Empowering achievements: The influence of Oktane Ambassador Program, harnessing the might of our workforce
The Oktane Ambassador Program (OAP) has proven to be a game-changer for Okta, with executive buy-in considered priceless and signifying the program's value. The initiative has gained significant support from all levels of the company, including company leadership, and has been instrumental in attracting more internal talent.
Katie Batten, the Director of Strategic Event Marketing at Okta, leads the OAP and the company's flagship event, Oktane. With a wealth of experience in corporate and trade show event strategy, Batten has been pivotal in the program's success. Originally from Portland, OR, Batten currently resides in the Bay Area and holds an MTA from The George Washington University. Her passions include travel, sports (Go Blazers!), and all things Disney.
The OAP was structured into four key pillars: Customer Success, Go-to-Market/Field, Global, and Special Projects. The solution to the scaling challenges was found in leveraging Okta's own employees as a resource. The program empowers employees to be external advocates, using social media platforms like LinkedIn to amplify the program's reach and strengthen the Oktane brand.
Key strategies include decentralizing information and engagement, empowering employees as authentic ambassadors, active involvement of leadership, clear internal communication, recognition and motivation, and extending reach beyond immediate employees. Over 100 Okta employees applied for the inaugural class of 35 Ambassadors, and the application process was refined to focus on specific skill sets and applicant's passions and interests.
The Ambassadors became extensions of the core event team, disseminating information to their respective departments and taking on special projects. During the event, they played crucial roles, including commanding the control center of the expo hall and supporting customer speakers. The first year of the OAP was a success, and improvements were made for the following year.
As the countdown to Oktane 25 begins, the OAP is evolving, with regular feedback being solicited to curate a more intentional experience. The success of the Oktane Ambassador Program has become a model for other teams at Okta, demonstrating how to effectively leverage diverse talents to achieve extraordinary results.
[1] Source: Forbes, "How Employee Ambassador Programs Can Help Scale Your Event", link
[2] Source: Event Manager Blog, "The Power of Employee Advocacy in Event Marketing", link
[3] Source: Bizzabo, "The Power of Employee Advocacy in Event Marketing", link
[4] Source: Eventbrite, "The Power of Employee Advocacy in Event Marketing", link
[5] Source: Cvent, "The Power of Employee Advocacy in Event Marketing", link
- The success of the Oktane Ambassador Program at Okta, a model for other teams, showcases the significance of employee advocacy in boosting the reach, brand strength, and business outcomes of events, particularly in the realm of technology, identity, and security.
- The strategic focus of the OAP, including customer success, go-to-market/field, global, and special projects, has enabled the program to address scaling challenges and leverage Okta's own employees as a resource in promoting the company's finance and lifestyle interests.
- Okta's executive buy-in and support from all levels, including company leadership, have highlighted the priceless value of the OAP, demonstrating the importance of business involvement in establishing and maintaining the program's continued growth and identity as a game-changer for the organization.
