Journey from Event Coordinator in Melbourne to NFL Stadium Director for the Jacksonville Jaguars with Eray Saban
Learn how to land dream roles overseas and manage large-scale events
Reuben Williams
March 25, 2024
Hello friends! 👋
Welcome to the SportsGrad Podcast: The ultimate guide to make it in the sports industry!
Each week we share how people made it in sports and tease out their career decisions, work habits, skills, and everything they do that makes them great.
All so you can learn how to get in, get promoted, and get thriving in the sports industry.
Meet Eray Saban, the Assistant General Manager of ASM Jacksonville and the Director of EverBank Stadium, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As you’ll learn in this episode, Eray is no stranger to a large stadium and event, and all of the challenges that come with it. From sports games, to sell-out concerts, to dealing with the FBI, his job is to make sure that every attendee has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Previously, his roles have included Event Operations Manager at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Stadium Event Manager at Marvel Stadium, and Event Operations Coordinator at Tennis Australia.
Lots to look out for, including how to break into the US sports industry, skills needed to manage large-scale events, how to effectively manage and lead, and how to utilise the power of networking.
Enjoy the episode!
In this episode we cover:
(01:25) Who is Eray Saban?
(02:38) Reuben & Ryan welcome
(07:40) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?
(11:08) Get to know Eray: Quick-Fire Questions
(14:48) Who are ASM Global and what does Eray’s role as Director entail?
(16:27) How to navigate the American industry as an Australian
(19:08) Eray’s journey from China to the USA following his role at Marvel Stadium
(24:28) How Eray navigates the safety and well-being of crowds at large events
(29:52) Things people wouldn’t know about event management
(30:58) How Eray transitioned from living in Australia to the US
(32:50) What the application and interview process was like for an NFL stadium
(35:08) What to know about the US Visa process
(38:52) How Eray used LinkedIn and networking to get hired for overseas roles
(44:02) How differentiating yourself will get you your dream roles
(47:16) Similarities and differences between the AFL and NFL
(51:30) The investment that goes into public safety
(52:58) Challenging situations as an event manager
(57:37) How Eray has dealt with the transition into leadership
(1:00:32) Advice and resources that have helped shape Eray’s leadership skills
(1:02:47) One action that you can do to start your event management career
(1:05:50) ASK SPORTSGRAD
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