Interview Experience for Event Technology & Operations Manager at GitHub

I recently interviewed for the Event Technology & Operations Manager position at GitHub, and I’d like to share my detailed experience. This role is focused on managing and optimizing the technical and operational aspects of GitHub’s events, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and other live engagements. The interview process was multi-faceted and assessed my experience in event technology, logistics, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the interview process, the types of questions I encountered, and tips for preparing for this position.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Event Technology & Operations Manager role at GitHub was structured into several stages, including an initial recruiter screen, a technical interview focusing on event logistics and technology, a problem-solving exercise, and a final interview with senior team members. The interviews were designed to assess both my technical knowledge and ability to manage complex event operations, as well as my fit within GitHub’s collaborative and dynamic culture.

1. Initial Screening with Recruiter

The first step was a phone screen with a recruiter. This conversation was primarily focused on understanding my background, motivation for applying, and alignment with GitHub’s goals for this role. The recruiter provided an overview of the responsibilities and key challenges of the Event Technology & Operations Manager position.

Key topics discussed:

• My previous experience in event management and how I have used event technology in the past.
• Familiarity with GitHub’s company culture and how my skills align with the role.
• The type of events I have managed, including virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats.

Key questions from the recruiter:

• “What attracted you to this position at GitHub, and how do you think your experience in event operations aligns with our needs?”
• “Tell me about a time when you managed a complex event. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?”
• “How do you stay up to date with the latest event technology trends?”

The recruiter also provided insight into the team dynamics and the tools GitHub uses for event management, as well as the role’s expectations, which involve coordinating event logistics, managing virtual platforms, and collaborating with internal stakeholders.

2. First Round: Technical Interview on Event Logistics and Technology

The first formal interview was with a Senior Event Manager and a Technical Operations Lead from GitHub. This round was focused on my technical expertise in managing event platforms, tools, and technology infrastructure. The interviewers were keen to understand my experience with event management software, AV technology, and how I integrate these tools to ensure the smooth execution of events.

Key areas covered:

• Event Technology Tools: I was asked about the event platforms I have worked with, such as Zoom, Hopin, Slack, or event management software like Cvent. They were interested in how I would use these tools to manage the logistics of both in-person and virtual events.
  Example Question: “Can you describe your experience with hybrid events? How did you ensure smooth coordination between the virtual and in-person aspects of the event?”

• Technical Troubleshooting: A key part of the role involves addressing technical challenges during live events. The interviewers asked me to describe a situation where I faced technical difficulties (e.g., audio/video problems, network issues during a live stream) and how I resolved them quickly to ensure the event ran smoothly.
  Example Scenario: “You’re managing a hybrid event, and the livestream suddenly cuts out. How do you handle the situation in real-time, and what steps do you take to prevent it from happening again?”

• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: I was asked how I’ve worked with third-party vendors (e.g., AV teams, event platforms, and production teams) to ensure that technical setups are delivered on time and meet expectations.
  Example Question: “How do you work with vendors to ensure all event technology is set up and functioning correctly? Can you walk us through your process for vendor coordination?“

3. Second Round: Event Operations Problem-Solving Exercise

The second round of interviews involved a problem-solving exercise related to the logistics and execution of a major event. In this exercise, I was asked to plan and outline the key steps involved in managing a global virtual event with thousands of participants. The goal was to assess my ability to handle event logistics, team coordination, and crisis management.

Scenario:
“GitHub is hosting a large-scale global virtual conference with thousands of attendees across multiple time zones. There are several breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and sponsors. How would you approach the logistics of this event? What technology platforms would you use, and how would you ensure that each component is seamless?”

I was expected to cover:

• The platforms I would choose for streaming, registration, networking between attendees, and interactivity (Q&A, polls, etc.).
• The timeline and logistics, from planning to post-event follow-up.
• Contingency plans for potential issues, such as connectivity problems, technical failures, or speaker delays.

This exercise tested my ability to think critically, plan in detail, and balance multiple components of event management, all while ensuring the event aligns with GitHub’s high standards of quality.

4. Final Round: Leadership and Team Collaboration

The final interview round was focused on leadership and team collaboration. This was an in-depth discussion with senior leaders from Event Operations, Marketing, and Product teams. GitHub wanted to assess how I would collaborate across functions, manage diverse stakeholders, and contribute to the company’s goals of creating impactful events that engage customers, employees, and the broader community.

Key areas covered:

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The interviewers were keen to understand how I would collaborate with internal teams, such as Marketing, Sales, and Product. They asked about my experience working with cross-functional teams to ensure that the event’s messaging, branding, and content align with the company’s overall strategy.
  Example Question: “How do you coordinate with marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure an event’s messaging and goals are aligned with the broader business objectives?”

• Event Impact and Measurement: GitHub places a strong emphasis on measuring the impact of their events. I was asked about how I would define and track success metrics for events, such as engagement rates, customer satisfaction, and ROI.
  Example Question: “What key metrics would you use to measure the success of a virtual or hybrid event? How would you ensure that the event delivers measurable value for GitHub?”

• Leadership and Team Development: As an Event Technology & Operations Manager, leading a team is an important part of the role. I was asked about how I would build a high-performing team, ensure team members are supported and developed, and manage the day-to-day operations of the events team.
  Example Question: “Tell us about a time when you managed a team to execute a large-scale event. How did you ensure the team was aligned, and how did you handle any challenges during the process?“

5. Decision and Offer

After the final interview, I received feedback within a few days, and the offer was extended shortly thereafter. The offer included a detailed compensation package, benefits, and an outline of the role’s key performance metrics. GitHub also highlighted their commitment to supporting my professional development within the company.

Key Skills Tested

• Event Technology and Tools: GitHub was focused on testing my knowledge of event technology platforms and how I would use them to execute hybrid and virtual events. My familiarity with tools like Zoom, Hopin, Eventbrite, and Slack was critical.
• Logistics and Project Management: The ability to manage complex event logistics was essential. I was asked to demonstrate how I would plan and execute large-scale events, from budgeting to timeline management and vendor coordination.
• Problem-Solving and Crisis Management: I was assessed on my ability to think on my feet and troubleshoot issues during live events, especially when technical problems arise.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: GitHub places a strong emphasis on teamwork, so I was asked to provide examples of how I collaborate with other departments, such as Marketing, Sales, and Engineering, to ensure a successful event.
• Leadership: As the role involves managing an events team, I was asked how I would lead, mentor, and support team members while executing a successful event strategy.

Preparation Tips

• Familiarize Yourself with Event Platforms: Understand the different platforms GitHub uses for virtual and hybrid events. If you have experience with platforms like Hopin, Zoom, or Slack, be ready to discuss how you’ve used them in past events.
• Review Event Case Studies: Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed large-scale events, both virtual and in-person. Practice outlining your approach to event planning, logistics, and contingency planning.
• Understand GitHub’s Culture and Values: GitHub values collaboration and innovation. Think about how you would align your event strategies with GitHub’s mission and engage their global community.
• Practice Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for real-time problem-solving scenarios related to technical failures, last-minute changes, or logistical issues that can arise during live events.
• Focus on Metrics: GitHub cares about event impact. Be ready to discuss how you would measure the success of an event in terms of engagement, customer satisfaction, and overall ROI.