Event Award Show to Industry Leadership Platform Evolution
Snapshot
Led the Momentum Awards Evolution from Event to Industry Leadership Platform (2020-2024): Vision & Marketing Strategy Behind Chicago’s Leading Tech Awards, Shifting Narratives & Scaling Impact
My Role & Leadership
I led the complete transformation of the Momentum Awards, driving its growth from a private board fundraiser into Chicago’s premier innovation recognition event. My leadership spanned:
Marketing Strategy: Developed and executed a multi-phase marketing plan to increase nominations, ticket sales, sponsorships, and PR visibility.
Branding & Positioning: Rebranded the event to elevate its industry reputation, securing its place as a must-attend awards event for founders, executives, and investors.
Sponsorship & Revenue Growth: Designed and implemented a scalable sponsorship strategy, increasing sponsor value and growing revenue from $500K to $1.8M in 2024—collectively generating over $6M across four years.
Event Experience & Production: Overhauled show structure, integrating finalist storytelling, high-end stage production, and digital engagement to create a high-energy, immersive experience.
Media & Long-Term Impact: Built a structured content, PR, and social strategy to extend the event’s impact beyond the night itself, securing high-profile press coverage and ongoing engagement.
Challenge
Originally a low-visibility board fundraiser, the event lacked:
❌ A strong brand identity & industry credibility
❌ High-energy storytelling & audience engagement
❌ A structured sponsorship & growth strategy.
Approach & Execution
✅ Rebranded the awards as a top-tier industry event.
✅ Built a multi-phase marketing strategy driving nominations, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
✅ Redesigned the show experience, integrating finalist storytelling, high-end production, and digital engagement.
✅ Developed a scalable, year-round content strategy, ensuring long-term PR impact.
Key Results & Impact
📈 $6M+ sponsorship revenue generated over four years
📈 More than doubled attendance (250 → 550+)
📈 Merged two major awards shows, expanding categories & audience reach
📈 Secured high-profile press coverage, elevating industry prestige
Event Evolution (Year-over-Year Growth)
2020: Virtual transformation → Record digital attendance & engagement
2021: Hybrid model → Sold-out in-person + doubled social engagement
2022: Award show merger → Expanded categories & audience reach
2023: Web3 integration → NFT finalist rewards & high-engagement storytelling
2024: Ultimate brand elevation → Largest audience, record $1.8M revenue, major press impact
