Red Lanyard

Red Lanyard An event management company offering production, coaching & execution of events in the business sect Go to www.redlanyard.com.au to find out more.

Get all the information about events and download free resources from https://linktr.ee/sallyporteous

You can download FREE resources from our website, as well as register for our free online discussions about your event planning, and view educational videos designed to inspire and educate.

I'm heading out to Downs Regional Council Events Bootcamp next weekend to join a host of supporting regional event cr...
08/05/2026

I'm heading out to Downs Regional Council Events Bootcamp next weekend to join a host of supporting regional event creators. I'm running a workshop on bringing your idea to life and seeing if it's feasible. VanderVoort will be on stage showing us how we can use AI in our events along with a host of other experts in the event space.

I would love to see you there if you're in the region or are planning an event in the region.

More info can be found at https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/Community-Recreation/Events-Initiatives/Council-Events/Events-Bootcamp-2026

Sometimes we hold off sharing our ideas because we can't find the right words to articulate our vision.Sometimes we play...
09/01/2026

Sometimes we hold off sharing our ideas because we can't find the right words to articulate our vision.

Sometimes we play small because we're afraid that if someone questions our idea, we won't be able to show them what we mean.

Sometimes we play it safe because what we have in our head, we just can't seem to be able to translate into something we can communicate.

AI has changed all of these thoughts for me and I'm keen to show you how I'm using AI for my event planning. It's not replacing me, it's not doing my job for me, it's making me more efficient, giving me the time and bandwidth to really make the impact I want to make.

Join me on the 20th January for a free webinar where I will demonstrate how I use AI to take my event planning to the next level. Link in bio for details.

Melding events and entertainment is a critical success factor in getting events right. Choose the wrong entertainment, a...
08/12/2025

Melding events and entertainment is a critical success factor in getting events right. Choose the wrong entertainment, and your guests will be talking about your event, in all the wrong ways, for years to come.

But get it right, and it will be the highlight of your event and will connect your audience to your message, every time they hear that song, see that band or feel the energy that performance brought.

If you're keen to see how this works IRL, come to the next Event Managers Network event on Saturday 13 December. We're blending networking with knowledge and finishing with an entertainment spectacular.

Open to anyone who creates gatherings, no matter the sector. Go to www.eventmanagersnetwork.com for find out more.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐂𝐌𝐐) will open on 1 November for round 2 of funding. Eligible applicants c...
27/10/2025

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐂𝐌𝐐) will open on 1 November for round 2 of funding. Eligible applicants can apply for 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 $𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 for multicultural events that increase intercultural connections and social inclusion by bringing together the people of Queensland to build an inclusive, harmonious and united community.

What is considered a multicultural event? (DWATSIPM website definition)

* A cultural event that celebrates the traditions of people from a particular cultural group or community, together with the wider community, usually held on a date of cultural significance or as a celebration of cultural heritage.

* An intercultural sporting event that brings together multicultural communities and the wider community to celebrate diversity, foster mutual respect and understanding, and build stronger connections.

* A festival that showcases the cultures and traditions of multiple cultural groups to enhance appreciation and recognition of the diverse cultures in Queensland and promote community awareness about the benefits of multiculturalism.

Here's a link to explore if it's an opportunity for you, if a multicultural event is in your programming for 2026.

https://www.dwatsipm.qld.gov.au/our-work/multicultural-affairs/programs-initiatives/funding-programs/celebrating-multicultural-queensland-program -objective

I was a jack of all trades for at least 3/4 of my working life. Then in 2018 I started doing some personal development ...
27/10/2025

I was a jack of all trades for at least 3/4 of my working life. Then in 2018 I started doing some personal development work and after doing some study, enjoying some success and really enjoying what I was doing, I decided to "become" an Event Planner. Since making this decision, buying the number plates (yes, I did that) and focusing all of my energies into everything events, I have enjoyed so many more opportunities to gather, connect and produce amazing experiences, than I ever did before.

But this wasn't always the case and before this I was probably known as the "fixer". People would come to me with all sorts of requests and questions, and I would try to help them with everything.

People are often amused to find out that I had 27 jobs before I was 27, or that I have been a music promoter, a travelling salesperson, a payroll clerk, a shop assistant and even dressed up in a purple bear suit for a street parade! I didn't discover the benefits of education until well into my 40's but also recognise I probably wouldn't have made it to my 40's if I had done all those other things 😜.

My point is, just as much as we are told to niche into finding our desired customer, I have found great success by niching into my skill set. I thought I would get bored, I thought I wouldn't be very good at it, but it seems that with perseverance, comes depth of knowledge, and with depth of knowledge comes more impactful experiences.

Even if it's not in your job title, what are you known for, or what do you wish people knew you for?

I'm hosting an online lunch and learn this Wednesday, showing you how I have used my skills + AI to create something unique. Check out the link in my bio for this, and the link to a podcast episode with Petra Zink where we talk all things personal brand and how to future proof yourself in this time of AI.

From someone who was a "Jill of all trades" (Aussie slang for someone can do most things okay, but is not a master of an...
27/10/2025

From someone who was a "Jill of all trades" (Aussie slang for someone can do most things okay, but is not a master of any) to someone who took a deep dive into events, the emergence of AI was starting to get me worried. Worried that it would take my job (which it will), and worried that even if I know how to use, how will I be able to use it to improve what I do.

Petra Zink, of IMPACCCT Personal Brands explains in this podcast episode "This is why building your own IP is probably the one thing that future proofs you because you can then monetise it in different ways. So when we are an EA and my focus and my specialization is I can turn random people structures into org charts that increase retention by 50% or anything. What's my brand promise? What I've done so many times, what people have recognised me for, what I enjoy doing, how can I systemise that? So if I go into another EA role or if I'm a virtual assistant, because we can do that. It's the same thing, it's the same value proposition, but I don't have to research and figure out how am I doing that again, I've got my template. It's like, hang on, we do this. And with that you are a more predictable with your outcomes and also repeatable, so you get more confidence in what you actually offer."

This week I'm running a lunch and learn to demonstrate how I've taken my skillset in event planning, and am building my personal brand, using my own IP. My career journey has been admin officer, to personal assistant, to project officer, but it still really felt like I was a "Jill of all trades". Even when I hung a shingle and said I was an Event Planner, I was still at risk of my job being swallowed up by firstly, offshore labour, then technology, and now AI.

Listen to this podcast episode and then Join me for this insightful lunch and learn and figure out for yourself what your IP advantage is, and how you can use AI in the context of events, to not only stay relevant, but to elevate your outputs and improve your results. You can find the link in my bio. It's free to attend, so bring your questions, concerns and ideas, and let's start working on how you can use AI to elevate your event planning.

This is a shoutout to all the teachers, school administrative staff and parents, creating epic events for their kids and...
20/10/2025

This is a shoutout to all the teachers, school administrative staff and parents, creating epic events for their kids and families. I'm doing this shoutout because we talk about the complexities and stress associated with producing events, yet these people are doing it by the goodness-knows-how-many-per-year and take it in their stride as a part of their job.

I once worked with a network of Catholic schools in regional Queensland, to develop a system whereby they all produced events using the same processes and systems. This group produced more than 300 events per year across about 15 sites.

This week I had the joyful experience of working with the music teachers from Ambrose Treacy College Indooroopilly on the Jazz by the River concert performance. I've done a fantastic Long Lunch event with this school before and while this time I was only responsible for the theming of the VIP area, watching these teams work so seamlessly was brilliant.

On this occasion, the teachers had to change tact and move the event last minute from its beautiful outdoor ampitheatre riverside location, to inside the basketball stadium. A storm was forecast and they didn't want to risk having to stop half way through, leaving some children without the opportunity to perform.

They still created a fantastic experience for students and parents alike, and the whole time not a complaint was heard, no-one whined about how stressful it was, and everyone pulled together, including parents and students, to bring it all together.

This is a perfect example of staying focused on the audience and doing whatever it takes to ensure they get what they have been promised. For the children, a chance to perform in front of their peers, family and friends - and for the families, a chance to see the fruits of their children's labour over the months.

So here's my shoutout to all the teachers, school administrators and parents who produce everything from the school fete, concerts, graduations, open days, parent/teacher nights, strategic planning days, professional development, sports competitions and everything in between.

You are the ultimate event managers. 👏

If you want to hear about what others are doing in events or listen to my podcast head to my YouTube channel Red Lanyard and subscribe.

Are you delivering your event this week? I am and I love nothing more than ticking off that final event checklist! Do ...
09/10/2025

Are you delivering your event this week? I am and I love nothing more than ticking off that final event checklist! Do you want my copy?

Here's a tiny list of what's in it...

FINAL NUMBERS TO VENUE
REMINDER EMAIL SENT
GUEST LIST PRINTED
MEDIA RELEASE SENT
OTHER PROMO SENT
SURVEY CREATED
VENUE LAYOUT DECIDED
NAME TAGS PRINTED
PLACE CARDS PRINTED
SEATING CHART PRINTED

It might seem like these items are simple and if you're not an event planner you might be wondering why you need such a list - well when you're interrupted every 5 minutes in event week with demands from those that have decided to have a look at the event plan a few days beforehand 😬, having a list that you tick off means you have just saved all the bandwidth your brain needs to remember all the little things.

For me, it means having a list on my desk, the feeling of putting pen to paper and drawing that giant tick!

If you love checking off a list ad having bandwidth to manage all the curve balls that are going to come your way this week, grab my free checklist.

Here's a link - https://www.eventplannersworkshop.com.au/pre-event-checklist

Address

Brisbane, QLD

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Tuesday 7am - 8pm
Wednesday 7am - 8pm
Thursday 7am - 8pm
Friday 7am - 8pm
Saturday 7am - 8pm
Sunday 7am - 8pm

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+61408887106

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