Why do you do it? To see people experiencing live entertainment; the type of experiences you can't replicate without being there.
What do you love about the city you live in? Gold Coast, QLD. We have the best of everything: beaches, hinterland, restaurants/ bars, weather (apart from a cyclone earlier this year), and people that enjoy events and being outdoors.
Where did you go for your last holiday? Camping at South Stradbroke Island.
What's your favourite item of clothing? Plain black AS colour t-shirt. Simple and comfortable.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? When indoors we had music practice and chores to do, so I think I spent more time outdoors getting into trouble or trying to cover up the trouble I was in.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go? Monsters of Rock Festival in Moscow in the early '90s – AC/DC, Metallica, Pantera and more.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Beef short ribs on the smoker, and it would likely involve a few drinks.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned? If you want something done, give it to a busy person.
Are you happy with your work/ life balance? Is this a trick question :) I work in events – event time is event time. Outside of that I am (slowly) getting better at prioritising a balance.
How do you define success? Making sure my family are happy, and I have time for them and my friends. Also that I am happy where things are heading for me both personally and professionally.
What's your spirit animal? This could change on a daily basis.
Sam Pearce will be a panellist taking part in the Ask The Experts session as part of Australian Festival Industry Conference, one of Asia Pacific's leading industry marketplaces for festival management personnel who deliver quality music, arts and culture, food and drink, ideas and sporting festivals. The 2025 event takes place in Brisbane on 8-9 September.
