Xander Castro

AI | Marketing | Events

United States

About

Experience

  • Zapier (1 yr 5 mos)
    • Event Marketing Manager
      Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    • Customer Advocacy Marketing
      Mar 2025 - Mar 2026 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Freelance Event Producer at Self-employed
    2008 - Present · 18 yrs 7 mos

    As a freelance event producer, I've collaborated with in-house teams & agencies to organize and execute every facet of the event lifecycle, including marketing/communications/sales, sponsorship, logistics, production, contracting & negotiation, staffing, on-site management, vendor relations, food & beverage, and every other responsibility requested of my clients and partners. Projects include: Blue Yonder Winner's Circle - Honolulu, HI - June 2023 Giant Spoon, Johnny Walker Activation - Chicago, IL - 2019 Chicago Bears Tailgate by Budweiser - Chicago, IL - 2018 - 2019 The Surly Concert Series presented by First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN - 2019 On-Call Event Manager, On the Scene, CTC Destination Management - Chicago, IL - 2017 - 2019 PM Grow Summit, 2016 - 2018 Target After Hours College Event, Periscope - Minneapolis, MN - 2011

  • MicroConf (10 yrs 6 mos)
    • Event Director
      Feb 2021 - Jun 2024 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      I spearhead all aspects of operations, finance, marketing, product development, and HR as the driving force behind a startup community and accelerator for B2B SaaS companies. I navigate complex challenges and opportunities, demonstrating an innate ability to develop and execute comprehensive business strategies to drive growth and success. I lead the transformation of a fledgling startup community into a thriving ecosystem, leveraging innovative approaches and dynamic leadership to achieve significant milestones. I foster a culture of excellence and collaboration, empowering teams to excel in their respective domains and driving collective success. Freelance Event Producer (2014 - 2019) Event Producer (2019 - 2021) Event Director (2021 - Present) • Cultivated strategic partnerships with renowned brands like Stripe, monday.com, and Basecamp, driving annual partnership revenue surpassing $300,000. • Recruited and managed a diverse roster of over 300 thought leaders and keynote speakers, ensuring representation from under-represented communities, in alignment with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies. • Guided community expansion initiatives for MicroConf, resulting in a remarkable collective Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) among its members exceeding $600 million. • Directed the comprehensive rebranding of a SaaS startup conference, scaling from two semi-annual events to a diverse portfolio of in-person and virtual experiences, attracting over 1,000 attendees annually and fostering a membership community of 6,500 members. • Implemented a targeted growth strategy resulting in a substantial increase in subscriber base from 6,000 to 120,000 across various digital platforms within five years. • Optimized operational efficiency at MicroConf by mastering a suite of software tools and implementing automation solutions, significantly reducing manual tasks and streamlining processes for enhanced productivity.

    • Event Producer
      Sep 2019 - Feb 2021 · 1 yr 6 mos

    • Freelance Conference Producer
      Jan 2014 - Sep 2019 · 5 yrs 9 mos

  • Event Manager at Show Ready Events
    2016 - 2020 · 4 yrs

    When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to participate in the FIRST Robotics Challenge, a STEM-centered program that allowed students to explore all facets of robotics. When I was asked to join the team as an event assistant and then as a touring event manager, it felt like serendipity. Responsibilities included: - Served as the show manager for all production-related processes, including freight receiving, load-in, volunteer management, set-up, vendor relations, script writing, VIP guest management, show calling, and labor management. - Worked in venues ranging from high school gymnasiums to Olympic arenas, liaising with our venue partners to ensure all health and safety protocols were followed. - Managed the load-in and load-out of 20+ semi-trucks, over 500 teams into the Detroit Convention Center for the FRC Championship event in 2019.

  • Dishwasher/Food Runner at The Alinea Group
    Apr 2018 - Sep 2019 · 1 yr 6 mos

    My time at Alinea was one of the best detours I could have taken in my career. I was eager to gain firsthand experience behind the scenes of world-class, luxury operations. I embraced the challenge and mastered the details that set the stage for impeccable service twice a night, seven nights a week. My commitment and willingness to start from the ground up allowed me to work my way to front-of-house service, where I continued to contribute to unforgettable dining experiences for our guests. Responsibilities include: - Worked on a team with 7 dishwashers to ensure the kitchen had all necessary equipment and supplies were clean and organized. - Understood the logistical requirements of a 2-seating schedule, which meant understanding when specific service pieces needed to be washed to be used for a second service. - Maintained immaculate work spaces in line with the luxury brand. - Set up and maintained runner stations, ensuring operational efficiency. - Executed daily tasks with precision, maintaining attention to detail. - Possessed thorough knowledge of menus and reservations, enhancing guest experience. - Delivered dishes to the dining room, providing explanations as necessary. - Anticipated and responded promptly to Chef and team needs, fostering a collaborative environment.