Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Beth Raab.
Hi Sara Beth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been a part of events, in one part or another, since I was 16 years old. My favorite thing to do back then was to throw music festivals by convincing my friends in bands to come together and play for any reason I could come up with. That same year, I photographed my first wedding and got a taste for what it was like to be a part of a gathering and get paid for it!
I came to Memphis in 2001, to go to U of M. While in school I worked for a couple of local photographers in town, and with the energy and confidence only a early 20’s person can have, I jumped head first into the deep end of owning my own business, specializing in event photography. Owning my own business was glorious for 7 years, and it was at that mark I really began to crave collaboration and had an intense curiosity about what it would be like to work for a corporation, specifically in corporate events management.
I found a contract opportunity with EdR (now Greystar) in 2013ish and was thrown into the very deep end of corporate events management. It was that role that lead me to the next 10+ years.
As my career has grown, and as opportunities have come and gone, I’ve found the shifting sands of corporate life to be less than stable, especially in the events space. However, I’ve added countless complex events to my resume, received national recognition for my work, and had the opportunity to many lead large-scale productions for several well-known organizations.
SB Events was born out of the growing demand for strategic leadership in the events space. As a Fractional Chief Events Officer, I oversee the many moving parts that make large, complex events successful, sometimes managing hundreds of people across departments, vendors, and creative teams. I’m also often tapped for quick-turnaround, high-profile events that require calm execution under pressure.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One thing that’s come easily has been the relationships. I’ve been incredibly lucky to maintain deep connections with clients, vendors, and collaborators over my two decades in the field.
What’s been more challenging is the lack of clarity many organizations have around how to use events strategically. In most companies, events fall somewhere between marketing, operations, and logistics, which means they’re often under-resourced or misunderstood.
Roles like VP of Events or Chief Events Officer rarely exist as full-time positions, even in large corporations. With SB Events, I bring that level of senior strategic experience to organizations on a temporary or project-based basis, helping them unlock the full potential of what events can do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I started SB Events to bring calm, clarity, and meaningful strategy to high-stakes gatherings.
I specialize in corporate events, trade shows, community events, and any experiences that require thoughtful planning and seamless execution. What sets me apart is how I show up: gracefully managing complexity, leading with warmth, and turning overwhelming logistics into moments that feel effortless and impactful.
Clients often tell me they feel held, supported, and seen, and that means everything. At SB Events, it’s not just about checking boxes. It’s about creating experiences that feel human, intentional, and aligned with your strategic goals for the gatherings.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to work with me is through my website or by connecting with me on LinkedIn. I love partnering with organizations and teams who care about intentional experiences and want an event strategy that’s both smart and soulful.
If you know someone planning a gathering that matters, whether it’s a community event, conference, trade show, or brand event, I’d be honored to be considered. Referrals and word-of-mouth support are some of the biggest gifts you can give a small business like mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sbeventsboutique.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarabethraab/
Image Credits
Methodist LeBonhuer Healthier 901Fest images by Greg Campbell
ARTSMem 60th Anniversary Celebration, personal images
Transnetyx tradeshow and coorporate event, personal images
BlueOvalSK stage image by Grindstone Creative
