Sarah Symington

Project Director

Sarah Symington is a Project Director at XSEM with extensive experience delivering events across multiple sectors and international locations. Combining strategic event management expertise with strong client relationship skills and team leadership, she oversees complex projects from concept to delivery while helping colleagues develop and thrive throughout their careers

  • Over 15 years of experience in the events industry, with a professional background that began in hospitality in 2000.
  • Specialist in strategic event management, client relationship management and team leadership.
  • Passionate about developing people, supporting teams and delivering exceptional events through collaboration and problem-solving.
Sarah Symington - Project Director

Bio & notable achievements

Sarah joined XSEM in January 2024 as Project Director, bringing a wealth of experience gained across the hospitality and events industries. Having started her career in hospitality in 2000 before moving into events in 2008, she has developed extensive expertise in managing projects across a wide variety of sectors, audiences and destinations.

As Project Director, Sarah oversees projects from the earliest planning stages through to final delivery, ensuring every event is strategically aligned, expertly managed and executed to the highest standard. She works closely with clients, suppliers and internal teams to transform ideas into engaging experiences that meet objectives while delivering exceptional attendee experiences.

A key aspect of Sarah’s role is leading and developing people. She is passionate about helping team members build confidence, take ownership of their work and grow professionally.

Outside of XSEM

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending quality time with family and friends and making the most of opportunities to create lasting memories together. She loves exploring new destinations and discovering different cultures, experiences and surroundings, whether close to home or further afield. Food and drink are another passion, and she is always keen to seek out a new restaurant, hidden gem or memorable dining experience.

Case studies

Sarah's favourite case studies

EAC Malta - A Better Tomorrow 10/10 client satisfaction score

A five-day pharmaceutical conference in Malta for 220 delegates from 10+ countries, blending strategy, collaboration and celebration under the theme ‘A Better Tomorrow’.

View Case Study Conference stay with blue and yellow design and screens displaying 'A Better Tomorrow EAC 2026 Malta'
United: EAC Paris 90% of attendees engaged with event app

Our client is a global pharmaceutical company with over 4,000 employees, specialising in several therapy areas in 150 countries. They approached us to design and elevate their annual European leadership event, marking the close of a successful year and setting the tone for the next.

View Case Study United EAC Paris event branding
Madrí: The Madrí Exceptional Journey Increasing visibility and brand awareness

Madrí Excepcional tasked us with invigorating their presence in the On-Trade sector which includes bars, pubs and restaurants. The brand wanted to inspire audiences and increase brand recognition within On-Trade consumers, promoting the ‘Madri Movida’ ethos, a modern, forward-thinking interpretation of Spanish culture, with the vibrant Madrí Excepcional brand at the forefront.

View Case Study Branded bar setup for The Madrí Exceptional Journey event
Jack Daniel's: Jack's Table An exclusive dinner for 80 guests

We partnered with Jack Daniel’s to host Jack’s Table – an immersive UK dinner designed to bring high-level bartenders closer to the brand through atmosphere, storytelling, and shared moments. Hosted at the The Libertine, London, the evening blended curated drinks, live music, and relaxed interaction, ending with two winners securing places on an incentive trip to Tennessee.

View Case Study Various Jack Daniel's bottles placed in archways
Incentive Experience: Victoria Falls 520+ flights booked

We partnered with a leading global coatings brand to deliver an unforgettable relationship‑focused experience that reinforced loyalty among their highest‑spending trade customers.

View Case Study African Princess sunset cruise across the Zambezi River