Sami Tellawi
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Summary
Dedicated and seasoned Hospitality and Entertainment Director with a distinguished 17-year career at the intersection of guest experience and Events Management. Proven expertise in orchestrating immersive entertainment experiences, optimizing hospitality operations, and driving revenue growth in dynamic environments. Committed to leveraging my extensive industry knowledge and leadership skills to drive strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and elevate the overall guest experience.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Nightlife Director
Sekoya Management - Soho Garden
Dubai
11.2017 - 03.2024
- Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve revenue targets and drive business growth for Soho Garden's nightlife and entertainment offerings
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the sales team, setting clear goals and objectives, and fostering a collaborative and high-performance sales culture
- Collaborate with event planning and operations teams to plan and execute successful nightlife events, ensuring seamless coordination and exceptional guest experiences
- Work closely with marketing and communications teams to develop targeted marketing campaigns and promotional strategies to attract and retain guests, drive attendance to events, and increase revenue for Soho Garden
- Lead the full recruitment lifecycle, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, evaluating candidates, and making hiring decisions, ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the process
- Conduct training needs assessments to identify skills gaps and training requirements across the organization, collaborating with department heads and stakeholders to prioritize training initiatives
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and expansion strategies to diversify revenue streams and increase market share
- Foster collaboration and alignment across departments and functions, working closely with senior leadership, department heads, and team members to execute strategic initiatives
- Develop and manage event budgets, tracking expenses, negotiating contracts, and maximizing cost efficiencies while delivering high-quality event experiences within budgetary constraints
- Curate entertainment lineups and programming schedules for nightlife events, balancing a mix of music genres, performance styles, and interactive experiences to create dynamic and engaging event experiences
- Track sales performance metrics, KPIs, and key business indicators, providing regular reports and updates to senior management on sales activities, progress, and results
- Identify and collaborate with external vendors, sponsors, and partners to enhance entertainment offerings, secure sponsorships, and leverage partnerships to enhance event experiences and drive revenue.
Mood Director
Hakkasan Group
Las Vegas
06.2016 - 10.2017
- Collaborate with management to establish and maintain the overall ambiance, atmosphere, and energy levels within Hakkasan Group venues, including nightclubs, restaurants, and lounges
- Plan and coordinate special events, themed nights, and promotional campaigns in collaboration with marketing and events teams to attract and engage target audiences
- Oversee the installation, operation, and maintenance of lighting, sound, and visual equipment to ensure optimal performance and functionality
- Implement and enforce safety protocols, service policies, and other legal requirements to ensure a secure and enjoyable environment for guests and staff
- Successfully executed several high-profile events and themed nights, including collaborations with renowned artists and brands, resulting in increased venue visibility and revenue
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions, and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals
- Coordinated and managed sponsorships and sponsorship activation
- Determined target demographics and devised strategic marketing initiatives to reach target audiences
- Developed project management roadmap to define project objectives, timelines, and milestones
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows to meet any daily demand.
VIP Hospitality Director
SBE Hospitality Group
Los Angeles
04.2013 - 05.2016
- Build and maintain relationships with VIP clients, celebrities, influencers, and high-profile guests to drive loyalty and repeat business
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to identify VIP clientele and develop targeted outreach and promotional campaigns
- Lead a team of VIP hosts, coordinators, and concierge staff, providing training, guidance, and support to ensure the highest standards of service delivery
- Oversee VIP reservations and guest lists, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely communication with clients and internal stakeholders
- Manage VIP events and special promotions, including guest list management, table reservations, bottle service, and VIP amenities
- Monitor guest feedback and satisfaction levels, implementing improvements and addressing any issues or concerns in a timely manner
- Stay informed about industry trends, competitor offerings, and emerging VIP preferences to continuously elevate our VIP services and experiences.
Events and Promotions Director
Michael Romeo Entertainment Group
Washington D.C.
11.2008 - 03.2013
- Devise and implement creative promotional strategies to increase brand visibility, drive ticket sales, and enhance audience engagement for events organized by Michael Romeo Entertainment Group
- Plan and execute integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including social media, email marketing, digital advertising, and traditional media, to effectively promote upcoming events and attract target audiences
- Work closely with artists, performers, sponsors, and partners to develop co-branded promotional initiatives and leverage their networks and platforms to expand reach and maximize promotional impact
- Oversee the production and distribution of promotional materials, including posters, flyers, banners, and digital assets, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and messaging
- Recruit, train, and manage street teams and brand ambassadors to execute grassroots promotional efforts, street marketing, and guerrilla marketing tactics, in target markets
- Monitor the performance of promotional campaigns and initiatives, tracking key metrics such as ticket sales, attendance, website traffic, and social media engagement, and analyzing data to optimize future promotional efforts
- Develop and manage promotional budgets, allocating resources effectively to maximize ROI and achieve campaign objectives while adhering to financial constraints and cost-saving measures
- Developed innovative promotional initiatives that generated buzz and excitement around Michael Romeo Entertainment Group events, leading to sold-out shows and increased revenue.
Events Executive
K Street Lounge
Washington D.C.
08.2007 - 11.2008
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients interested in hosting private events at K Street Lounge
- Collaborate with clients to understand their event requirements, including guest count, budget, menu preferences, and special requests
- Develop customized event proposals and packages tailored to the client's needs and budget
- Coordinate all logistics related to private events, including scheduling, staffing, catering, audiovisual equipment, and decor
- Work closely with internal teams, including bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff, to ensure seamless execution of events
- Conduct site visits with clients to showcase event spaces and discuss event details
- Manage event timelines and ensure all deadlines are met leading up to the event
- Provide on-site coordination and support during events to ensure guest satisfaction and resolve any issues that may arise
- Follow up with clients after events to gather feedback and ensure satisfaction.
Education
BBA - Business Administration, Management And Operations
George Washington University
Washington DC, USA05-2008
Skills
- Project Management
- Operations Management
- Business Development
- Budget Control
- Contract Negotiation
- Staff Leadership
- Sales management
- Creative Direction
- Client Relations
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 08/24/1986
- Nationality: USA
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Nightlife Director
Sekoya Management - Soho Garden
11.2017 - 03.2024
Mood Director
Hakkasan Group
06.2016 - 10.2017
VIP Hospitality Director
SBE Hospitality Group
04.2013 - 05.2016
Events and Promotions Director
Michael Romeo Entertainment Group
11.2008 - 03.2013
Events Executive
K Street Lounge
08.2007 - 11.2008
BBA - Business Administration, Management And Operations
George Washington University
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