Sergio Ramirez, Event Coordinator at the Santa Clara Convention Center, brings a unique blend of skills to his role, combining expertise in customer service, technical training, and event coordination. Since joining Smart City Networks, he has leveraged his hospitality background and passion for IT to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and exhibitors alike. Sergio recently shared his journey with us, including how building his own PC during the pandemic sparked a love for technology, his favorite aspects of working with tech events, and the vibrant team culture at SCCC. Don’t miss this amazing interview! Sergio Ramirez, this is your Spotlight!
Hi Sergio! To start, I want to hear about your background. Have you always been passionate about the events industry?
S: My background is in the hospitality industry, where I’ve always been involved in events from a unique perspective. I have experience working in catering, restaurants, and production companies, which allowed me to see events from a different angle. Joining Smart City gave me the opportunity to bring even more value to the event experience.
What first drew you to Smart City?
S: During COVID, my interest in IT and technology really took off—I decided to tackle building my own PC from scratch! While it was challenging, it sparked a passion that led me to take an IT class, where I discovered a particular fascination with internet infrastructure. When I learned about Smart City’s role in network infrastructure at the SCCC, I immediately saw an exciting opportunity to deepen my skills and take on new challenges.
What does your job entail? How would you describe your day-to-day activities?
S: As an Event Coordinator, I provide customer service, which comes naturally to me after 7 years in the hospitality industry. Working in a smaller venue, I also focus on upselling services to smaller events, offering IT support, and handling project coordination. Additionally, I participate in safety meetings, addressing building-related issues, and with the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, I bring samples of our KnowBe4 training to ensure we stay vigilant and prepared. From working with clients and exhibitors to finalize event details to troubleshooting both administrative and on-the-field issues and collaborating with other partners in the building, I strive to keep everything running smoothly.
Do you have a favorite part of your job?
S: My favorite part of the job is working with tech events. I love the energy and innovation that come with these types of events, as they provide a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology. Whether it’s setting up intricate AV systems, coordinating live-streams, or troubleshooting on-the-fly technical issues, I thrive in the fast-paced environment. I also enjoy the challenge of collaborating with tech experts and clients to ensure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the final result come together, knowing that we’ve helped showcase the latest advancements in technology.
How would you describe your team culture in Santa Clara?
S: Our team prioritizes open communication, where everyone’s input is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute their expertise. The pace can be fast, especially with tech events, but we thrive on the challenge and support each other to ensure success.
What do you like most about your convention center?
S: We are across from Levi’s Stadium, which means we get free tickets to football games (just kidding). Our venue accommodates any and every event. I recall being a small child attending a religious event here at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Now that I am part of the SCCC team, I see the passion in the sales team to make events of all sizes happen. From the Pacific International Quilt Festival to Synopsys and Microsoft AI, we proudly work with our guests to make their dream event spaces a reality.
How would you describe the relationship between Smart City and the SCCC? What is it like to work together to provide the best customer service and connectivity for shows?
S: The relationship between Smart City and the Santa Clara Convention Center is highly collaborative and built on a shared commitment to excellence. Whether it’s coordinating logistics, troubleshooting on-site issues, or tailoring IT services to meet the specific needs of each event, the synergy between our teams ensures that clients and exhibitors receive the best possible service.
Have there been any instances you can think of where you have used one of our 10 Business Principles in the Workplace?
S: Here at the venue, we aim to do things right the first time. However, with high-tech events, things tend to go wrong quickly, which is when we apply the ‘think fast, move fast’ approach.
To wrap things up, what is something fun that people don’t know about you?
S: I really love broadcasting at high bandwidths! It’s exciting to keep up with the streaming community, especially watching marathon streams and the latest IRL trends. I’m always geeking out over the new tech that lets streamers bring their content to life in top quality, no matter where they are. Staying tuned in to how technology keeps evolving in the streaming world is one of my favorite things to do!
Thank you to Sergio Ramirez for the interview! For more Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!
