Sanjib Kalita, chairman at Fintech Meetup is quizzed on building smarter events, as he goes under the InGo Spotlight in this edit for CMW:
What is your proudest achievement in event marketing?
I’m proud of my whole career arc in event marketing – not just the milestones, but the evolution. Transforming myself from a computer chip designer with zero creative credibility over 20 years ago into someone who co-created and helped scale some of the most influential events and won major industry awards is something I am proud of.
One key turning point was leaving Google to build Money 20/20. We did things differently, like eliminating downtime, creating an agenda that made speakers uncomfortable but audiences happy, and challenging every assumption about what an event should look like.
The most recent turning point was joining Fintech Meetup and creating large-scale events that use technology to preserve the intimacy and community vibe of a close gathering of friends and people that should be friends. That spirit of pushing boundaries, of being unafraid to experiment, is what I carry with me to every event I touch.
Who is your event marketing hero?
I’d have to say the original Money 20/20 founding team, Anil Agarwal, Jonathan Weiner, Simran Rekhi Aggarwal because what we achieved wasn’t just personal success, it was a masterclass in collaboration. We all brought different perspectives to the table, and instead of smoothing over those differences, we leaned into them. That diversity of thought, background, and approach was our secret weapon. It taught me that the best marketing, the most resonant, the most human, often comes from synthesis and conviction, not uniformity.
What is the best piece of professional advice you’ve received, and who gave it to you?
My manager during a college internship at Lockheed Radar Systems, Steve Engel, told me to seek cross-functional opportunities because they maximise your ability to learn and build networks. That advice stuck with me. It’s pushed me to explore roles and projects that expanded my network, skillset, and understanding of the business across silos, which has made all the difference in a field as interconnected as event marketing.
Which InGo feature or tool has been most beneficial to your events?
The social sharing of registration. It played a critical role in expanding the reach of Money 20/20 and helped us scale geographically in ways that would have been hard to achieve otherwise. I’ve been an InGo customer for 11 years and a fan since the first year.
If you could describe your event marketing style in one word, what would it be?
Smart. I mean intentional, layered, and audience-aware. The best marketing speaks to people on multiple levels. There’s the obvious message, of course, but then there are subtler layers that connect with people depending on their context, their mindset, even their values and emotions.
I try to create materials that reward attention and resonate with different types of thinkers. I’ve also always embraced experimentation. Some of the best ideas I’ve had came from doing something that felt a little strange at first but turned out to be exactly what the moment needed.
Which recent event that you managed are you most proud of, and why?
Fintech Meetup stands out not just because it was a great event, but because we built the team as the rocketship was launching. Of the 40-plus team members on the event this year, only five had worked on the event before. But the veterans, myself included, made it a priority to mentor, support, and empower them. New team members needed to quickly take responsibility and deliver.
The result was more than a successful event. It was a shared win, a real proof point that culture, mentorship, and trust aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re strategic assets. Watching that group of people come together, own their roles, and deliver at a high level, that’s the kind of thing that stays with you.
What’s your top tip for someone just starting in event marketing?
Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Some of the most successful events I’ve worked on came from challenging industry norms and trying something unconventional. Be curious. Experiment. Learn what resonates, and don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t land the first time. That’s how you find your voice and your edge.
Whose work in the industry do you admire the most?
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group. He’s navigated industry challenges with creativity and confidence, and he’s never lost his passion. His honesty and ability to inspire trust have been a huge influence on me.
