Sepideh Eivazi, 35
Director of Global Accounts, Elevated Meeting Solutions, Los Angeles
How I got here:
I started at Bellagio as an executive assistant in convention services and was quickly promoted to convention services manager. I then transferred from operations to sales, and started working as an executive meetings manager at MGM Grand. I got promoted to sales manager. With the experience and knowledge I gained, I joined Elevated Meeting Solutions as director of global accounts in 2019.
My greatest career accomplishment:
I was awarded Bellagio’s employee of the month, and while at MGM Grand I was recognized as a top sales manager in the company. I was selected to be part of the Executive Mentoring Program, which included only 15 candidates from all of MGM Resorts.
Impressive stats:
We had no account cancellations during COVID-19 due to our relationships with our clients and hotel partners. I was able to renegotiate contract terms and rebook them for future dates with improved contract terms in general. Also, in October 2020, I hosted an event for 200 guests in Las Vegas and was able to implement on-site COVID-19 rapid testing, which allowed for a 50% increase in attendance.
A specific improvement I’ve made:
Elevated Meeting Solutions has a weekly industry conversation called “The Elevated Huddle” and it is one of my favorite social platforms. The theme of the Huddle is to introduce industry leaders and high performers and share their stories of success and their perspectives on how we can move forward collectively as an industry. I have taken ownership of this platform and have created a following and attachment from the industry—this has been a proud moment for me during a time of challenges and vast loss in our profession.
What I do outside of work:
Wellness plays a major role in my personal life. I enjoy cooking and creating healthy menus that will nurture and protect my body and overall health. Eating healthy meals, meditation, doing Pilates and having a mindfulness lifestyle is part of my daily routine. Also, I create different herbal and medicinal tea blends for myself and others to contribute to their well-being by exploring new herbs that benefit the body. I also volunteer for a hospice in Los Angeles and visit facilities periodically. This experience humbles me and brings so much appreciation and gratitude for what I have in life. Also, I am an avid reader and strongly believe it’s important to detach from electronics. I read every night before I go to bed for about 30 minutes.
Favorite vacation destination:
I enjoy traveling internationally and domestically. There are many amazing destinations in the world I would love to visit, from hiking and camping in Yosemite to staying in exotic places like Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens, Greece, and Aria Hotel in Prague.
Travel hack:
I always carry an empty reusable water bottle to the airport to avoid plastic bottles. Also, I take a picture of my passport for international travels to have a copy of my appropriate documents in case of theft or loss.
Instagram: @sepideheivazi
Facebook: sepideh.eivazi
