Meet Sanja Malinovic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sanja Malinovic.

Sanja, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been lucky in my career. I started in the hospitality industry and while at ASU, a professor pulled me aside and said, “There is a Renaissance Festival requesting an intern for the season.” Well, that season turned into three decades worth of seasons, and not once has there been a dull moment.

It has been an unbelievable adventure. I love that the festival has so many facets – I don’t do the same thing every day, with each new endeavor more exciting than the last. I have dealt with a wide variety of themes including arts and crafts, theater, entertainment, education, as well as community presence, and causes. I work year-round in determining new trends, promotions, contests, media, sponsorships, and promotional partnerships, as well as, analyze data/reports to improve campaign goals and marketing objectives.

As soon as we close for the current season, we are instantly analyzing what areas of growth and improvement are necessary to ensure an even better next season. We are always striving to offer more comfort and value to our audience along with a new experience.

I have been fortunate to have had supervisors along with a lead supporter who believed in my intentions and allowed me the freedom to explore new ideas. I have been given challenges every year and I have rallied through them. It has never been boring. Through the years, I have met and have worked with amazingly talented, creative, and dedicated individuals from around the state, the U.S, and internationally. True Renaissance personalities. I often wonder what Queen Elizabeth would say?

If only the Queen knew the amazing time we have in providing guests with escapism to a simpler time of eating, drinking and being merry as in the 16th century *Renay’sance…* (Say it like a Brit). Putting on an event beneath the foothills of the Superstition Mountains that not only transports people to another place and time but makes people smile, creates experiences, lifelong memories, as well as making history within our state – being part of this has been indescribable. Watching the event go from nine acres of exhibits and attractions into a fifty-acre medieval theme park. It’s like Disney unplugged! This is definitely a HUZZAH moment.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The event is a year-round effort. A large puzzle where the pieces are never the same, nor do the pieces fit in the same manner. The devil is in the details.  The pandemic was the biggest challenge to work through. It has also been an ongoing challenge to not get swept under the holiday rug.  Timing is tough as we emerge full force into the media spotlight right after the New Year to promote the Festival season.

Another challenge is the ever short, getting shorter attention span of the target market in how they process our ad messages through multi avenues. Journalism has evolved along with so many other facets of our ever-evolving media world. It has been quite interesting to be a living participant in all the changes.  Especially the social media marathon. 

And since being in event planning, every time I go to an event, I cannot fully relax or enjoy the moment, as I am always looking at the details of the event, thinking I need to jump in and help… LOL

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Marketing & Sales Director of the Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival; just closed out the season on a successful note.  

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Do not stop dreaming or working hard. Persistence pays off.

Team effort is key. Do not be afraid to explore and make mistakes. Speak up-be heard and do not be held back thinking an idea will fail. Rise up to accept challenges. Approach everything like a puzzle. Smile and breathe. Keep going.

Pricing:

• ADULT $30
• CHILD $20
• https://arizona.renfestinfo.com/ticket-information/

Contact Info:

• Email: arizonarenfest@renfestinfo.com
• Website: arizona.renfestinfo.com
• Instagram: @arizona_renaissance_festival
• Facebook: @RENFESTINFO
• (https://www.facebook.com/RENFESTINFO) 
• Twitter: @azrenfest
• (https://twitter.com/azrenfest) 
• Youtube: ArizonaRenFest
• (https://www.youtube.com/user/ArizonaRenFest)
• Yelp:www.yelp.com/biz/arizona-renaissance-festival-gold-canyon-2

Image Credits
Arizona Renaissance Festival