Lizz Santos has experience in event design and event management — Event Design and Event Management

Events

I believe good event design is born from knowing when to stop. Allowing elements to breathe in space and own the visual environment is my mantra.

One of the key skills I bring to each unique event design is my knowledge of materials, their capabilities, strengths and flexibility. Scale and environmental impact is a huge asset in my portfolio of skills – understanding how big/textured/heavy/practical any given structure will perform in the space. Detail and execution, new and innovative, experiential and spacial knowledge completes my knowledge.

I have always dabbled in event design, in the early days putting together launches and cocktail events for Production Houses and private friends. I soon felt the need to find more expressive ways to explore the different spaces that were being presented to me. I started Cut the Mustard in 2002 after seeing a gap in the market for an event design company with panache! Client feedback centres on our exceptional design ideas, on-site support and quality of service. My incredible and unwavering passion for manipulating space has led to my dynamic designs being seen in many venues throughout New Zealand and beyond.

Event Design

With over 1200 events under my belt of varying sizes and formats, it’s hard to pull out a few key designs which synergise with my core visual beliefs.

Clients I have worked with and clients I have an on-going relationship with include: Air New Zealand, Tourism Industry Association, ASB Bank, ANZ Bank, NZX, All Blacks, Wellington Phoenix FC, BECA, SPARK, Accor Hotels, IHG Hotels, BUPA and Loyalty NZ to name a few.

Table settings at an event at Te Papa by Lizz Santos

Air NZ Parliamentary event by Lizz Santos

Mid-winter Christmas at Rydges by Lizz Santos

2011 – 2016 Air New Zealand – various large scale events
2011 – 2016 Tourism Industry Association – TRENZ 2011, TRENZ 2015, TRENZ 2016 and TRENZ 2017
2010 – 2016 Wellington Phoenix FC – various events
2009 – 2016 BECA – various staff and client events
2012 – 2016 KiwiBank – Kiwibanker of the Year
2004 – 2016 Amora Hotel Wellington and Amora Hotel Auckland – various events
2002 – 2016 ANZ Bank – various events
2012 – 2016 KiwiRail – various events and Christmas decorating
2012 – 2016 Z Energy – various events and Christmas decorating
2003 – 2016 NZ Opera – various launches and dinners
2010 – 2015 IPENZ – various events, conferences and forums
2012 – 2013 CAREERS NZ – Expo stands and events
2006 – 2011 Te Taura Whiri – Maori Language Awards
2007 – 2010 Tower Insurance – various launches for NZ Ballet
2004 – 2010 NZICA
2004 – 2008 Foodstuffs – various dinners, Expo designs and staff events
2004 – 2008 Resene Paints – various conference dinners, cocktail events and fandeck launches
2011 South African Springboks Rugby Team – World Cup Tour – all events during this period
2009 NZ Rugby Union – Test Matches and Capping Ceremonies

Event Management

Each of my uniquely designed events goes hand in hand with event management to varying degrees. Whilst logistics falls second to my creativity, my OCD and attention to detail and planning mind lends to both aspects of the industry.