Special Event Projects

A memory is created in the experience

Event Director, Producer & Strategic Leadership for Events That Matter

There's a moment in every great event, right before it starts, when the room goes quiet and everyone in it is about to feel something they didn't expect. Getting an audience to that moment, on purpose, is still the part of this work I love most.

Many events simply can't afford to be managed. They need to be directed and produced. I take on a small number of these each year, personally, vision through to delivery.

This is different from my fractional Commercial Director work. That role is accountable for whether an organisation's event portfolio works, year round.

This is me, personally directing and producing your event.

Two women standing on a runway stage holding large trophies, with an audience seated on either side, under bright stage lights.

TRACK RECORD

25 years. Close to a thousand events. The same person in the room every time.

The Australian Open. Melbourne Fashion Festival. Xero's flagship conference. An association’s awards night. A car manufacture’s new model launch. A government communication summit. A brand’s public activation. A hospital foundation's biggest fundraising night of the year. And everything in between.

From Australia to Asia, Europe and the USA.

Different industries, different places, same standard.

A stage performance featuring a woman singing into a microphone, surrounded by young dancers in gold costumes performing dance moves. Two large screens in the background display photographs of children.
A busy conference or trade show in a large convention center with a McDonald's sign hanging from the ceiling. There are people standing around and walking, with booths and displays in the background. The ceiling has decorative circular hanging lights.

WHAT I DO

Vision and delivery, held by one person

I direct and produce events, personally, from the first strategy conversation through to the event itself. The vision, the direction, the plan, and the delivery.

Creative, production, commercial, and operational, most people are strong in one. Twenty five years has meant building real capability and expertise across all four and more.

Three smiling people posing together in a room with ornate columns and modern lighting; two men and a woman, with one man wearing a suit and tie, the other man with a headset and equipment, and the woman giving a thumbs-up.

THE KIND OF WORK I TAKE ON

One-off or ongoing, the importance doesn't change

A large audience attending a conference or event inside a spacious venue with a high arched ceiling. On stage, a speaker is presenting with a large screen behind him displaying his image. The stage is illuminated with blue and white lights.

Conferences, Trade Shows & Summits

Four people wearing red Coca-Cola shirts standing behind a Coca-Cola promotional booth, smiling and holding Coca-Cola bottles at a Coca-Cola event.

Product & Brand Launches and Activations

A man in a tuxedo standing at a podium at the Plumbing & Fire Industry Awards during the 2019 World Plumbing Conference Gala Dinner, with a large black and gold sign behind him and decorative lighting on the stage.

Awards Nights, Ceremonies & Celebrations

A tennis court with Australian flags painted on the surface, surrounded by a large audience, for the Australian Open at Melbourne.

Major & Public Events

Performer singing on stage with red lighting, confetti falling, audience capturing the moment, and a live band playing in the background.

Galas & Fundraising Events

Four athletes in yellow jackets celebrating on a stage with gold medals, while a large crowd and city skyline are visible in the background, with confetti falling around them.
A tennis court inside an arena with Australian flags at the net. The court is lit with blue lighting, and the arena is filled with spectators.
Four people standing behind a Coca-Cola booth, each wearing red shirts with Coca-Cola branding, holding bottles of Coca-Cola, at a promotional event with a large Coca-Cola sign in the background.
A man is being interviewed at a tech event, wearing a black T-shirt with the 'Xero' logo, while two other individuals, also in black shirts with a blue logo, film or record him. The background shows a busy convention hall with multiple booths and att
Group of people dressed in formal attire on stage for a performance or event, with a large screen and purple lighting in the background.
A woman with blond dreadlocks and a man with short hair singing into microphones on stage, with a blue, cloud-like background.
Indoor event space with people socializing around a bar. The room has large hanging lamps, tall potted trees with blue lighting, and a beverage station in the background. There are glasses of wine on the counter and a patterned carpet on the floor.
Large conference hall filled with a seated audience, a stage with five panelists, and a big screen projecting a speaker, illuminated with blue lighting.
A large crowd of people attending a conference or event in a dimly lit hall with blue lighting on stage and curtains.
Registration area at Xerocon Sydney 2014 with a large blue sign reading "Welcome to Xerocon." Multiple staff members serve attendees at a curved registration desk labeled with letter groups, inside a spacious venue with a high, domed ceiling and a mo
A large screen displays two black-and-white photos of people at an event, with a group of people standing in front of the screen, silhouetted against blue lighting.
A man in a gray suit stands on a dark stage, holding a microphone and performing under blue stage lights.
Group of men and women in formal attire posing on a stage with musical instruments in the background.
Modern living room with large white statue, beige sofas, hanging potted plants, and a grand piano by the window.
Large audience attending a conference or event in a hall with oversized digital screens displaying the word 'Melbourne' and an athlete playing tennis.
Interior of a large, circular conference or expo hall with a high, domed ceiling featuring wooden and metal beams. The hall is filled with exhibition booths, people walking, and digital displays capitalizing on natural and artificial lighting.
Stage with illuminated blue steps and large screens displaying the Newcombe Medal logo at the Australian Tennis Awards.
A press conference by a waterfront with multiple reporters and microphones interviewing a man in a white shirt. Several cameras and journalists are capturing the event, with a city skyline of tall buildings and a modern theater in the background.
A group of five people on a boat, two women and three men, sailing on a river with bridges and buildings in the background. Two individuals are sitting on the boat's roof, waving and smiling at the camera, with one man in a suit standing nearby.
Stage with four white chairs, a large screen displaying 'Growing to Great,' and blue curtains at an event.
Large conference room filled with an audience, a presenter on stage, with McDonald's logos and promotional screens in the background.
Concert hall decorated for an event with a shiny black Billy Joel signature grand piano in the foreground, blue and white table settings, blue chairs with white sashes, illuminated starry backdrop, and a large stage with floral arrangements and scree
A bartender performs a fire show with flaming bottles or mixology tools at a circular bar, surrounded by an audience in a dimly lit venue.
A large auditorium with a stage, where a speaker is giving a presentation. The stage has large screens displaying the presenter and presentation slides. The audience is seated, and there are various control screens and equipment in the foreground.
Black and white portraits of diverse people projected on screens at a concert or event, with red laser lights and the word 'PEACE' faintly visible in the background.
Man in a shiny, patterned suit singing into a microphone on stage with blue lighting, with a guitarist and another musician in the background.
A stage at a conference with a speaker standing in front of large screens displaying a presentation about mobility and careers, with audience seating and technical equipment visible.
A band performing on stage with a lead singer in a tuxedo holding a microphone and a glass of drink. The band members are playing various instruments, including saxophone, trumpet, and guitar, amid red stage lighting.
A stage with digital floral projection and laser lights, a person playing a drum set, dark and vibrant atmosphere, likely at a concert or event.
The image shows a conference stage with illuminated orange city skyline cutouts, a large world map with red arrows indicating migration patterns, and silhouettes of speakers on side screens.
A singer standing on stage with multiple bright spotlights shining down, surrounded by large screens displaying black and white photos of people.
A live music event in a large hall with colorful lighting and digital screens displaying abstract designs, with a performer on stage surrounded by instruments.
Trade show booth displays with signage for ASSA ABLOY and Sutton Tools, featuring a digital screen and colorful vertical panels.
Trade show booth with the logo 'Watyu' on large signs overhead, featuring a colorful archway, company representatives in navy uniforms, and promotional displays including 'Valspar' and 'Timber' banners in a busy exhibition hall.
A large audience watching a presentation in a dimly lit conference hall with blue lighting, a stage with two screens displaying diagrams or charts, and a speaker standing in front of the audience.
Interior of a large conference center with a high, dome-shaped ceiling made of glass and metal. A sign reads "Welcome to Xerocon," indicating an event in Sydney 2014. There are multiple people standing behind a curved registration desk, with screens
Large conference hall filled with seated attendees, with a stage at the front displays a large screen with PlayStation symbols.
Large audience watching a conference or presentation in a modern, well-lit auditorium with a large curved screen displaying historical images and information.
An indoor event with a large crowd of people seated at tables, illuminated by colorful laser lights and stage lighting, with screens displaying a performer.
A tennis stadium during the Australian Open, with a darkened arena and illuminated tennis court, showing players practicing or warming up, surrounded by spectators seated in the stands.
A large indoor arena with a crowd, a group of people in white shirts standing in a line, and large screens displaying faces above the arena.
Group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating on stage during commencement ceremony, with graduation caps flying into the air, in a large indoor venue with a high dome-shaped ceiling and a prominent screen showing a photo of the event.
Performer singing on stage with confetti and red stage lighting, audience cheering, and a camera operator recording the event.
A man dressed in a white vest and pants stands on stage holding a microphone. He has a decorative headpiece with feathers. Behind him, there's a large screen displaying an image of two women in black outfits with their backs turned, bending forward w
A group of performers on stage with a colorful, illuminated background. One man is singing into a microphone, another is playing a guitar, and others are dancing and singing.
Large indoor conference or awards dinner with many attendees seated at round tables, a stage with a screen showing event information, and a presenter speaking in formal attire.
Dance performers lying on the floor under hanging purple disco balls with purple stage lighting
A black champagne trailer with the branding 'Nicolas Feuillatte' and a floral display in front, set up outdoors during an event at dusk with people gathered around and a colorful, illuminated building in the background.
Cityscape with flags, modern glass building, trees, and several people walking in an urban area.
Nighttime cityscape with illuminated modern buildings, a public space with people walking, outdoor seating, colorful lighting, and a large digital billboard displaying the message "Walk the Night".
A performer is breakdancing on stage in front of seated audience members, with a dark background and stage lighting.
Dance performance on stage illuminated with purple lighting, multiple female dancers in black outfits and boots, various audience members watching from the background.
A fashion runway show with a model walking down the runway in a vibrant orange dress made of ruffles, surrounded by seated audience members taking photos, and colorful lighting illuminating the scene.
A group of dancers performing on stage with large silver spherical decorations hanging from the ceiling, and an audience watching in the dark. The dancers are dressed in black outfits.
Fashion models walking on a runway at a fashion show, with colorful dresses and high heels. The background features hanging spherical decorations and stage lighting in a large indoor venue.
Fashion runway show with models in colorful, tribal-inspired outfits, audience applauding, and stage decorated with tall grasses and natural elements.
Group of five people posing for a photo in front of colorful, floral-themed graphics at an event. Two women and three men, with two of the women wearing patterned dresses, are smiling and gesturing happily. A woman on the right is taking the photo wi
A woman is giving a presentation on stage at a conference or seminar, with large display screens behind her showing images and graphics. An audience is seated in front, paying attention.
A performer in a bright pink gown on a dark stage with dramatic purple lighting and hanging reflective spheres overhead.
A large conference stage with a wide screen displaying a panel discussion and a banner that reads 'Future Thinking' with the McDonald's logo, and several people sitting on stage for a panel discussion, with an audience seated in front.
Indoor exhibition or conference area with various display booths, seating areas, and large digital screens. Prominent McDonald's logo hanging from the ceiling with purple lighting. Multiple signs and screens display brand names like Asahi, Coates, an
A stage performance featuring dancers in elegant dresses, with a singer in a floral dress, under large screens displaying images of healthcare workers, in a dimly lit venue with chandeliers and an audience seated at tables.
Inside a large convention center or airport with a high, domed ceiling featuring wooden and metal beams, many booths and displays, and people walking around.
Crowd of people watching a large screen displaying an athlete swimming in a pool during the Olympic event in Melbourne.
Two performers are doing fire-breathing acts at a festival, with flames coming from their mouths. One is standing and holding a fire torch, while the other is sitting and blowing fire. The scene takes place outdoors during sunset with tents and a cro
Modern, minimalist living room with white furniture, potted plants hanging on the wall, large windows with city view, and a large white sculpture in the foreground.
An aerial view of a tennis court at the Australian Open, with a crowd seated around the court. The court is illuminated and has promotional banners along the edges.
Elegant hotel atrium with a glass ceiling, featuring a grand staircase with a red carpet, a large floral centerpiece, and a crowd of well-dressed people attending a formal event or reception.
People gathered at night under a large red banner with the text "Val's Par if it Matters" and the logos of FIAT and HostPlus, in a sports stadium setting.
People dancing and enjoying music at a live concert or dance event with a band performing on stage in the background.
A woman DJ performing at a nightclub with a large crowd dancing and enjoying the music. The scene is illuminated with vibrant blue and purple lights, and the ceiling has decorative light fixtures. Confetti is scattered on the floor.
A large indoor concert or event hall filled with hundreds of seated people at tables, with a stage at the front lit in purple and blue lights, and performers on stage with a large screen behind them showing a person speaking or singing.
A large indoor event space with a stage featuring a white backdrop with the Adidas logo. The stage has skateboarding ramps and silhouettes of skateboarders. The space is decorated with colorful digital screens and lighting effects. White silhouette f
Two women standing on a runway stage holding large awards, surrounded by an audience and bright lights.
A band on stage performing at an event with colorful purple and blue lighting and a large digital screen displaying abstract artwork in the background. The band includes a female singer, guitarists, bassist, drummer, and keyboardist, with audience me
A man in a tuxedo standing at a podium during an awards ceremony for the plumbing and fire industry, with a large sign behind him reading "Plumbing & Fire Industry Awards, World Plumbing Conference 2019 Gala Dinner."
A man with blue hair, wearing a black hat and black shirt, holding a dollar bill and making a peace sign with his other hand on a dark stage.
Three young girls singing on stage with a dark background decorated with blue and white lights.
Crowd of people walking through a dark, blue-lit corridor with large metal ceiling structure, at a conference or event.
Two women in gray shirts riding a colorful amusement park ride, smiling and enjoying the ride as it spins.
The image shows an expansive indoor space with a high arched ceiling supported by wooden beams and steel framework. The ceiling includes a circular center chandelier hanging down. Below, there are rows of booths, displays, and screens, with many peop
A modern lobby with beige and gray sofas, white tables, a textured ceiling, and a wall with blue accents, creating a cozy and stylish atmosphere.
An indoor event with people socializing, illuminated by blue and white lighting. There are tall green potted plants, a bar with drinks, and some people talking near the bar. The ceiling has large white pendant lights, and the venue has a modern decor
People gathered on stage during an awards ceremony, with a large screen behind displaying the name Curtis McLean and a video feed. Stage lights are shining down.
Crowd gathered at a public event in an outdoor urban setting with a large screen showing a swimmer. The background includes city buildings and a yellow historic building with a dome.
Outdoor event in a city with a large crowd watching a stage with screens, surrounded by skyscrapers and a partly cloudy sky.
Audience watching a large screen with a red and yellow abstract digital display, illuminated with silhouetted people and a stand with a podium in the foreground.
A group of professional business people, including Asian and Caucasian individuals, walking down a red carpet at a formal event. The setting appears to be an indoor conference or expo with a large blue banner in the background displaying Chinese char
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at an airport with officials and media present, marking the opening of a Guangzhou-Adelaide direct flight.
A large group of people dressed in formal attire gathered in a dimly lit hall with colorful, decorative ceiling panels. There is a stage or presentation area to the left with screens displaying logos and event information. The atmosphere suggests a p
Three performers on stage in elaborate costumes with large feathered fans, performing in front of a brightly lit, patterned backdrop with circular designs.
Group of people standing on stage with microphones and clapping at an event called 'Shining Night' with a large screen behind them showing the event name and sponsor logos.
Audience sitting in theater or auditorium with decorative interior and stage. Some people are wearing red jackets and are seated in the front row, while others crowd the balcony levels.
A man and woman singing and embracing on stage with microphones, behind them a large yellow and black abstract face artwork and the text 'AIDA 2013' projected on the screen, with an orchestra visible in the background.
A group of people on stage performing at Les Misérables musical event in 2003, with some dressed formally and others in black attire, and a screen behind them displaying the Les Misérables logo and artwork.
A large presentation screen shows a tech conference with a speaker standing on stage explaining Windows 10 and multiple devices displayed on the slides, including tablets and smartphones.
Stage with a large screen displaying 'UDIA National Awards for Excellence 2019' and a logo, surrounded by pinkish purple lights and decorative lighting fixtures, with a patterned carpet on the floor.
A large banquet hall with decorated tables set for a formal event, featuring a stage with a large screen displaying an awards ceremony for excellence in housing by Master Builders, with red and yellow lighting.
The image depicts a live stage performance with colorful lighting and backdrop visuals, while the audience watches. Overhead, decorative hanging jellyfish-like paper lanterns are illuminated in various colors.
A stage with two performers, one playing guitar and the other singing, in front of vibrant, geometric, illuminated backgrounds. The setting appears to be a decorated event space with round tables and floral centerpieces.
A man standing on stage in a large, ornately decorated auditorium with purple lighting, large screens showing a photo of two people, a headline about a new hotel manager, and various banners and advertisements around the stage.
A group of men wearing yellow shirts and white hats sitting on black leather chairs at a sports stadium, holding drinks and cheering.
Indoor event with a McDonald's sign, crowds of people, and booths in the background, themed around future thinking and innovation.
Futuristic neon-lit cockpit of a spaceship or aircraft with digital displays and holographic interface on a dark background.
A large stage with a panel discussion during McDonald's Owner Operator Convention in 2019. Five panelists are seated on stage, with three panelists speaking into microphones. A large screen behind the stage displays the event's theme, 'Future Thinkin
A band of six musicians performing on stage with purple and blue lighting, a large digital screen backdrop, and an audience watching in a darkened room.
Dark stage with red laser lights and large screens displaying black-and-white portraits of various people.
Silhouettes of people at an awards ceremony with multiple screens displaying 'Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards' in blue.
banquet hall decorated with white tablecloths, glassware, and cutlery, illuminated with blue lighting, with modern chairs and a large LED screen on the wall
An indoor lounge area with beige sofas and numerous small round stools, large white vases with plants, hanging spherical lights with blue rings, a blue bar counter, and a backdrop displaying the Australian Open logo and branding.
A man in a suit speaking on stage at a conference, with two large screens behind him displaying a presentation about career mobility and generation Z, with the logos 'Biggin Scott Land' and 'McCrindle' visible. The stage has modern white geometric de
A man in a suit and striped tie standing on a stage with his arms raised, speaking at a conference with a large screen behind him displaying 'UDA National Congress 2016' and the logo of Australia's broadband network.
An awards ceremony on a stage with multiple people standing in a line, a man speaking at a microphone, large screens in the background displaying an image of the man receiving the award, and the text 'Accounting Partner of the Year Curtis McLean,' wi
Group of men in suits standing on a tennis court in Melbourne, Australia, waving. The word 'Melbourne' is visible on the court. The scene appears to be part of an awards or ceremonial event.
Four people standing outdoors in front of a black banner with white text that reads "THE LONG WALK." They are dressed in casual and outerwear, and are smiling and posing for the photo.
A large conference hall filled with round tables occupied by formally dressed attendees. On stage, two presenters stand behind a podium in front of a large digital screen displaying the Qatar Airways logo, the words "Going Places Together," and an il
Conference attendees talking at exhibition booths with large sign in foreground that reads "WELCOME TO THE HUB" and a digital display overhead.
A large conference or event with a speaker on stage, large screens displaying her image and motivational message 'Dare To Do More,' audience seated facing the stage, and blue stage lighting.
A conference room filled with attendees listening to a speaker on stage at the World Plumbing Conference in Melbourne 2019. The stage has a large yellow backdrop with the event name and two screens showing a handshake with a robotic hand.
A man in a tuxedo giving a speech at a conference on the left side, with a large screen behind him displaying the words 'ANNIVERSARY TRAVELLERS' CHOICE.' On the right side, there is an exhibition hall with people gathered around a booth, with red lig
An indoor event with a crowd of people socializing and sitting in booths, with a stage featuring colorful lighting and performers, in a large ornate hall with high decorated ceilings and lit windows.
A speaker is on stage at a conference, shown on large screens. The stage is decorated with orange accents and geometric patterns, with a large heart shape made of wood in the background. A podium and a large red letter 'V' are also on stage. The conf
Nighttime scene in a sports stadium with a crowd on the field, colorful lighting, and a large screen displaying people.
Indoor space with a long counter, bar stools, and decorative fish bowls containing plants. The background features a large blue LED screen and a ceiling with small spotlights and hanging speakers.
A spacious indoor lounge area with modern decor, featuring beige sofas with blue throw pillows, small round stools, and large white vases with green plants. The ceiling has numerous hanging circular lights with blue rings, and a large hanging plant.
A banquet hall set up with rows of white and black chairs around white tables, decorated with place settings and glassware, illuminated with blue lighting, and large decorative pieces hanging from the ceiling, with a stage and digital screen at the f
A stage with performers and colorful stage lighting, in a crowded venue decorated with hanging jellyfish-like ornaments.
Indoor hardware store or trade show with aisles of tools, equipment, and supplies, including branded displays for DeWalt and Hitachi, with stacks of products on pallets and organized shelves.
Interior view of a large store or warehouse with various products on shelves, overhead lighting, and a digital sign displaying promotional information. A tripod is set up in the foreground.
Aerial performer hanging from a geometric metal frame decorated with string lights at night, with a crowd of people below and colorful lights illuminating the scene.
A futuristic cockpit with neon lights, digital displays, and a cityscape view on the screens.

WHY ME

Your event needs a specialist

There's a real difference between managing an event and producing one, the same difference as between a GP and a medical specialist. A GP manages, keeps things running well day to day. A specialist is who you call for the one operation that has to go right, the expertise general care was never built to provide. Producing sits on that specialist side, creating and shaping something into being, not administering it.

A creative brief is a feeling. Someone has to turn "we want people to feel proud" into a venue booked eight months out, a budget that holds under pressure, a schedule timed to the minute, and countless other decisions nobody at the event will ever hear about. That translation, from an idea into everything the idea actually requires, is what a producer does.

An event isn't one thing, it's hundreds of things happening at once, each requiring its own expertise, all of which have to land in the same place, in the right order, in harmony with everything else, without ever looking like it took any effort at all. A producer has to be across every one of them and hold it all together as one coherent experience, not a hundred separate deliveries that happen to share a date.

And like a surgeon, there's no second attempt. An event happens once, live, in real time, everything has to be right from the moment it starts.

Twenty five years and close to a thousand events across the world means that instinct is already built in, not something being worked out for the first time on yours. It also means the specialism doesn't stop at the creative and production, I've built commercial event functions from the ground up, sat on executive leadership teams, and been accountable for results at board level, which means I'm as comfortable across the table from your CFO as I am directing a stage, and I can present the information to your leadership team myself, not through someone translating on my behalf.

I don't keep a fixed team on the books either, for each project I draw on a trusted network built over that same twenty five years, matched to exactly what's needed.

What that adds up to is one person, holding the creative vision, the commercial judgment, and the craft behind it, from the first conversation through to delivery.

Four people wearing headsets standing together at an event with a large screen that says "SHINE Gala 2021".

BY DESIGN

Why only a few

I only take on a small number of events each year, by choice. Not because most events don't deserve it, but because doing this properly takes full attention, and I'd rather do a handful brilliantly than spread myself across too many.

That's a capacity decision, not a judgement about your event. If the timing's right, I'm happy to talk.

Trusted Expertise

If you’re looking for someone to manage tasks, there are many options.

If you need a trusted expert to provide direction, leadership and results, someone who has done it before, at scale, under pressure, then this is the conversation to have.

If your event matters, don’t leave it too late.

LET'S CHAT ABOUT YOUR EVENT TODAY