Sahar Pearose, 33, is the director of operations for 360 Destination Group. She's based in Yorba Linda, Calif.
What I do:
I support all 24 of our national offices in executing successful events. I oversee two of our offices and support our key client’s destination specific. I assist in hiring and training on-site operations managers as well as support staff. I work closely with our account executives in meeting with clients to bring their visions to life and build long-lasting relationships.
Why I love my job:
I love doing what I do, knowing I have executed a beautiful event in being able to bring the client's vision to life. I love the rush and the excitement behind the scenes working with amazing hotel partners, vendors and our tried-and-true staff! Not one day is ever the same, and that is what I live for!
My career journey:
I went against the grain and followed my passion for events, starting in the hospitality industry in 2011 at the Richard Nixon Foundation on the events team. From there, I transitioned to an experiential marketing company and made my way to the DMC world on the operations team with 360 Destination Group—and I’ve never looked back since!
My greatest career accomplishment:
Successfully planning a 4,000-person evening event with three different themed areas, each one with its own entertainment for that era! We had full sound and AV production on-site to create a unique stage for each entertainer. With weeks of planning down to the finest detail on the menu cards, signage, roller skating rink, classic cars and strolling entertainers, to name a few, it was a three-day load in to create this masterpiece! With every detail was truly designed for each of the eras, which created an immersive experience for the guests.
How I helped my organization during COVID:
We pivoted by moving into the virtual realm in being able to create unique experiences. We had world-famous comedians, magicians, Broadway stars, chefs and singers, to name a few of the experiences guests were able to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes. When we moved back to in-person, we worked tirelessly to ensure we had the proper processes in place following the CDC guidelines, to ensure it is a safe environment for all attendees to enjoy being where they love: in person!
The time I averted a complete event disaster:
This one was a tough one. A hired florist did not deliver flowers on-site for an event. Creating relationships with vendors is so important in what we do. I was able to reach out to a local florist I just worked with the night prior, and together we scoured all the flower shops in the area, purchased all their supplies and built five kings table centerpieces together. They were beautifully placed, with candles burning bright just minutes before the clients walked into the event space! Talk about a close one.
My most memorable event experience in the past year:
It had to have been in Miami, with a private event at the beautiful Versace Mansion on Ocean Ave. An extremely lucky 100 guests enjoyed a unique space with so much history. The mansion has this charm about it that is unforgettable!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Every day we are given a new challenge, or come across a new obstacle. It is how we beautifully conquer those that leave a lasting impression on clients. Being the calm in the middle of the storm is a true talent to master.
Impressive stats I’m responsible for:
I have operated 40-plus programs this past year, ranging from virtual events that were reaching people worldwide to in-person events across the nation from California to Florida and every state in between. Being able to grow in this hybrid world we now live in allows me to be versatile and agile, making me a key player in our new normal.
What’s next?
I am working on training and implementing new processes to support our fast-growing teams. My goal is to continue working nationally with our key clients in executing events in all of our offices. Director of operations for the West Coast is what I’m working towards!
What I do outside of work:
My favorite thing to do when I have free time is hike. I also love to take day trips to explore any new restaurants and activities. Everything is changing so quickly around us; we have to keep up with the times.
Dream vacation:
Seychelles! With the deep blue waters and white sandy beaches with exotic sea life, snorkeling and hiking in the national parks is at the top of my list. I love to immerse myself in the local culture.
Favorite icebreaker line:
I always start out with a smile, a firm handshake and an interesting fact about myself. My favorite one to share is that I am a twin, and the topics of discussions just naturally flow from there.
Connect with Pearose on LinkedIn.
“Connect x BizBash 40 Under 40” is sponsored by VDA, an experiential marketing and event design agency based in Massachusetts that specializes in custom live, virtual and hybrid experiences.
