The Miller Tanner Associates’ (MTA) difference is our people. That’s why we want to introduce you to our team of superstars that brings our corporate meetings and events to life for our customers. Today we introduce you to Senior Global Experience Designer – Events Sarae Gdovin. Sarae leverages her extensive expertise in pharmaceutical industry event management to deliver successful events for both our internal team and our customers.
Meet Sarae Gdovin, Senior Global Experience Designer – Events
Strengths (based on CliftonStrengths): Arranger, Learner, Strategic, Achiever,
Individualization
Tell us about your current role with MTA? What are your primary responsibilities?
I am currently a senior global experience designer here at MTA. My responsibility is to work closely with our customers to bring their event objectives and visions to life. I manage the logistics, behind the scenes, so our clients can focus on the content and deliver an exceptional event experience for all attendees.
What did you do before joining MTA?
I previously worked as an event director producing pharmaceutical events and managing a team of fellow event managers and coordinators.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the tangible aspect of seeing an event come together onsite in person – it is so fulfilling to see the hard work put into a project come alive into an experience.
What’s been your favorite event destination as an event planning professional?
Sydney, Australia – Australia had always been on my bucket list, and I was lucky enough to go for the first time for an event. I enjoyed it so much that I now go back any chance I can get!
MTA is full of brilliant people who work together to create exceptional events and truly embrace and practice the MTA values.
Do you have a few great travel tips that you could share?
‘Do the thing you’re supposed to do in the place you’re supposed to do it’ – I firmly believe in getting off the beaten path when traveling, but sometimes the most visited place is popular for a reason! You shouldn’t miss the Eiffel Tower light up at night just because it’s a tourist spot.
Also, AirTags! I have one in all of my suitcases, and they have been so helpful on the unfortunate occasions when my luggage has been lost.
What’s the one must-have for every event?
Comfortable shoes and a backup plan for any last-minute changes!
What do you do for fun?
Although I travel a lot for work, traveling is still my favorite thing to do! I love a solo adventure just as much as a trip with family or friends. My husband also shares my love for adventure, and we try to plan one big trip a year – our most recent being gorilla trekking in Uganda!
You are originally from? You currently reside in? What do you enjoy most about living there? Any favorite spots that you would recommend to tourists?
I am from and currently reside in northeast Pennsylvania – close to Scranton for fans of The Office! My favorite thing about living here is how well-connected it is to the Northeast and beyond. I’m only a 2-hour drive from Philadelphia or New York City, and just a few hours more to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Boston. Although our airport may be small, it’s usually only one connection away from any major city in the US, Europe, or LATAM!
What makes Miller Tanner Associates stand out as a meeting planning company?
Our people! MTA is full of brilliant people who work together to create exceptional events and truly embrace and practice the MTA values. We push each other forward to not only get the job done but innovate how it could be done better.
Why do you think that the MTA Workshops are important? What do you get most from this time together?
Getting the chance to experience my first MTA Workshop just a few months after joining the company was so impactful – it allowed me to strengthen new relationships and feel at home as a part of the team. The time we spend at the Workshop really shows that MTA is willing to put the same investment into in-person meetings as our customers, plus it gives a glimpse into what the Global Experience Team does for those who are not as often on site at events!
To learn more about the MTA Team, visit www.millertanner.com.
