Get to know Sam Sayad, Golden 1 Center’s Director, Guest Experience! Find out how Sayad works to ensure each guest enters with a smile, and leaves with lifelong memories.
Tell us a little about what your responsibilities are as Director, Guest Experience?
“To keep it simple, my role is to ensure that each and every guest that attends an event at Golden 1 Center has the best experience possible. My role works in conjunction with all departments and vendors at the arena to ensure there is a clear understanding of the expectations pertaining to the guest experience.”
What does an event day at Golden 1 Center look like for you?
“The beautiful thing about our industry is that no two days are the same. Each event poses a different array of challenges, which continuously keeps me on my toes. If I have learned one thing, it is to expect the unexpected.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
“The two things I love most about my job is the people I work with and the interaction with guests on a daily basis. First and foremost, I feel privileged to work with both a front office and frontline staff that are so passionate about what they do. I never take for granted my peers as it makes my job truly enjoyable.
Additionally, each event we host, I have the opportunity to meet people from all around the world. From a guest experience perspective, we have the ability to create lifelong memories for our guests each and every night we host an event.”
In what ways do you think Golden 1 Center is unique in customer service aspects?
“We not only rely on our frontline staff to ensure a positive guest experience, but we utilize technology to better the overall guest experience at Golden 1 Center. With the integration of tools such as the Kings + Golden 1 Center App, guests are now connected the moment they walk into the building and have the ability to let us know about their experience in real time.”
How do you work to ensure fans have the best possible experience at a Golden 1 Center event?
“I trust in our frontline staff to provide world class service to our guests in attendance. I have no doubt that we have one of the best frontline staffs in the world, which naturally increases the number of positive experiences. Additionally, we are constantly working with various departments within the Sacramento Kings Organization to brainstorm ways in which we can further enhance the overall guest experience.”
What do you think is most important when it comes to customer service?
“Respect. Within the Guest Services Department, we continuously discuss the importance of respecting our guests and making a conscientious effort to treat each and every guest as a VIP.”
What has been your favorite, or most memorable moment working as Director, Guest Experience?
“To date, my most memorable moment was opening Golden 1 Center with Paul McCartney on October 4, 2016. The sense of accomplishment and pride felt by the Sacramento Kings Organization that evening was a feeling I will never forget. I will forever be grateful to have worked with such a talented team on a project that meant so much to the city of Sacramento.”
Is there anything else you’d like to say to the people of Sacramento?
“Having been open approximately one year, we are constantly seeking ways to further enhance the guest experience. Any feedback or suggestions you may have are welcomed. Please contact us at [email protected] with any ideas you may have. We hope to see you at Golden 1 Center soon!”
