Emilie Watrob, CMP, 37
Head of Event Marketing, ZS, Evanston, Ill.
What I do:
I oversee and lead the events strategy, working collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure that ZS’s largest marketing channel is optimized.
How I got here:
I started at a nonprofit association, where I fell in love with event planning. After transitioning to the corporate side of the industry, I found my niche and began to expand my skill set. Having worked for two Fortune 500 companies, I looked for a more focused opportunity and found ZS.
My greatest career accomplishment:
The first was receiving my CMP. I knew I joined an elite group. The second is when my team won the Crain’s Hidden Gem award for best attendee engagement in recognition of Ulta Beauty’s General Managers Conference. We did a major makeover of our conference and our efforts showed.
Impressive stats:
Like others, we took our keystone conference to a virtual platform. Our attendance grew by 68%, with a 79% retention rate. We also had over 18 countries represented when previous meetings had been limited to North America.
A specific improvement I’ve made:
I developed and implemented our monthly webinar series, and we are launching our first podcast series!
What I do outside of work:
This past year, I was part of the MPI's women’s board. It was great connecting with so many different women in the industry. I am also a member of the local Junior Women’s Club where we support and raise awareness for charitable organizations in our community. During the pandemic, I started flipping furniture to create a healthy diversion. It is a great creative outlet for me. Check out my Instagram for all my work I have completed to date. In addition to my hobbies and activities, I stay very busy with my two boys who are ages 5 and 9.
Favorite vacation destination:
While I love exploring new locations, one of my favorite places we visited was the JW Marriott on Marco Island. We were lucky enough to stay in one of their beachfront lanais, which was truly breathtaking.
Favorite icebreaker line:
What has been your favorite place you have traveled to?
Travel hack:
When I am in a time crunch in the morning, I use my hair straightener to “iron” my clothes.
Instagram: @ewatrob83
