Employee Spotlight
Q&A with Gabbie Gobel, Event Coordinator, Staffing & Recruiting
by Julie Keaton, SHW VP of Engagement
At SHW, our team is filled with passionate professionals who bring creativity, dedication, and heart to every event. One such team member is Gabbie Gobel, our Event Coordinator specializing in Staffing & Recruiting. In a short time, Gabbie has become an essential part of team and embraces every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.
In this Q&A, Gabbie shares her journey to SHW, her favorite projects, and the experiences that make working in events, and in Seattle, so rewarding.
Q: What brought you to SHW, and how has your career evolved since you started?
A: When I was job hunting, a friend who had worked with SHW asked if I’d be interested in joining the team. A few weeks later, I started, and now, over a year later, I’m loving it more and more each day! I stepped into this role without prior experience planning events at this scale, but I learn something new every single day. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch my career grow and evolve in ways I never imagined.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background before joining SHW?
A: I was raised in Washington for most of my life. After high school, I moved to Arizona to attend Grand Canyon University, where I earned a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies with a minor in Marketing. When I returned to Washington, I spent a few years on Nordstrom’s Styling team, and from there, I found my way to SHW!
Q: What does your current role entail, and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: I’m currently an Event Coordinator, focusing on Staffing & Recruiting. I truly enjoy connecting with our seasonal Event Staff Team and being onsite to support them while watching our programs come to life. I also love collaborating with our Event Managers. I look at every SHW program as an opportunity to learn something new, refine my skills, and grow as an event industry professional.
Q: What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?
A: Last November, SHW helped produce a health and wellness program called Eudēmonia Summit, and I had the pleasure of being part of it. Our team collaborated with so many talented event professionals who helped bring this incredible program to life. This was the first large-scale event I worked on, and it truly opened my eyes to the hard work, dedication, and late nights required to create a meaningful and successful event. I’m excited to be working on this project again next month and can’t wait to see what we accomplish this time!
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at SHW?
A: There are so many reasons I love working at SHW, but I’d probably say it’s the way everyone takes the time to help each other out. Whenever someone needs a second set of eyes, there’s always someone willing to step in. SHW isn’t just an event planning company—it’s a family.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle experience?
A: I have two favorite places in Seattle. The first is the Ballard Farmers Market on Sundays. I love seeing the community come together, supporting one another, and watching how much it has grown over the years. There’s truly nothing else like it, especially in the fall with the crisp air and colorful leaves. My second favorite spots are the many beaches just outside the city, each with its own charm and beauty.
Q: Any hobbies or interests outside of work that inspire you?
A: I absolutely love spending time outdoors, especially soaking up the sunshine and traveling. Being surrounded by friends and family is where I feel happiest. I’ve always had a passion for reading, not just for enjoyment, but as a way to explore new ideas, learn, and experience different cultures. Growing up, I was part of a big board and card game family, and that tradition has stayed with us. No matter where we are, you can count on us to break out a game and share plenty of laughter and unforgettable moments.
Q: What’s your #1 tip for event planners?
A: Having a solid event staff team is a true game changer when working on a large event. Not only does it help ensure the program runs smoothly, but it also takes the stress of managing the small details off your plate. By strategically placing SHW Event Staff where they’re needed most, planners can focus on the bigger picture while knowing that every aspect of the event is being handled with care and precision.
Gabbie Gobel’s experience highlights what makes SHW unique: a team-driven culture and the expertise to bring every event to life. From staffing and recruiting top-tier talent to executing large-scale programs with precision, SHW ensures every detail is handled so planners can focus on creating meaningful experiences. With professionals like Gabbie on our team, we turn complex events into seamless, memorable moments.
Discover how SHW’s Seattle Event Staffing solutions can elevate your next program— from registration and hospitality to tour guides and transportation support.
Learn more on our website!
