From Childhood Inspiration to Professional Success
Muhannad Shaath’s journey in the events industry began early, sparked by family outings to acrobatic festivals and theater performances that captured his imagination. These experiences fueled his dream of a career in event planning, a passion he followed through years of hard work and dedication. Today, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the events sector, Muhannad’s innovative approach to event management has left a lasting impact, drawing thousands to his meticulously planned gatherings.
The Early Steps: A Humble Beginning
Muhannad’s career began in 2008 as a product model in a local mall, a role that introduced him to the world of marketing and events. Step by step, he climbed the ladder, gaining practical knowledge and honing his skills with every new position. With each success, his ambition grew, and so did his commitment to delivering memorable experiences.
His first major event—a large, integrated festival—was a milestone in his career. Muhannad not only designed the concept but also oversaw every aspect of its execution. The event drew over 45,000 visitors in one week, achieving a 99% success rate, a testament to his careful planning and execution.
Shaping Excellence Through Teamwork and Leadership
One of Muhannad’s guiding principles is the importance of building an effective, cohesive team. Early on, he faced challenges with inexperienced teams, impacting event quality. This experience shaped his focus on recruiting skilled professionals and fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment. He emphasizes selecting the right people, listening to their ideas, and ensuring a flexible approach to client requests as essential factors for success.
His first manager, Mostaqim, played a pivotal role in shaping his perspective on leadership. Mostaqim’s ability to make work enjoyable while maintaining high standards ignited Muhannad’s passion for the events field and inspired him to create a similarly motivating environment for his own teams.
A Vision for the Future: Expanding Arab Culture in Global Events
For Muhannad, success isn’t just about organizing events—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that celebrate culture and bring people together. One of his long-term goals is to enhance the quality of events and festivals in the Arab world, promoting its unique cultural heritage on a global scale. By attracting diverse activities, including sports events, tourism initiatives, and skill development courses, he aims to enrich the events landscape in the region.
To maintain high-quality standards, Muhannad continually invests in his own professional development, taking courses to improve his communication skills and staying updated on the latest industry trends. His emphasis on lifelong learning reflects his belief that continuous improvement is key to staying competitive in the fast-evolving events industry.
Overcoming Challenges: Precision, Patience, and Dedication
Managing large-scale events comes with its share of challenges, from coordinating with suppliers to ensuring team cohesion under pressure. Muhannad is known for his meticulous attention to detail, which he credits to his insistence on adequate rest, focus, and skill-building. He strives to maintain a zero-error standard, knowing that even minor oversights can affect the overall event experience.
One of the hardest lessons he learned was during his initial event management efforts, where a lack of experience among team members affected the quality of execution. Today, he prioritizes quality control in every aspect of event planning, from laboratory testing to supplier reliability, ensuring that each event meets his high standards.
Advice for Aspiring Event Planners: Seize Every Opportunity
Muhannad believes that success in event planning is about continuously seizing opportunities and striving for improvement. His advice to newcomers is to remain open to learning, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the value of a strong support system. He stresses the importance of setting high standards and encourages budding event professionals to stay adaptable, especially when working with clients to achieve a shared vision.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
With an impressive career trajectory and a strong vision for the future, Muhannad Shaath is leaving a legacy of innovation, quality, and cultural pride in the events industry. His journey from a young boy inspired by festivals to a top executive in the field is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and love for creating memorable experiences.
As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in event planning, Muhannad serves as an inspiration to those around him, showing that with passion, patience, and a relentless drive for excellence, one can transform dreams into a reality that resonates across cultures and generations.
Do follow Muhannad Shaath’s on Instagram .
