Built to Last: 20+ Years at Event 360 Featuring Sarah Coniglio
Event 360 is built by people who believe deeply in what they do. People guided by purpose, meaningful work, and a commitment to making the world better through the events we plan, produce, and execute.
We have more than a dozen individuals on our team who have called Event 360 home for more than 20 years. Their longevity is unusual in this industry, but for us it’s foundational. In this ongoing series, we honor the team members whose commitment, knowledge, and heart have helped shape our company. Through their stories, reflections, and memories, we celebrate not just the years they’ve spent here, but the impact they’ve made along the way.
Today, we’re proud to recognize Sarah Coniglio, who joined Event 360 in 2003 and currently serves as Special Operations Lead.
When you think back to your first year at Event 360, what stands out most to you now?
Honestly, what stands out is how much we’ve grown. Looking back, I can really see the care this company has carried through all these years — that’s what’s stayed with me most. I’ve loved being part of this community, this family, and watching us grow together.
Which of Event 360’s Six Values resonates most deeply with you, and how have you seen it come to life during your time here?
Great people, hands down. I have friends here I’ve had for over 20 years who I consider family. They mean everything to me. I love how people here show up for each other, how much they genuinely care, and how ready everyone is to help each other, our community, and our clients.
What is a moment — on event or behind the scenes — that you’ll never forget?
After a really stressful event relocation — we had a tornado watch and had to move all of our participants off site — the leadership staff ended up together in the command center trailer. Someone put on a song, and we just started dancing. It was such a release. Everyone was smiling and laughing, and it broke all that tension. One minute you’re carrying the full weight of what you just went through, and the next you’re letting go of it together.
What’s a lesson you learned at Event 360 that you’ll carry with you wherever you go?
Don’t take things so seriously. This work matters, and the people I work with matter, but life is short. Enjoy the people and enjoy the work while you’re doing it.
Tell us about a participant interaction that stayed with you long after the event ended.
My sister-in-law had breast cancer, and one of the events I worked on for over 20 years was a breast cancer walk. She came out and walked every mile with me. At the closing ceremony, survivors go up on stage and then walk out into the crowd. I managed to get her up there at the last minute. As she walked past me, she blew me a kiss. It was such a powerful moment — her love, her strength, everything she’d been through. It made me think about how grateful I was for her, and it’s stuck with me ever since.
What’s changed the most at Event 360 since you started, and what has remained constant?
We’re a lot more grounded now, and a lot smarter about how we do things. In the early days, we were still learning. It could feel chaotic, which is just part of the event industry. Now we approach things calmly, and we get the work done in a way that doesn’t feel so frantic. We’ve really matured. Now we follow the mantra, “work smarter, not harder” instead of just working harder.
What are you most proud of having been part of at Event 360?
I’m proudest of the less tangible things I’ve been able to bring back to the team. I stepped away from Event 360 for a period of time, and when I came back, I brought a lot of what I’d learned about living with intention, meaning, and groundedness. Being able to share that — reminding people to find balance, not take things too seriously, and know that doing your best is enough — means more to me than anything I could point to directly.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning their Event 360 journey today?
Know that this work is live, and live work is going to be stressful and constantly changing. That’s just the nature of it. If you’re doing your best and putting your best foot forward, that’s all you can do. Trust your preparation, expect things to shift, and know you’ve got a great team behind you. We always get through it together.
Thank you, Sarah, for the care, craft, and consistency you bring to Event 360. You make people feel seen and heard. You listen and reflect. You bring calm and wisdom. You remind us to bring balance to all we do. Your presence and experience have left an indelible mark on Event 360. We’re thankful for all you’ve contributed and for everything still to come!
