What 30 years of bootstrapped growth can teach about scaling events
Marketing and engagement

What 30 years of bootstrapped growth can teach about scaling events

Thursday, May 21, 2026
12:10 PM - 12:45 PM | Europe/Berlin

Education session

Hall 9 | Research Pod, Inspiration Hub, Stand 9007
English
About

Discover how a 30-year journey of bootstrapped growth shaped an event strategy. Beginning with a handful of intimate gatherings in 2008, this has evolved into thousands of events worldwide. Each are curated to connect communities, nurture relationships, and strengthen identity. Go behind the scenes of an event marketing. Explore the strategy that made events central to Zoho's growth, the challenges faced and the lessons learned. Learn what led Zoho to rethink event tools and processes—and build them from scratch.

Learning outcomes:

Transform attendees into product advocates through strategic event touchpoints and community-driven discovery

Design customer journey touchpoints that boost product adoption and revenue growth

Apply five proven insights from managing 1,500-plus annual events with a tight 45-person team

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: 0.75

* CMP/CEU Approved: Domain A: Strategic Planning, 0.5 credits

Speakers

Arokia Vimalan

Lead Product MarketerZoho Backstage