Event Operations Lead, BlizzCon - Temp - Bellevue, WA

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., a division of Activision Blizzard and a Microsoft subsidiary, is a renowned video game developer and publisher known for iconic titles such as Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft. With a rich history spanning over 30 years, Blizzard has been a leader in creating critically acclaimed and genre-defining games that engage tens of millions of players worldwide across multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Activision Blizzard is one of the largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies globally, hosting a vast entertainment network with hundreds of millions of active users in 196 countries. The company thrives on a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, aiming to connect and engage players worldwide through epic entertainment experiences. Blizzard offers a comprehensive benefits package promoting physical, emotional, and financial well-being to support its employees and fosters a work environment where everyone can thrive. The Event Operations Lead for BlizzCon 2026 is a pivotal, temporary role lasting approximately 12 months, designed for a seasoned operations and execution leader. This role will spearhead the planning, coordination, and delivery of BlizzCon 2026, working closely with Blizzard’s internal planning teams. The position demands strategic thinking, operational rigor, and outstanding communication skills to manage the event lifecycle from roadmap development and content planning to executive presentations and onsite execution. The Event Operations Lead acts as a critical liaison across multiple departments including development, events, community, communications, marketing, franchise, legal, security, and IT, ensuring alignment and accountability towards the successful execution of BlizzCon 2026. This hybrid work role primarily centers around Irvine, CA, with allowances for flexible remote work arrangements tailored to individual circumstances. Responsibilities include managing the master program roadmap, tracking project milestones and dependencies, and identifying risks and mitigation strategies. The role encompasses driving the content and attendee experience planning by working with cross-functional teams to finalize session formats and coordinate keynote and panel activities. The Event Operations Lead will prepare and present regular updates to senior leadership, drive decision-making, and oversee budget and vendor management, collaborating closely with finance, procurement, and external partners. Additionally, the role ensures smooth onsite operations during the event, facilitates post-event retrospectives, and develops scalable operational models and playbooks for future events. The successful candidate must have over 12 years of experience in program management, event operations, or strategic execution within complex and cross-functional environments, ideally with exposure to gaming or entertainment events. Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential for navigating the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the gaming industry and contributing effectively to BlizzCon’s continued success.

• 12+ years of experience in program management, event operations, or strategic execution roles
• Proven track record of leading large-scale cross-functional initiatives with complex stakeholder landscapes
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills including experience with executive audiences
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities
• Experience in gaming, entertainment, or fan-facing events is a strong plus