Pablo Zacarias
Program Manager, Bespoke Event Group
pzacarias@bespokeconnects.com
Number of Events in 2025: 20
Types of events: Incentive, nonprofit, experiential
Average number of attendees in 2025: 500
What is your role associated with meetings and events?
I lead the strategy and execution of Bespoke’s global event portfolio, creating experiential programs that connect people to the heart of each brand. From meetings and incentives to executive summits and purpose-driven conferences, I translate objectives into actionable plans, budgets, and measurable outcomes. My focus is on designing inclusive experiences that prioritize accessibility, sensory-friendly elements, and cultural awareness. I oversee venue sourcing, contracting, production, registration, and logistics, fostering clear communication and collaboration across teams and treating vendors as true partners in delivering excellence.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Success starts with strategic listening, understanding goals, stakeholders, and desired impact, then balancing creativity with precision. I design every event through an inclusive DEI lens so all participants feel valued. With strong financial and timeline management, I maintain quality without compromise while fostering transparent, trusted vendor relationships. Technological fluency in registration systems, event apps, and audiovisual tools helps personalize experiences and measure ROI.
On site, I lead with calm energy and empathy, creating a collaborative, welcoming atmosphere. What sets me apart is the ability to merge strategy, creativity, and genuine care, delivering experiences that resonate deeply and achieve real results.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
I conduct scenario planning before every event, building if/then playbooks for risks like weather, travel, or audiovisual issues.
When challenges arise, I rely on three anchors: people first, objectives second, optics third. Safety and inclusion always take priority.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
I follow a continuous loop: scout, test, and scale. I stay connected to industry innovation through MPI’s Rocky Mountain Chapter (where I received the Rising Star Award), ongoing CMP coursework, and major conferences like IMEX and IBTM. After each program, I analyze attendee data, net promoter score, and accessibility feedback to identify trends, piloting such ideas as frictionless check-in, sensory-friendly spaces, and sustainability initiatives.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love translating goals into inclusive experiences that inspire connection and transformation. I also find joy in mentoring emerging planners, reminding them that great events are a team sport.
How would you describe your biggest professional success?
Delivering a flagship leadership summit for 600+ attendees on a compressed timeline stands out. I aligned executives on clear objectives, built an inclusive environment, and protected the budget through smart negotiation and hybrid solutions. When a headline speaker canceled two days before, we pivoted seamlessly to an interactive panel, earning record satisfaction scores and driving double-digit post-event engagement. Beyond the summit’s success, we delivered a reusable playbook with templates, supplier standards, and DEI guidelines, scaling excellence across future programs.
Please share an anecdote about a unique or unusual event that you organized.
We transformed a new urban park into a five-month placemaking series of seasonal community events. Partnering with local restaurants, artists, and nonprofits, we created inclusive experiences like silent discos, pop-up classes, and family festivals. Engagement tools like QR-coded schedules and a “Park Passport” encouraged visitors to explore local businesses. It resulted in a thriving neighborhood hub and a repeatable blueprint for community activation.
What do you hope to achieve or look forward to as you plan events in 2026?
My 2026 goals focus on community leadership, inclusive design, and measurable excellence.
As MPI director of membership care and MIC’s director of Serving Up Hope, I aim to deepen engagement, mentorship, and philanthropy. I’ll continue to advance inclusive design, budget for accessibility, expand language access, and track “belonging” as a core key performance indicator. Finally, I’ll refine analytics and vendor collaboration to protect budgets and elevate guest experiences. My vision is to create bold, joyful, and welcoming gatherings that strengthen communities and deliver lasting impact.
