Facility Spotlight, Sarah Kirchberg, MGM Resorts
What is your job title and responsibilities?
Director, Global Sports Sales. Driving group business in the sports and sports tourism verticals to MGM Resorts owned and operated hotels and venues.
What was your first job in the industry?
My first paid job was as the grants & special events coordinator at the Florida Sports Foundation.
What aspect of your job do you like most?
The people!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Criminal investigator, pilot, veterinarian… you name it, I dreamt it at one point!
How did you get into this line of work?
The story starts while I was working in another industry. I was deeply unsatisfied and didn’t see the long-term growth opportunity if I stayed. That is when I applied for the sports management master’s program at FSU. I then spent the next 2 years continuing to work full time and attend grad school. As I neared the conclusion of the program, I landed an internship with the Florida Sports Foundation. I was able to extend that opportunity through a few different departments and teams at the Foundation, and when the opportunity was available, I was offered a full-time role and “the rest is history” as they say.
Do you belong to any civic or volunteer organizations?
I have been a longtime member of the Junior League, currently serving the Las Vegas chapter. Additionally, I am current president of the FSUAA Las Vegas chapter and was recently inducted as a Nellis AFB Honorary Commander.
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your career?
Getting to watch those who have trusted me to lead them, and my former teammates, continue to grow, chase their dreams, and find their success. Getting to be a part of their journey will always be an honor and my proudest accomplishment.
How do you manage your daily tasks?
Calendar blocks, lists. I find real satisfaction in checking things off a list.
How do you stay on top of sports tourism industry trends?
Reading industry publications, like PUSH, subscribing to newsletters, and watching overall sports, travel and tourism trends and news.
How are you developing key partnerships in the marketplace?
Curating genuine relationships with others. Developing that trust and understanding with one another.
Who was your greatest mentor?
I have had incredible advisors, mentors, and leaders throughout my career. They came into my orbit at various stages and served my professional and personal growth each in their own way and it is impossible to pick just one.
What are the top 3 things you’d want to pass on as advice to a young, up and coming industry professional?
First and foremost, this industry is all about relationships. The fluidity of the industry makes it important to realize the benefits of relationships. Just because you can’t work together in the immediate, doesn’t mean that opportunities in the future won’t change that. Final piece of advice is to protect your reputation, advocate for yourself and others and find your voice to tell your story.
What are you most passionate about and how did you get started with it?
Travel and mentorship. The experiences of other places, people, cultures and what they teach you cannot otherwise be duplicated. Learning from and modeling after compassionate, genuine leaders and colleagues is our best way to pay it forward.
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