The Event Show

Sally Porteous

This podcast will explore ideas, challenges and solutions in the art of planning exceptional audience experiences and meaningful events.

  1. 3d ago

    Are You an Event Manager on the Verge of Burnout?

    Mel Kettle ran 300 events in a single year for Microsoft. One event every working day. She told me this on the podcast this week and I just sat there thinking, how did you survive that. Turns out, she didn't really. Not without a cost. Mel's experience as a PCO in her 20s revealed an industry that puts on the pressure to keep showing up. Eventually she burnt out with chest pains, blood pressure so high her doctor didn't know how she was still walking around, and a warning that she'd have a stroke before she turned 30 if something didn't change. In this episode: •How Mel went from a chance coffee catch-up in Vancouver to running conferences for medical and legal associations, then Microsoft's national events calendar [09:00] •Why exhaustion and burnout aren't the same thing, and how to tell the difference [39:00] •The three-stage build of burnout: the small daily shifts, the physical warning signs, and the moment it all catches up [39:30] •What actually helped Mel recover, from food and movement to boundaries and comedy [44:00] •Sally's own burnout story, and the moment she realised she's been mis identifying it for 25 years. [42:00] •Mel's top three recommendations for staying well in a high-pressure industry [52:00] If you've ever pushed through exhaustion because "that's just the job," this one's worth your full attention. And you can find Mel at www.melkettle.com, including her book Fully Connected, and follow her on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/melkettle/) 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Event Show and leave a review, it helps other event professionals find these conversations.

    Are You an Event Manager on the Verge of Burnout?
  2. Mar 1

    21. Do You Need a Music License for Your Event?

    In this episode, I speak with Sarah Eaton, Manager Major Events and Sport at OneMusic Australia, about when events and businesses need a music license and the copyright risks of playing music without permission. Sarah explains what OneMusic is, how it combines APRA AMCOS and PPCA rights, and how licensing and royalty distribution work for venues and events, including set lists and reporting. We discuss common scenarios like awards nights, DJs in cafes, live performers at activations, stadium music at AFL games, and misconceptions such as “my event is free,” “I have Spotify,” or “the venue covers everything.” Sarah outlines typical fee structures and minimums, turnaround times, and how to check coverage and apply via onemusic.com.au. 00:00 Meet OneMusic Sarah 00:55 Why licenses matter 02:37 Music feels free 03:57 APRA AMCOS PPCA 05:25 How royalties get paid 07:05 Sports stadium music 10:20 Awards night checklist 13:38 What it costs 18:07 Find the right license 20:39 Compliance and consequences 22:04 Why licensing helps artists 23:24 International equivalents 24:50 After event responsibilities 25:22 Reporting Unlicensed Events 26:22 Spotify Playlists and Liability 27:44 Cafe DJ and Live Music Licenses 29:25 Event Licensing and Setlists 32:22 Common Licensing Myths 35:17 Spotify for Business Explained 36:19 Venue Coverage and Turnaround 38:16 Enquiries and Dob-In Fears 40:42 Why Royalties Matter 42:49 Final Takeaways and Resources Direct link to OneMusic website for music licenses for events - https://onemusic.com.au/licences/events

    21. Do You Need a Music License for Your Event?
  3. 2025-12-09

    20. Event Marketing: Balancing Authenticity and Storytelling

    Authenticity vs. Vulnerability in Event Marketing with Cat Matson You can find Cat Matson at www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson In this episode of 'The Event Show,' host Sally and guest Cat Matson, a speaking and communication coach, delve into the nuances between authenticity and vulnerability in event marketing. Cat, who works with business owners, public servants, and corporate professionals, shares her insights on finding one's voice and the importance of delivering key messages effectively. The discussion is prompted by an experiences watching a poorly executed event marketing campaign toll out over 12 months. Cat stresses the importance of maintaining the 'magic' or persona in professional settings while being genuine and relatable. They also explore the effectiveness of behind-the-scenes marketing, sharing do's and don'ts for creating compelling pre-event content. No-one wants to see how the sausage is made, nor do we want to see the theme park character without their head! They close with a discussion on what makes events appealing to attendees, emphasizing the significance of offering a holistic experience rather than merely focusing on ticket sales. 00:00 Introduction to Cat Matson01:07 Authenticity vs. Vulnerability02:18 The Mascot Rule: Keeping the Magic Alive02:56 Cat's Journey with Bobby McGee's06:21 Balancing Authenticity and Leadership07:29 The Fine Line Between Authenticity and Vulnerability19:35 Marketing and Authenticity23:01 What Are People Buying in Events?27:11 Understanding Audience Experience28:17 Behind the Scenes of Event Planning30:37 The Importance of Authenticity in Events31:17 Challenges and Experiences at South by Southwest39:09 Effective Marketing Strategies for Events44:19 Fusion Lunches: Sparking Ideas and Connections47:18 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Vulnerability

    20. Event Marketing: Balancing Authenticity and Storytelling
  4. 2025-10-16

    19. AI + Authenticity: Navigating the Next Wave

    This episode is for you if you're trying to figure out how or if to use AI when building your personal brand.  It's also for you if you're in a workplace that is holding you back and we discuss ways you can get out of your employment bubble and start building your own personal brand.  The future of your work will depend on it. > In this engaging podcast episode, the host introduces Petra Zinc, a brand and business growth strategist, keynote speaker, and author. Petra specializes in helping executives and founders turn their expertise into authority assets that scale. The conversation delves into Petra's career journey, the importance of seizing 'sliding door' moments, and the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on work. Petra shares insights on the necessity of building a personal brand and using AI tools ethically. The discussion highlights the importance of agency, skill development, and the value of authenticity in personal and professional branding. The episode also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the job market and offers practical advice for professionals at all levels to stay relevant and indispensable. 00:00 Introduction to Petra Zinc00:56 Acknowledging Traditional Owners01:33 Reconnecting After Years02:49 Career Shifts and Sliding Door Moments06:44 The Importance of Human Connection in Storytelling09:31 Embracing AI in Branding and Marketing13:35 The Essence of Brand Promise19:52 Adapting to Market Changes20:46 Overcoming AI Fears and Ethical Considerations22:35 Concerns About the Labor Market23:24 The Role of AI in Workflows24:08 Challenges in Education and Skill Development27:21 The Importance of Mindset and Agency31:22 Building Authority and IP37:16 Encouragement for Side Hustles39:27 Final Thoughts and Key Advice You can find Petra's podcast here - https://www.impaccct.com/trusted-authority-the-podcast

    19. AI + Authenticity: Navigating the Next Wave
  5. 2025-10-07

    18. Bringing YOU into your celebrations: With pickleball, pottery and photography

    I challenge you to rethink how you create events and experiences for your audience. Currently, people are eager for in-person connections and engaging interactions. I recall a conversation with someone celebrating both a milestone birthday and their company's anniversary. My advice was to separate the two events to focus on different audiences. This person's business celebration, for instance, could be transformed into a memorable experience by leveraging their passion for photography and empowerment coaching. Instead of a typical cocktail party, imagine a warehouse transformed into a photographic exhibition using projectors to display stunning images and client stories. This approach immerses attendees in your world, creating a lasting impact. I encourage you to think creatively about incorporating your personal passions into your events. Whether it's hosting a corporate event on a pickleball court or including pottery wheels for guests to try, these unique elements make your events stand out and be talked about long after they’re over. Share your creative ideas with me on social media; let’s inspire each other to create unforgettable experiences. 00:00 Introduction: Shaking Up Your Creative Process00:14 The Importance of In-Person Connections01:09 A Story of Milestone Celebrations02:30 Creating Events Around Your Passions03:32 Innovative Event Ideas09:07 Making Your Event Memorable10:54 Challenge: Bringing Personal Passions to Events11:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

    18. Bringing YOU into your celebrations: With pickleball, pottery and photography

About

This podcast will explore ideas, challenges and solutions in the art of planning exceptional audience experiences and meaningful events.