Strategy & Event Director
Category:
Tech // Impact // Employer Branding // Large-Scale Events
Overview:
Led the strategy and execution of a multi-city experiential platform designed to connect top tech talent with leading employers—positioning Comparably as a key player in employer branding and recruitment marketing.
Strategy & Approach:
Developed a scalable event model that combined recruitment, brand storytelling, and community engagement—bringing together Fortune 100 companies, startups, and civic leadership to create high-impact talent marketplaces.
Approached the initiative as both a growth engine and brand platform, aligning exhibitor acquisition, audience development, and stakeholder outcomes across multiple cities.
Execution:
Directed end-to-end production of large-scale tech job fairs, a startup pitch competition, and a hackathon across Los Angeles and Seattle—managing logistics, programming, staffing, and cross-functional coordination across internal teams, vendors, and public sector partners.
Led rapid expansion into the Seattle market in under 2.5 months—building and executing a second full-scale event from the ground up while maintaining quality, consistency, and stakeholder alignment.
Growth & Partnerships:
Developed and executed a targeted sales and outreach strategy that increased exhibitor participation from 75 to 200+ companies in under two months—securing partnerships with brands including SpaceX, Disney, Nike, YouTube, Lyft, Snap, Tinder, and Ticketmaster.
Built and maintained relationships with Fortune 100 companies, aligning sponsorship, recruitment goals, and on-site brand activations to maximize value for all stakeholders.
Operational Leadership:
Introduced new production frameworks and logistics systems that resolved legacy issues and improved overall event execution within the first month of leadership.
Optimized staffing strategy through partnerships with local universities, reducing staffing costs by 55% while maintaining high-quality execution.
Managed full budgets, timelines, and execution for events ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 attendees, operating with a lean team structure.
Results:
> 10,000+ attendees and 250+ exhibitors in Los Angeles
> 3,000 attendees and 100+ exhibitors in Seattle
> 2-city expansion executed in under 2.5 months
> 55% reduction in staffing costs through operational efficiencies
> Significant increase in exhibitor acquisition and brand participation
> Delivered ROI and strategic value to stakeholders including Comparably, Annenberg Foundation, and the > Mayor’s offices of Los Angeles and Seattle
