We recently had the privilege of interviewing Allen Sabanal, Founder and Managing Director at Nspyr Events. As an event specialist, Allen has the responsibility for putting on a range of events. With over 15 years of experience in managing the entire event process, from planning to evaluation, Allen has a hands-on role, working with teams and leading brands in Beauty, Finance, Technology Retail, and international clients from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
In this insightful interview, Allen Sabanal shares about his career trajectory, and his business, and offers valuable suggestions for beginners in the relevant field.
The Beginning
We started the session by asking, “What initially drew you to your field, and how did your early experiences shape your approach to business?”
Allen Sabanal shared, “Back in the Philippines, I worked in the event industry, which has been my profession ever since. In 2014, I moved to Dubai and joined a company that managed corporate events, serving well-known brands such as HSBC, Cisco, Nokia, Microsoft, and more. My previous agencies provided extensive training, for which I am forever grateful.
Four years later, I transitioned to freelancing, gaining experience in large-scale governmental events and further enhancing my skills. Combining my experience in the Philippines with corporate and governmental events has truly prepared me to become a founder in a field I am passionate about – events.”
Genesis Of Nspyr Events
We were interested to learn more about the origin story of Allen Sabanal’s business. So, we asked, “Can you tell us about the genesis of your current business and what specific need or gap you aimed to address?”
Allen Sabanal shared, “During the pandemic, the event industry experienced significant ups and downs. I lost my livelihood for nine months, which severely impacted my finances. When the industry resumed with established guidelines and restrictions, I realized the necessity of a safety net to secure my visa and income. Inspired by my experiences and the people who contributed to my career, I founded Nspyr Events in 2021.
As a Filipino-owned agency, we thrive on dedication, innovation, and resilience in project execution despite the challenges faced compared to our Western counterparts. Our competitive advantage stems from our local insight and adaptability, allowing us to navigate obstacles adeptly. Our unique selling proposition lies in complementing larger agencies by offering personalized, culturally immersive event planning experiences in Dubai. With unparalleled local expertise and creativity, our boutique agency ensures meticulously detailed and bespoke occasions.”
Impact Of Personal Principles
To learn how Allen operates his business based on personal ethics and principles, we asked, “How have your values influenced the way you conduct business?”
Allen Sabanal replied, “I am deeply committed to my work, driven by client satisfaction and repeat business. Our core values are punctuality, professionalism, and rapid response without compromising quality. We prioritize our people, partners, and time. While larger agencies may face challenges in maintaining consistency, as a startup, we prioritize full commitment, timely delivery, and exceptional service.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
Challenges are an inevitable part of every business. So, we asked, “What has been the most challenging project or period in your career, and what did you learn from it?”
“As a startup agency founded and funded by myself, managing finances has been a challenge, especially since larger clients often require credit facilities for project acquisition. Balancing project acquisition with maintaining cash flow has been crucial. I have learned to negotiate payment milestones and explore alternative income streams to keep up with the growing demand for our services.” Allen Sabanal responded.
Redefining Businesses With Technology
Fast-paced digital transformation is playing a crucial role in uplifting every industry. So, we asked, “How do you integrate new technologies or innovative practices into your business operations?”
Allen Sabanal shared, “We integrate new technologies and innovative practices by leveraging event management software for streamlined logistics, virtual event platforms for global reach, and AI-driven analytics for enhanced attendee engagement and insights.”
Transforming Business Priorities
We further asked, “Could you share an experience where you had to pivot your business strategy dramatically?”
“In our second year, we redirected our initiatives towards niche corporate events due to the high competencies required and operational challenges faced. This shift allowed us to concentrate our efforts, providing personalized services and faster turnaround times.”
We streamlined workflows and retrained staff, stabilizing our finances and finding a niche where we excelled. It taught us to be agile and pursue sustainable growth aligned with our capabilities.” Allen Sabanal added.
Offering Guidance And Constant Learning
To gather insights on the role of mentorship in Allen Sabanal’s professional journey, we asked, “What role has mentorship played in your career, both as a mentor and a mentee?”
Allen Sabanal shared, “As a Mentee: Throughout my career, I sought mentors (specially my previous boss, Carl Shaw) with event management experience and global brand work. Their guidance helped me navigate challenges, understand industry nuances, and develop strategic approaches to client management. Learning from their mistakes and successes accelerated my learning curve and built a solid foundation for my agency.
As a Mentor: Having gained substantial experience over the years, I recognize the importance of paying it forward. I actively mentor aspiring event managers and young professionals entering the industry. Sharing my knowledge, offering advice on career progression, and providing practical tips on handling client relationships and project management are ways I contribute to their growth. I take pride in seeing mentees develop their skills, gain confidence, and achieve milestones in their careers.”
Plans We Asked Allen Sabanal
Eager to learn more about the plans Allen has set for his business, we asked, “Tell us more about your future business plans.”
Allen Sabanal responded, “As we celebrate our agency’s third anniversary and reflect on our growth, we are excited to share our future business plans which aim to further enhance our capabilities and expand our reach in the event management industry.
- Event Experience Department: We’ll improve our Event Experience department to create innovative events in the Middle East that resonate with local and international audiences. We’ll collaborate with local artists, vendors, and cultural experts to offer unique concepts highlighting the region’s richness.
- Staffing Department: Our staffing department will expand in the Middle East, recruiting diverse event professionals. Regional offices will provide tailored staffing solutions and training focusing on cultural sensitivity, language proficiency, and technical event industry skills.
- Exhibitions Department: The Exhibitions Department will handle retail fit-outs and exhibitions in the Middle East, specializing in logistics, exhibitor relations, and attendee engagement. Our objective is to become a trusted partner for companies exhibiting in Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.
- Market Expansion: We aim to become a leading event solutions provider in the Middle East through strategic partnerships and industry participation.
- Commitment to Sustainability: We will prioritize sustainability in our Middle East operations, practicing eco-friendly event planning, supporting local initiatives, and working with environmentally conscious suppliers to positively impact communities and the environment.
- Client-Centric Approach: We will expand into the Middle East with a client-centric approach, prioritizing understanding and exceeding our regional clients’ needs.”
Message For Beginners
Lastly, seeking guidance for beginners in this field, we asked, “What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting in your industry today?”
Allen Sabanal concluded, “One piece of advice I would give to someone starting in the event management industry today is to cultivate a mindset that balances optimism with preparedness. Here’s why each aspect is crucial:
- Mindset and Preparation: Have a positive mindset for projects and be ready for challenges. Stay adaptable and resilient to navigate unforeseen circumstances and achieve your goals.
- Expect the Worst Scenarios: Plan for worst-case scenarios like bad weather, technical issues, and logistical problems to minimize disruptions and keep clients happy.
- Find the Best Mentors: Find mentors with industry experience who can offer advice, knowledge, and guidance for your entrepreneurial journey.
- Always Have a Safety Net: Create a safety net of resources like money, dependable suppliers, and a supportive network to ensure stability and enable risk-taking without harming your projects or business.
- Think 10 Steps Ahead: Develop strategic thinking and foresight. Anticipate trends, client needs, and market shifts to outpace competition and achieve long-term success.
In essence, to excel in event management, embrace optimism and creativity, while being prepared for challenges. Seek guidance from mentors, plan strategically, and build a safety net for a resilient and successful venture.”
Follow Allen Sabanal on LinkedIn.
Find Nspyr on LinkedIn and visit their website https://we-nspyr.com
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