Nicole Paulsen
Leander
Summary
Results-driven global events executive with 20+ years of experience in developing and leading corporate event programs for technology companies. Expertise in creating impactful global event strategies that enhance flagship conferences and drive customer engagement. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional user conferences and scalable event portfolios, optimizing growth strategies, and delivering audience experiences that bolster brand leadership and revenue.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Manager, Global Corporate Events
Elastic
02.2022 - Current
- Lead strategy and execution for global corporate event programs including ElasticON and regional solution events supporting customer and partner engagement.
- Develop global event frameworks that align marketing programs with sales pipeline growth and partner ecosystem expansion.
- Manage large‑scale in‑person and hybrid conferences including content strategy, audience development, sponsorships, and onsite experience.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Product, Sales, and Customer Success teams to ensure consistent messaging and compelling event content for technical and executive audiences.
- Oversee vendor relationships, venue sourcing, production, event technology platforms, and agency partnerships across global programs.
- Manage multimillion‑dollar budgets while driving operational efficiencies and economies of scale across the events portfolio.
- Track performance metrics including attendance, engagement, pipeline contribution, and ROI to continuously optimize future events.
Strategic Events Manager
IBM
02.2019 - 02.2022
- Led execution of major strategic third-party events including NRF, Cisco Live, and Adobe Summit.
- Managed full event lifecycle, from planning and contracting to staffing and post-event lead management, ensuring seamless execution of events.
- Oversaw budgets exceeding $1M while coordinating cross-functional teams to maintain brand representation and drive demand generation.
- Led the IBM New Way to Work Tour, a global roadshow spanning 10 cities across North America, EMEA, and APAC designed to showcase IBM workplace transformation, hybrid cloud, and collaboration solutions.
- Directed end-to-end strategy and execution including city selection, venue sourcing, content development, executive speakers, production, and cross-functional alignment with sales and product teams.
- Created scalable event frameworks and operational playbooks to standardize branding, messaging, and attendee experience across tour locations, supporting regional sales pipeline generation.
- Managed the IBM Outthink Tour, a 20-city global roadshow focused on thought leadership and enterprise customer engagement.
North American Hybrid Cloud Events Manager
IBM
03.2018 - 02.2019
- Developed cohesive North American event strategy that drove pipeline growth and reinforced IBM’s leadership in cloud solutions.
- Enhanced attendee engagement through improved event experiences, leading to higher satisfaction and better event performance metrics.
North American Business Partner Events Manager
IBM
04.2017 - 03.2018
North American Financial Services Events Manager
IBM
09.2015 - 04.2017
North American Business Analytics Events Manager
IBM
06.2011 - 09.2015
North American Analytics & Social Business Events Specialist
IBM
04.2008 - 06.2011
Senior Field Marketing Specialist
Cognos
04.2005 - 04.2008
- Executed large-scale business analytics events, overseeing venue selection, audience generation, sponsorships, vendor coordination, A/V production, and onsite management to ensure successful engagement.
- Managed event lifecycle from concept to completion, coordinating general sessions, breakout tracks, and partner participation to deliver cohesive and impactful experiences.
Marketing Programs Manager
PeopleSoft
04.2000 - 01.2005
- Executed regional and national marketing programs that enhanced pipeline development and supported enterprise sales initiatives.
- Managed executive-level events that engaged C-suite buyers and key decision makers, fostering strategic relationships.
- Owned campaign performance, overseeing budget management and tracking ROI, response rates, and attendance for effective follow-up activities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Northern Colorado
Skills
- Global Event Strategy
- Corporate Conferences & User Events
- Event marketing
- Event technology
- Sponsorship Programs
- ROI measurement
- Budget management
- Vendor management
- Cross‑Functional Leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
Certification
- Certified Digital Event Strategist, PCMA
- Event-Led Growth Masterclass Certification, Cvent
Timeline
Senior Manager, Global Corporate Events
Elastic
02.2022 - Current
Strategic Events Manager
IBM
02.2019 - 02.2022
North American Hybrid Cloud Events Manager
IBM
03.2018 - 02.2019
North American Business Partner Events Manager
IBM
04.2017 - 03.2018
North American Financial Services Events Manager
IBM
09.2015 - 04.2017
North American Business Analytics Events Manager
IBM
06.2011 - 09.2015
North American Analytics & Social Business Events Specialist
IBM
04.2008 - 06.2011
Senior Field Marketing Specialist
Cognos
04.2005 - 04.2008
Marketing Programs Manager
PeopleSoft
04.2000 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Marketing
University of Northern Colorado