More and more conferences are concluding with a styled gala dinner. There are three main reasons driving this trend – an entertaining gala dinner is a great way to reward your attendees after a long information heavy conference; gala dinners encourage networking; the savvy event planner can minimize costs when ‘bundling’ the two events. When planning two back-to-back events, the key to a successful experience is a smooth transition between the two. With so many elements coming together and you’re racing against the clock, this can seem somewhat overwhelming. Our event experts share some insightful tips to help the savvy event planner knock their event out of the park. See below 7 ideas for seamlessly turning your conference into a gala dinner 1. Use a second room within the venue Choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions in planning your conference. To successfully include a gala dinner as part of your conference, a venue with two rooms is ideal. A smooth transition from conference to gala dinner Booking two rooms in your venue will allow you to usher your guests to a second location for cocktails and networking. While your guests are enjoying cocktails your secondary team can redress the conference room in preparation for the gala dinner. The key to a smooth transition is teamwork. To make sure it goes without a hitch, you’ll need an experienced events team to ensure all the lighting, AV, sound and styling is in place. The room should be unrecognizable when your guests re-enter the room! Consider your attendee's needs When choosing the rooms for your event, consider the fact that your guests have been sitting for most of the day while they attended the conference. With this in mind, it is a good idea to usher your guests from the conference room into a standing room elegantly accessorized with comfortable lounging areas. When booking your venue, choose one that offers a second room that gives your guests a break from the standard conference room setting. Look into booking a venue that offers guests access to a patio or an outdoor space. A garden view and cocktails are great ways to break from the traditional conference setting. 2. Offer a different kind of conference setting Following a long day seated in a conference chair, your guests will welcome a change of scenery. Breaking from the monotony of what is expected at a typical conference will really wow event attendees. Re-energize your attendees with a new seating arrangement A simple yet really effective way to go from corporate conference to exiting gala dinner is to change the seating arrangement. Conferences can be rigid affairs, but a break from tradition and a little bit of flair changes all of that. The most common seating transition is theatre to banquet round, but again it depends on what space you have to play with. Economical use of the venue space presents a number of possibilities for any enterprising event planner. Check out our post about choosing the right seating style for your event to give you ideas. A more contemporary seating style is to incorporate a lounge area (pictured above) at your event. The seating here should be less formal than conference room seating and offer your guests a break from the potential dreariness of a typical conference. Likewise, a dessert bar is a crafty way to offer your guests a change of pace as well as a delicious treat. Our event stylists share tips on how to create the perfect lounge zone. 3. Add flair to your event with a hefty dose of style It’s a no brainer. To transition from a conference to gala dinner your, event styling is your trump card. Styling for a conference tends to be minimal with some simple yet sophisticated table centerpieces, draping and some branded props around the room. On the other hand, gala dinners are the holy grail for event stylists where literally you’re only limited by your imagination. Everything can be styled, and the more you marry styling with AV, the more impactful the event. Dress up your gala dinner with elegant table styling Creative centrepieces are the hallmark of an attractive table setting. Your event stylist will design the perfect setting for your event look and type. Key elements to stunning table centerpieces are: || LED candles are perfect for adding soft and attractive lighting. They’re also cleaner and safer to use than their real counterparts. || Crystal and glass ornaments make great statement pieces. They are also subtle enough to be used for the conference styling, and then add some LED candles, mirrors and other styling pieces to really make them pop for the gala dinner. Creative lighting is the key to making these pieces truly dazzle guests. ||Flowers are hugely popular for both conferences and gala dinners. Whilst they can sometimes carry a hefty price tag, your event stylist will have many cost effective alternates up their sleeve. From simple orchards in abstract vases, to ‘almost real’ floral arrangements in crystal chambers and terrariums, there are many ways to achieve the floral look without breaking the budget. Pairing your table dressings with equally vamped up chairs adds a degree of style to your gala dinner. Swathing chairs with attractive chair covers adds a sense of formality and luxury to your decor. Curtains and drapes also provide a degree of elegance for your conference and gala dinner. Drape tracks allow you to transition from conference to gala dinner with a great deal of speed so you don’t have to keep your guests waiting for long. 4. Keep the guests of your event entertained and engaged Adding entertainment and inviting your guests to participate during your conference and gala dinner are great ways for any event planner to ensure that their’s is a memorable event. Engage Your Guests With Social Media Encore Event Technologies has a unique strategy for engaging your guests. Event Feed is an online platform which scans all social media platforms for a predetermined hashtag and then displays these posts on a screen so that guests have the chance to be featured during the conference and gala! Entertain with performances at your Gala dinner After a long, content rich day at the conference, your guests will welcome entertaining performances. A savvy event planner amps up their gala dinner planning game by organizing a variety of acts to keep guests engaged and amused all night long. If you’re stuck for ideas, consider commissioning a singer, a dance troupe, a magician, a quick-change act or even an aerial artist like an acrobat if your venue can accommodate it. 5. Create the right atmosphere and ambiance with AV and lighting effects Audio visual equipment as well as specialized lighting and lighting effects are a great way to set the tone and mood of your conference and gala dinner. Dramatic Lighting The right lighting features add another dimension to your event. Using roving gobos, pin spot lighting and dynamic colour changes are a great way to transition from a conference to a gala dinner. Take a look at the dramatic effect of pin spot lighting. Using AV Equipment During a conference, audio visual equipment is typically used to share slides and capture the audience’s attention. As you transition from a conference to a gala dinner, use the same audio visual equipment to create a dramatic impact. Using the projector and screen that were used for conference slides, project stylized images that match the theme of your gala for added effect. Using digital banners and widescreens When using projectors and impactful images, consider adding digital banners as well. The flexibility in their modular design makes digital banners a great way to re-imagine your content. Arranged in various ways to support your content, digital banners can draw attention to corporate sponsors, add corporate branding, project messages to guests of your event and add animated content. Similarly, widescreens are a perfect solution for conference to gala dinner stage sets. The sheer size of widescreens make them the perfect candidate for conference presentations, whilst can also make the perfect canvas for projecting stunning imagery and stylised content onto for the gala dinner. Create ambiance with music during your gala dinner A moment can be made with the right music. Background music is a powerful tool for changing the ambiance of a room. Carefully select warm, instrumental tunes or high powered musical odysseys for your guests to enjoy as you treat them to an exciting gala dinner. 6. Pre-set like a pro for a smooth transition from conference to gala dinner Transitioning between a conference and a gala dinner doesn’t have to be an ordeal. A great deal of pre-planning and pre-setting can make for a smooth transition from drab conference to exciting gala dinner. Timing plays a key part in transitioning between conference and gala dinner. A well scheduled event will be one that goes off without a hitch. Simple Pre-Setting Strategy For conference and gala dinners, pre-setting stage looks in two distinct layers is a good idea. Employing the use of black drapery means that you will be able to hide a secondary stage for a gala dinner and transitioning from conference to gala dinner is as simple as pulling back a drape. Use Event Backdrop for a quick change Incorporating an Event Backdrop into your stage or room design is a great way to dress up your event. Event Backdrop is made using photographic quality print on fabric, that is brilliantly illuminated to create knock-out impact at an affordable price. Available in a range of sizes to suit all event sizes, they are ideal for delivering a message, promoting a product, reinforcing the message of an event, or building recognition of your brand. Event Backdrop's can also be changed quickly between your chosen conference backdrop to a gala dinner backdrop that aptly matches the theme of your gala. You can also utilise Event Backdrops at the entrance to your venue to welcome guests. A great way to create excitement at your event is to use a backdrop to create a photo wall for your guests to be photographed in front of as they arrive at the event. Plan your event down to the last detail The lighting that you have chosen for your event plays an important role in transitioning between conference and gala dinner. To facilitate a smooth transition, lighting for your gala dinner can be set up prior to your conference and pre-programmed to begin at just the right time. All of the lighting effects and transitions can be programmed ahead of time so this won’t be something you’ll need to worry about as you prepare for the gala dinner. When it comes to planning a successful conference and gala dinner, the key is turnaround time and ensure that you have ample staff on hand to transition from conference to gala dinner in a timely manner. 7. Leave it to the event production experts Encore Event Technologies has been transforming conferences into lavish gala dinners for over 30 years. It’s safe to say, there’s not a trick in the book we wouldn't know. Our event production team has mastered the transition, attributing it all to preparation, experience and creativity. With the largest range of event services, Encore Event Technologies are your one-stop-shop and have everything you need to transform your event with ease. If you are interesting in exploring options for your next event, speak to a Encore Event Technologies representative today by calling 1800 209 099 or by sending an online enquiry. ... Read More

As a busy event planner, you know there’s a lot that goes into the planning and execution of each conference and seminar that you’re involved with. At Encore, we want to make it easier for you to stay organised, share information with event attendees and plan a successful and stress-free conference or seminar. That's why we’ve released Cumulus, a free corporate event app that is easy-to-use, easy-to-navigate and an all-inclusive tool that puts all of the information pertinent to your event at your attendees’ fingertips. Our event app will allow you to share your conference agenda ahead of the event, allow your guests to access profiles and bios of the key speakers at your seminar, make it easier for attendees to navigate to and around the venue and so much more. Best of all, Cumulus is no charge to event planners that use us, exclusively, for their AV services. If you want to pull off a fun, engaging and informative conference, seminar or corporate event, our event app is essential. Here are 10 ways our free event app, Cumulus, will enhance your corporate seminar or conference experience: 1. Upload your event agenda Feature: Agenda Upload your event’s agenda or program so that your guests can access it ahead of the big day so that they have information about what meetings will be part of your conference or seminar, as well as the date, time and location for each meeting. Allowing your guests to access the schedule for your event means that they will be able to attend the meetings and seminars they are most interested in. 2. Include important information on your presenters or speakers Feature: Speaker Information Who is speaking at your conference or imparting important information at your seminar? Let your guests know by uploading bios and profiles that introduce each of the key speakers at your event to your guests. 3. Distribute important venue information Feature: Facility Overview Including a map so that your attendees know where to go is an excellent touch. You can also include transport and shuttle information for out-of-town guests. 4. Attendee List Feature: Attendees One of the biggest advantages for guests of conferences and seminars is the networking possibilities that these types of events open up. You can make networking even easier by uploading a list of attendees which offers users the opportunity to e-mail one another. Unlike other event apps, Cumulus allows users to click on an attendee and the app will take the user straight to their device’s e-mail client to send an e-mail. 5. Upload important downloadable documents Feature: Downloads Rather than handing out hard copies of important documents, you can upload essential meeting material, documents, bulletins, floor plans and much more so that your event’s attendees can access this important information from their smart phone or tablet. 6. Showcase your sponsors Feature: Sponsors With our free event app, you are able to highlight your event sponsors in a unique and dynamic way. With a dedicated area for your sponsors’ information, you can create a partnership recognition area that includes flexible rich text content, sponsorship messaging and internet hyperlinks to your sponsors’ content. With many sponsorship levels, you can customise your sponsor area to meet the needs of your event. 7. Include live polling for attendees Feature: Links Including a link to our live polling platform, Event Poll, let's you ask your attendees questions, encourage discussion, promote brainstorming and receive instant feedback. Adding Event Poll to your conference or seminar is a great way to garner audience engagement through participation. With an event poll, you have the opportunity to host a live Q & A session, run polls on hot topics and so much more. 8. Keep your attendees updated Feature: Bulletins With our event app, you can help your attendees stay up-to-date on the conference or seminar they will be attending by including a dedicated news area where you can upload news and important bulletins. 9. Uploading supporting videos Feature: Videos Videos are great, easily digestible content that give a large amount of information without requiring a large time commitment from the viewer. Uploading videos via Cumulus is an excellent way to share rich and dynamic content with your event’s attendees. The videos can be brand, sponsor, product or destination related and so much more. 10. Promote venue deals and offers Feature: Links / Downloads When you host a conference or a seminar at a venue that has promotional offers for your audience, our event planning app allows you to share this information with all of the attendees of your event. Watch Cumulus in action! AHICE used Cumulus at their 2019 conference to distribute key information and connect with attendees. Cumulus App Demo for AHICE from Encore Event Technologies on Vimeo. Our free corporate event app, Cumulus, is just one of the ways that Encore Event Technologies can help you plan and flawlessly execute a stand-out conference or seminar. We also offer you the skills and expertise of more than 30 years of experience and we can provide you with a professional and organised event production team who will assist you in the production of a conference or seminar that will blow your attendees away. To find out how Event Briefcase can enhance your event, speak with one of our Encore representatives today by calling 1800 209 099 or by sending an online enquiry. -- ... Read More

Every event or meeting you attend today will include some sort of digital event technology. Whether it be an event app, online registration, webcasting, live polling, social media integration or even just access to Wi-Fi. As event planners look for new ways to collect invaluable data whilst providing attendees with a more dynamic, personalised experience, this inclusion of event technology is only going to increase. With this increase in event technology adoption comes the added pressure of venues to supply enough bandwidth to facilitate the mass usage. Since bandwidth governs all technology that uses the Internet (including personal devices being used in guest rooms and public areas outside of meetings), it has become increasingly more important for meeting and event planners to learn the basics of it and how to estimate how much you’ll need for your event. Your AV provider should take care of this for you, however it will be beneficial to get a grasp on understanding bandwidth so you can plan in advance to ensure your venue can handle the Wi-Fi demand throughout your event without overspending for more than you need. What is Bandwith and Wi-Fi? Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted (upload) or received (download) per second measured in Megabits per second. Wi-Fi: The technology that distributes the Bandwidth around a venue to wireless devices like laptops, computers, smartphones and tablets. APEX Bandwidth and Connectivity Workgroup of the Convention Industry Council (CIC) How bandwidth can affect your meetings and events whether large or small Bandwidth allocation determines how many people and devices can access the internet, what types of technology you can use (streaming vs basic surfing), and how frequently. It is based on the minimum amount of megabytes required to ensure all the known users, on an estimated amount of devices, can have an undisrupted internet viewing experience fit for purpose. Below are some event examples of how bandwidth can affect your meeting and events, regardless of size: Bandwidth determines how many devices - smartphones, tablets, laptops, live polling systems, etc. - can be used concurrently inside venues, guestrooms and public areas without interference. It determines whether streaming video presentations will be transmitted over the Internet fast enough to project crisply and clearly on the screen without image or audio distortion or even lag time. It can limit the type, size and quality of presentations your speakers or instructors will be able to upload or download. It can dictate whether a hybrid event with audiences in different locations will be trouble-free or problematic. It will control exhibitor presentations in their booths and the applications they use. Your on-site office and event operations including registration will depend on bandwidth capabilities. And the list goes on ... Very small meetings can still be technologically demanding so it’s important to remember the type of usage plays more emphasis on bandwidth exhaustion than the number of users or devices. There is nothing more frustrating than a website crashing, or seeing the spinning wheel of death as the video buffers. Rather than sit patiently and wait, your viewers or attendees are likely to abandon this and move onto something else. Therefore it’s vital you ensure there will be enough bandwidth on rehearsal and show day to accommodate your event. It can make or break your attendees’ event experience. Naturally, if you don’t intend on using any internet-reliant activities (live polling, event apps, web surfing etc) or your attendees aren’t concerned with accessing the internet during your event, than you needn’t be concerned with bandwidth availability. How to estimate how much bandwith you’ll need for your meeting or event Nowadays, it is an expectation to have internet access at all times and in all places including your event! However, this is not always as easy to arrange as it sounds. Below is a simple three step process to help you estimate how much internet bandwidth you’ll need: 1. Determine how many attendees will be using the internet at your event. 2. Assess what your participants will be using the internet for. Is it just so that delegates can check their e-mails? Or will you be webcasting the event to online audience’s and will need to send through live video and audio? Event tweeting or posting on Instagram uses a small amount of bandwidth. This is usually categorised into Low, Medium or High usage. Low – Emailing, social media, basic web surfing Medium - Skype, Audio streaming, web applications, Event apps and audience response systems. High – Webcasting, Large file transfers 3. Use your programme to determine when the peak usage will be. If your programme requires all people to sign in via digital registration before 9am and you have an event app with the event’s agenda you can assume you will need to allow more bandwidth for the morning. If you have a workshop for 4 hours in the afternoon which your attendees won’t need internet access for you can account for that too. You will need to take into account these peaks of use. Questions to ask your venue about dedicated bandwidth If you want to give all of your event attendees, including staff and presenters, the best internet experience we recommend opting for a dedicated bandwidth. As it sounds, dedicated bandwidth means the venue will reserve your bandwidth allocation so no matter what other users may be doing, your event will have access to unshared bandwidth. Whilst dedicated bandwidth provides a more reliable, faster experience, it is more expensive. We recommend speaking with your AV provider or venue to determine what type of bandwidth you’ll need and whether dedicated bandwidth is necessary. If you do require dedicated bandwidth, below are some key questions should ask your venue: Does the venue have the necessary infrastructure to bring in dedicated bandwidth? Is there on-site AV and technical support to help configure and troubleshoot these services? Does the venue have large enough caballing to meet your total bandwidth needs so even all users at usage peaks will have a good internet experience? Does your venue have the ability to set-up sub-separate networks (VLANs-Virtual Local Area Network) if your event requires it? Venues without an on-site AV technician make answering these questions more time consuming task as you’ll need to speak with an event IT company and possibly even arrange an on-site visit. This can be very costly so keep this in mind when choosing your venue. As an event planner, the last thing you want is your delegates, important VIPs or event presenters to have a negative experience because your internet failed. How do venues charge for bandwidth / internet usage Typically venues will have a schedule of pricing for number of attendees x level of bandwidth required. Ask the venue for their rate card. In some circumstances we are seeing venues include Wi-Fi in their day delegate package, this can often be a deciding factor in choosing a venue. Helpful tips for managing your bandwidth usage 1. Save on bandwidth with a proxy server for popular pages. When the participants at your event are often likely to be looking at the same internet page – for example, the programme of the day on the event website you can save on broadband use by installing a proxy server in your network. This allows you to save the pages that are surfed by the participants for a limited period of time. If another person wants to look at the same page within, say, the next ten minutes, this person does not need to access your network; instead the page in question will be uploaded from the local cache on the proxy server. 2. Allow for bandwidth for your rehearsals. Often large events will have a full rehearsal the day before the event to run from start to end just like it’s show day. If you intend on testing your webcasting, applications, live polling etc we recommend definitely allowing for this additional day of bandwidth. 3. If you plan on webcasting it is all about sufficient upload bandwidth with pre tested IP-addresses. Basically the equipment used must be registered with the internet supplier to create a dedicated internet connection separate to the bandwidth being used by the attendees. Make use of the latest event technologies at your event Find new ways to excite, inspire and connect your attendees to your brand new product. Our range of digital services allows immediate engagement with your audience, providing an inclusive atmosphere for your guests and interactive ways to gather feedback from your conference or meeting. With the latest event technology at our fingertips we have the solutions to take your event where it needs to go. Webcast your event to reach a global audience, Amplify your content via social media for events, Record and stream your event for later use, or to widen your reach, Interact with your attendees via live audience polling, or House all of your event related material on a free event app. By incorporating the latest event technology, your conference, incentive, gala dinner or exhibition attendees will benefit from the latest variety of interactive communications, bringing you and your guests closer. Speak to an Encore Event Technologies representative today to find out how we can make your event more engaging - CALL 1800 209 099 or send an online enquiry! ... Read More

Over 700 stars and guests came out for this year's The ONJ Gala 2016 put on every year by Austin Health. As the in-house events and audio-visual partner at Crown Palladium, Staging Connections' Melbourne team was tasked with making every guest feel extra special. An elegant, engaging and utterly spectacular affair was created, welcoming attendees including business leaders, philanthropists and fans to celebrate the achievements of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Supportive Care Programs. Pictured: Hosts for the evening, Richard Wilkins and Deborah Hutton. Executing a Hollywood Glamour themed gala dinner All styling, AV production, on-screen multimedia, performances and execution epitomised the theme of the evening, old school Hollywood glamour. Pictured: Staging Connections delivers a 'Hollywood Glamour' themed gala dinner for The ONJ Gala. From the moment guests entered the room through a beaded curtain entrance they were dazzled by the stunning atmosphere created. Shimmering red organza drapes surrounded the room creating a vibrant yet intimate feel and a three tiered truss chandelier (10m, 7m, 3m) that featured 30 smaller chandeliers with its own motor and individual lights wowed guests as a magical room centrepiece. Pictured: A highlight of the gala dinner was the three tiered chandelier. To support the high profile event, guests were entertained by a host of performances throughout the evening including Jimmy Barnes, Jon Stevens, Kinky Boots The Musical, Jason Heerah, Swing On This and star of the evening Olivia Newton-John. Pictured: Olivia Newton-John graced the stage in a stunning beaded gown. Pictured: Olivia Newton-John and Jimmy Barnes performed a rocking duet. Staging Connections’ multimedia team, led by Gary Moynihan, produced exclusive and eye-catching screen content designed specifically for each act. All multimedia content for the evening was shown on all six screens surrounding the room plus there was two camera’s vision, audience response results and a screen with auto-cue. The seven high profile acts plus a 12 piece-band and a 30-piece choir, all presented challenging requirements which were met with the professionalism that the Staging Connections team are renowned for at Crown. Full stage lighting and multiple lighting sequences created the ideal environment for the live auctions, testimonials, performances and of course, party time! Going that extra mile for gala dinner styling Completing the decadent atmosphere, Staging Connections brought in extra special styling elements including Tivoli stairs with customised internal lighting, illuminated ONJ letters, red carpets, a 7m photo wall and custom centrepieces with rose petals on mirror bases. Pictured: Tivoli stairs with custom internal lighting to complement the stage acts, such as red for Kinky Boots. Pictured: Letter lights were used to promote the event's hashtag ONJ2016 and add to the Hollywood Glamour theme. What did the client say? This was the first time that Staging Connections was selected to work on this event and the team went above and beyond in accommodating all requests and delivering a spectacular and memorable event. The Crown Palladium was truly transformed to create a glamorous atmosphere that delivered on the clients brief and supported the client in what they claim is the very best ONJ Gala to date. “I would like to especially recognise the Staging Connections team for being such fantastic partners and an absolute pleasure to work with in the lead up to the event. In addition, I would like to thank the Staging Connections team on the night, they were absolute professionals and a delight to work with, delivering an outstanding show. We appreciate everything that Staging have done to support the event – it has significantly helped us deliver the very best ONJ Gala to date.” Amy Coote, Head of Partnerships, Austin Health Flawless gala dinner production by Staging Connections Staging Connections has been executing spectacular gala dinners for over 30 years. Whether you want to celebrate achievements, fundraise or just host a fanatstic fun-filled evening we have the people, the ideas and the tech tools to make it happen. That's why renowned brands like Amway, ANZ, Auto & General and Amway chose to partner with Staging Connections to deliver their gala dinner. With all eyes on your stage for the entire event, it's important you give it the attention it deserves. Find out more about our range of gala dinner event services or get in touch with us to see how we can work together for your event. CALL 1800 209 099 or Send an Enquiry Photo Credit: Stu Morley ... Read More

Event stage production has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade, and while event organizers are constantly looking for new and inventive ways to present their event, it’s all about one thing – engagement. From dynamic new ways to showcase your content on the stage to creative set styling ideas, amplifying your event and its messaging is all about up-to-date and eye-catching execution. Looking to add a little oomph to your next corporate or social event? We’ve asked our event staging experts to shine a spotlight on a handful of new (and re-imagined) set design and set styling products, to inspire your next event's stage design. Here’s our insight into the six products currently trending in the staging and set design arena, and how to make best use of set styling products. Hexagonal panels Pictured: Hexagonal panels used in this custom stage set design for the LNG18 Conference. Amp up your set design with dynamic hexagonal panels Make an impact and craft custom designed stage designs using hexagonal panels as part of your next set or stage design. Measured at approximately 1.6m in the middle and 90cm at the base, these creative display panels are designed to fit a range of venues and can add a spark to any dull stage set-up. Best of all, individual hexagonal panels can be joined together to create unique shaped walls to project onto. You also have the ability to projection map and show different content across individual panels, meaning they’re an incredibly dynamic addition to any stage’s design. Showcase content in a multi-dimensional display Pictured: Projection mapping different content onto individual panels at the MCG Evolution showcase event. Hexagonal panels were a key stage element of the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Evolution event, a showcase held to demonstrate the capabilities of the MCG and promote its use as a multi-purpose venue. Different content was projected onto individual hexagonal panels – with Event Poll on one panel, while another panel housed a live feed of the presenter. The other panels included the speakers’ presentation content, creating a mural effect – allowing our event experts to present a variety of different content in one well-executed display. Encore Event Technologies can also match your table styling with complementing matching hexagonal terrarium centerpieces, creating a nice touch for themed events or glamorous gala dinners. Scenic Panels Add a touch of elegance to your set dressing with Scenic Panels Pictured: Scenic Panels used to create a 'wave' ceiling installation at the Australian Tourism Exchange on the Gold Coast. Draw eyes to your stage set, add flair to your gala dinner’s ceiling installations or create a lovely entry feature or room divider with the addition of Scenic Panels. These panels are a cost effective and stylish event addition; available as individual panels or screens, meaning they can be incorporated to events of any scale and size. Set the scene and give personality to your event venue With the ability to project different coloured lights across its surface, Scenic Panels are incredibly versatile and can set the scene whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a stylish product launch or an immaculately styled gala dinner. As a ceiling installation, Scenic Panels can be rigged to the ceiling to create beautiful styling feature, such as a wave effect showcased at the Australian Tourism Exchange. Scenic Panels can also be used as room dividers, entry features, event draping, media walls, and stage backdrops, framing your stage with a unique textural panel display. Pictured: Scenic Panels used as room divider a The Million Dollar Lunch 2015. Pictured: Scenic Panels used as stage backdrop with a branded gobo projection. Pictured: Scenic Panels used as a stage backdrop for a Spy themed gala dinner. Digital Banners Re-imagine your stage design with digital banners Immerse your guests and draw focus to different sections of your stage with the use of digital banners. Digital banners aren’t the new kids on the block however with the increase in projection mapping at corporate events we’re seeing them used more and more. With the unique ability to be hung vertically or horizontally in a row, content and visuals can be projected across or mixture of horizontal and vertical displays. Pictured: Digital banners used in a custom set design for an awards night. Digital banners can also be used in combination with other set design elements, such as the fleur panels, hexagonal panels and other stage set design elements. Their size and versatility make them perfect for a range of venue sizes, from smaller events to large incentive events. Showcase your business’ content in inventive new ways Pictured: Digital banners housing themed content for the 2015 Greencross Ltd annual gala dinner. For Greencross Limited’s annual gala dinner, Encore Event Technologies made great use of digital banners. Our event specialists projected different themed content across each panel, keeping in the theme of ‘Fire & Ice’ and creating an immersive event setting. Pictured: Project animation and moving sequences across an array of digital banners. Digital banners are a cost effective way of set styling, with the unique ability to house different content, or project a series of images across each banner, making it suited to a range of event purposes. Widescreens Pictured: A widescreen makes for a dramatic stage design with projection mapping of the city skyline at a conference. Incorporate a cinematic element to your stage design with widescreens If the content you’re showcasing is extravagant in scale, give it the screen it deserves with a stage widescreen. Perfect for high impact videos, widescreens are best used for presenting a memorable opening sequence, a winners montage, tribute videos, branded product announcements or attention-grabbing hype reels. You can also add interest by combining widescreens with other set design elements, such as digital banners and fleur screens, to give your event stage even more punch. Pictured: Widescreens and Digital Banners used together in a custom set design to house different content and live feeds. Circular Truss Command your guests’ attention with circular trusses If you’re looking to expand your set styling beyond the stage, another great way to promote your brand’s content or add a ceiling installation is through event rigging. Circular trusses can provide a fixture for an impactful ceiling installation and can be rigged around the venue, meaning they’re great for projection mapping when you have a canvas attached. Pictured: Projection mapping content onto a circular truss for the Adelaide Crows Gala Dinner 2016. Pictured: Projection mapping content onto a circular truss for the Queensland Hotels Association Awards 2016 at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Our event experts used hanging chandeliers for a gala dinner fundraising event for the Adelaide Crows; although they can also be used for further set styling. You can attach crystal beaded curtains to trusses to create a dazzling ceiling installation, like showcased at the Auto & General Gala Dinner which leads us to our final set styling trend. Pictured: Circular truss used to rig chandelier curtains at the Auto & General Gala Dinner 2015. Crystal Curtains Include an element of extravagance to your event Provide your guests with a sense of luxury and cast beautiful rays of light around the venue by installing crystal or beaded drop curtains. These stunning backdrops can be used to provide a simple yet elegant backdrop for stages, or can be rigged to create a stunning ceiling installation. Pictured: Chandelier beaded curtains used as a ceiling installation and stage backdrop at the Auto & General Gala Dinner 2015. Pictured: Crystal curtains are a simple yet effective way to create a luxurious feel to your set design. Discover your stage's potential with our set design team Encore Event Technologies has been designing spectacular stage looks for over 30 years. Whether you want to create a city skyline, an iconic landmark, or bring your logo to life we have the people, the ideas and the tech tools to make it happen. That's why renowned brands like Amway, ANZ, Auto & General, NRMA & Westfield chose to partner with Encore Event Technologies to design, build and style their stages. With all eyes on your stage for the entire event, it's important you give it the attention it deserves. Find out more about our Stage Set Design services or get in touch with us to see how we can work together for your event. CALL 1800 209 099 or Send an Enquiry. ... Read More

Australia is a destination like no other. Blessed with breathtaking scenery, rich culture, amazing cuisine and unique flora and fauna – it makes for an unforgettable event theme. Perfect for all types of events, from gala dinners and awards nights to conferences and destination incentives – an Australian event theme can be scaled up or down using event production elements to suit your event size and budget. Whether you want to pay tribute to your stunning sun burnt country, or you aim to give foreign guests the true blue Australian experience, here are 5 creative ways to produce a ripper Australian themed event. 1. Start with a Down Under event location Australia is renowned for its spectacular landscapes so getting outdoors is going to be one of the best ways to create an amazing Aussie feel. Nothing says 'Australia' quite like hosting your event in the vast and beautiful Outback. For a more coastal Australiana vibe, set yourself up on a beautiful white-sand beach or along one of our picturesque harbours. If you don’t have the luxury of hosting the Aussie themed event in such exotic locations, with some clever event production you can recreate these settings in an outdoor location or within a venue. Pictured: (Left to right clockwise) Host your event in the Outback | Recreate a beautiful sandy beach | The Cutaway, at Barangaroo on Sydney Harbour | An event held in a shed in rural Australia. If you want to host your event in a more urban setting, try any one of these iconic Aussie locations, such as the beautiful Sydney Harbour, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Adelaide Oval, Alice Springs, or the Gold Coast. Luckily you don’t have to travel far to take advantage of Australia’s beautiful scenery. Hosting the event at a local venue with a breathtaking view will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Organizing your event through a venue can be a great way to save time and take some of the pressure out of event planning. Many venues are equipped for hosting events large and small and you can work with their event services provider to theme and style to your liking. 2. Use creative AV to immerse your guests in an Australian themed event Creative use of audio-visual equipment and event production are very effective ways to simulate natural Australian environments. Clever AV production can be your best friend when it comes to transforming a venue space into a themed event. Depending on the style and location of your event, you can use an audio system to play sounds of the Outback, waves crashing on the shores of a beach, calls of native wildlife, or native Australian music. To immerse the senses further, combine visual creations with the audio playing in the background. Create custom, onscreen content and videos for your theme using traditional Australian scenery, classic characters like Crocodile Dundee, or native flora and fauna. Projection map this content along the walls, across the tables, or on objects to bring them to life and give your guests an amazing 3D experience! Pair your visual images with complimentary event lighting inspired by the colours of the Australian and Australian Aboriginal flags. Use up-lights or wash lighting to spice up venue walls, or use moving pin spot lighting with various shapes and colors to decorate tables. Design your stage set to replicate landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, or simply creating interesting shapes for images to be projected upon, are more great ways to enhance the visual landscape of the Australian themed event. You could also go all-out by creating a cinematic experience with a wide screen and blended projections of Australian vistas. Make the scene come to life with audio cues and sound effects to match, and combine with props of animal and plant life for added effect. Pictured: (Left to right clockwise) Custom set design of Sydney Opera House | Hexagonal panels with projection mapped content | Widescreen stage design with Australiana imagery | Custom set design using Sydney Opera House shapes and widescreens. 3. Styling ideas to infuse the Australian theme into your event With any event theming task, styling and props will always be your best asset in bringing the theme to life. The event begins the moment a guest arrives; so, wow them from the first moment by creating an aw-inspiring Australian themed entryway. A “red carpet” created from sand, an impactful event backdrop printed with an Australian setting, a corrugated iron archway designed to give a rustic outback feel, vertical gardens hung for touch of greenery, or bouncing kangaroos or life savers positioned to greet the guests, are all excellent ideas to create that “WOW” factor you want from the very beginning. Continue the spectacular scene inside; Warratahs, Poppys, Leucadendron, Wattles, Proteas, Banksia, Gumnuts, and Kangaroo paws are but a small portion of the large variety of native Australian flora available to use in creating unique and beautifully rich floral table centerpieces. Adding candles to a clear glass or a color votive can add warmth to the table, while gold satin or sequin tablecloths can add a bit of decadence to the affair. Crisp white tablecloths, although prone to stains / dirt in the outdoors, are the epitome of sophistication and set a classic and classy scene. Pictured: Top Left; Tapping Dancing Bootmen, Right; Centrepieces using Australian native flora; Bottom Left: Bouncing Kangaroo actors. 4. Entertain the taste buds with an all-Aussie menu Food is central to people relaxing and enjoying themselves at any social gathering. Delicious food options for a scrumptious, Aussie experience include: surf and turf, kangaroo burgers, sausages, meat pies, lamb, and prawns. Intriguing and delectable food options will have your guests saying, “Throw another shrimp on the barbie!” 5. Surprise and delight your guests with Aussie entertainment Make it a day or night to remember by hiring an MC or presenter that is a true-blue Aussie larrikin, such as Shane Jacobson; or, look into having an elite Aussie superstar or celebrity chef come and dine. Australia is home to some of the most unique animals in the world. Hiring a petting zoo can be an intriguing and interactive feature; allow guests to interact with native Australian animals and make them feel as if they are out in the wild. Or, bring a different authentic Australian element to your gathering by hiring an Aboriginal dance group, which is a fantastic way to showcase the rich Australian history and culture. Pictured: (Left to right clockwise) Life Savers on Stilts, Aboriginal Dance and Didgeridoo performances, Petting Zoo featuring native Australian wildlife. Keep your guests entertained with an Australian themed trivia game! Whether you have 10 or 1000 guests, Event Poll is an audience polling platform that guests can use to answer questions from their tables. It’s a great way to test and educate their knowledge with the answers displayed instantly on the screens for all to see. Continue the fun and keep the atmosphere lively by using an event social media platform like Event Feed to capture and share guests’ tweets, instaphotos, and Facebook posts live at the event. Seeing updates gives guests a chance to laugh, create new conversations, and continue enjoying the festive energy of their surroundings. Partner with a leading event services company in Australia! Encore Event Technologies has been the name behind some of the biggest events to hit our shores, so when it comes to pulling off a cracking Aussie themed event - we're the experts you can trust. Whether you're after a total event production solution or simply after audio visual and lighting design, we have Australia's largest range of event services on offer and can tailor our solution to your needs and budget. Events start with a conversation, so get in touch with us today to see how we can make your next event the best one yet. ... Read More

With its unrivalled beachside location and 5 star facilities, the Gold Coast’s Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is also renowned for their ability to host a great event, with the New Year’s Eve Ball the pinnacle social event on their calendar. This year the venue wanted to push the boundaries and challenged long-term in-house event services provider, Encore Event Technologies (previously Staging Connections), with providing guests with a new and unique experience that also showcased the property. Watch Video The cornerstone of a great New Year’s Eve event is marked by a spectacular fireworks show. With this in mind, the Encore's South-East Queensland team provided an event solution which not only showcased the property and provided a new and unique guest experience, it also added a whole new dimension to the integral firework display through cutting-edge projection mapping technology. As with every year, the 370 plus Hotel guests, residents and ticket holders start the evening in the Sheraton Grand Ballroom. Encore's stylists created a glamorous look for the room, using martini glasses with coloured LED uplighting for the table centrepieces and decorative pin-spot lighting onto tables. Extending the glamorous look to the stage, the set was designed using two large screens, flanked with stunning crystal beaded drop curtains and decorative Scenic Panels. As the countdown approached, guests were ushered onto the Sheraton Grand Mirage’s luxurious poolside area to take-in the breath-taking views of the hotel itself and its surrounding. Using the latest mapping software, the building itself was turned into a canvas with stunning animations and imagery projected onto its surface. The highlight of the evening was the augmented fireworks display which was projection mapped across the building, making a truly unforgettable experience for all who witnessed it. It was the first time anything of this kind had been considered at the venue. All audio vision, lighting, styling and projection mapping was produced and managed by the local Encore team. The team invested many hours into initial measurements, calculations and equipment specification which resulted in flawless execution by the Encore team. Director of Sales & Marketing at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast, Leon Thomson, says the Encore team went above and beyond for the event. “The Encore (previously Staging Connections) team have once again risen to the challenge by providing a state of the art solution which further enhanced our spectacular Fireworks display, taking this year’s event to the next level,” says Mr Thomson. Encore's Head of Event technology and Procurement, Andrew MacColl, says the projection mapping solution showcased both the local team’s technical capabilities and the venue’s commitment to delivering world-class events. “3D Projection Mapping is such a great way to use the actual building itself as an integral part of an event or function. Our South East Queensland team has used a great mix of interesting multimedia-based artwork and the latest generation projection technology to provide something completely new and exciting for the NYE event at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Our technical team is also conscious this work reinforces the position of the hotel as a leader in every aspect of its event business,” says Mr. MacColl. Thanks to a successful first run for the venue, you can expect to see more projection mapping solutions delivered by the local team at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Projection Mapping Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast . ... Read More

It was a decadent black and gold affair for this year’s annual gala dinner for Morris Corp. The mining and construction asset management service provider hosted the annual leadership conference and gala dinner at QT Hotel on the Gold Coast and engaged Encore Event Technologies (previously Staging Connections) to bring the event vision to life through set design and styling for 165 guests. Keeping in line with the black and gold theme, the stage set was custom designed using an array of hexagonal shaped panels arranged in a honeycomb configuration and rigged from the ceiling. A combination of rigged Mac lights and uplighting by fusion bars installed below the stage set stage panels really made the hexagonal panels pop and made a superb backdrop for the gala dinner formalities. The table styling and centrepieces were a brilliant showcase of the local Encore team’s ability to create a beautiful table look in line with a specific theme. The tables were cloaked in a black table cloth, and upon this lived elegant centrepieces created using gold and silver hexagonal mirrors, underneath geometrical hurricanes in a mixture of silver, gold and copper. These wire hurricanes were then filled with tiny copper bud lights which cast beautiful reflections off the mirrored bases. The black and gold theme was continued through gold charger plates , black table napkins and gold chair sashes. Partner with the leading events company for your next conference or gala dinner Encore has delivered countless conferences and gala dinners across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for over 35 years. We specialise in creating an engaging conference environment through the latest AV solutions and event technologies, which then get transformed into stylish gala dinners with imaginative styling and theming solutions. Operating both within our venue partners and at various locations around the Asia Pacific, we are the trusted event services provider you can count on to deliver an unforgettable experience. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer service so you can expect a seamless, stress-free experience when you partner with us. If you have an event to plan, we have ideas to share! Get in touch with us today to see how we can make your event vision a reality. ... Read More

Unlike indoor events, outdoor events don't have the luxuries of Wi-Fi or air-conditioning and in 2017 these aren't luxuries so-to-speak, they're expectations. Not to mention, outdoor events tend to attract larger crowds from varied backgrounds and ages. The grounds don't offer adequate power supply, shelter, disability access or emergency PA systems. Therefore, proper thought and event planning mastery is needed in order to make your next outdoor event better than the previous. Here are 8 foolproof ideas for planning a spectacular outdoor event that will surprise, delight and cater to all your attendees. 1. Plan to engage the spectators at your outdoor event Engagement is very important if you want your audience to be captivated at an outdoor event. Event ideas are aplenty when it comes to engaging the spectators. You might want to think of gamification, i.e. running competitions through various ways such as social media, on-ground activations or via an event app. But do not stop there. Always remember to incentivise your audience to participate in them by offering some form of rewards. Second, be proactive in using social media. With the widespread use of social media, this is an effective way to engage attendees. It is very easy to use a event social media platform to showcase the posts on screens around the venue after choosing an appropriate hashtag for the event. Spectator spotlights like Kiss Cam and audio messages are yet another great way to infuse the fun element into your event. Finally, a simple outdoor event idea is to make full use of the space on entry and exit. This means that you should ensure these places are filled with engaging activities including music, competitions and promotions. 2. Enhance your outdoor event’s branding – before, during, after the event. Ensure that all touch points, both traditional and new, have been appropriately branded. Outdoor event planning starts before the event: check that all communications, advertising, tone of voice and online community building are properly put in place. During the event, your event services provider should provide digital signage for way-finding and important messages. Other essential items to have include lanyards, tickets, around ground signage and strings etc. Post event, the planning process continues: you might want to consider wrap-up communications, and what touch points you want to use to re-engage attendees and prolong the life of the event. Alternatively, you can begin the pre-communications and marketing for the next event. A great event idea here is to use a hashtag on all signage and branding for enhanced engagement consistent with our first idea. In addition, if you would like, we can also incorporate food trucks or food & beverage outlets in the style, theme or genre of the event by tying in the branding and key messages into these facilities. 3. Give every attendee the same event experience Typically outdoor events comprise of smaller areas or stages with lots of schedule conflicting entertainment acts and presentations. A smart event planner thinks about the experience of each individual attendee and caters to it. For a start, use an AV provider who can meet the demand – cover all audio & vision equipment to ensure adequate coverage of the action. Distribute screens, audio, vision playback around the grounds so all the action can be seen at any location. Given that this is an outdoor event, live coverage of all the action across the event grounds keeps the atmosphere and energy levels high. Additionally, especially if you intend to use social media as a form of engagement, ensure appropriate wi-fi coverage in the area. Lastly, if you are inviting many families, think about creating family-friendly zones. One way of doing so is by putting LED screens so families can watch the action even if not nearby. Another event idea is to put up interactive exhibits to keep children busy during the event and/or create a safe zone for families to still interact whilst away from alcohol. The possibilities are many. 4. Use AV and special effects to give new experiences each year You want to keep making each year’s outdoor event better than the previous one last year. But you are often constrained by a tight budget. No worries. A clever way to surprise and delight guests is by using different audio visual solutions and techniques to create new experiences. Whether you’re bringing objects to life with projection mapping or casting stunning imagery around the grounds and surrounds, there are endless ways to make each year an entirely different and ‘new’ event. You can always count on our experience to offer you innovative event ideas. 5. Allow for all weather conditions Hosting an outdoor event requires you to plan for all weather conditions. Hot weather would require misting tents, shelters, drinking water and shade. Wet weather, on the other hand, calls for electrical safety, stage roof for any entertainment, and ample shelter for your guests. Windy weather presents its own share of problems. All tents/marquees should have appropriate ballast, signage should be wind-rated, structures should be wind and weather rated and there should be emergency plans in place regarding when to dismantle or cancel the event. Having a site wide audio system for emergency messages and communication is crucial. If an outdoor event finishes after sunset, be sure to have area lighting for carparks, exits and surround areas. Finally, consider adding toilet facilities and access for disabled patrons. 6. Build an inviting website Among the simplest yet effective of event ideas is to build an inviting website. The website is the main touchpoint where people will get to know about your outdoor event, therefore make it as exciting and engaging as possible. An inviting user experience here can set the tone for the event and dictate how people will respond to it. Be sure to keep refreshing and updated content that is of interest to your audience to keep them coming back. Also, ensure that the website is mobile-friendly so people can easily interact with it before and during the event. 7. Engage new audiences with a live stream or webcast For a unique event idea, incorporate a live stream or webcast into your whizbang website. It is a simple way to engage new attendees or those who simply couldn’t make it this year. In addition, make sure you save a recording and you have a copy of the event. These come in handy for use in marketing, or future communications. For large outdoor events which come with a host of information and documents, we recommend opting for a webcast over a simple live stream. With webcasting you essentially have access to a platform that contains a live stream of your video, on a hosted site, with the options for downloadable documents, accompanying presentation slides, live chat, social media and audience polling integrations. It's all the bells and whistles for those who want to replicate the outdoor event experience, online. 8. Take advantage of a simple event app Outdoor event planning often surfaces logistical issues. Since the event is outdoors, the information desk, maps, schedules etc. are going to be sparse. Finding the way-finding map itself may even require a map. Announcements and updates are even harder to communicate. A brilliant event idea is to use a simple event app so you can communicate with your attendees instantly. Harness the power of convenience of sharing and providing information for all parties in the palm of your hand. Moreover, you get to collect data of your attendees which you can use to better organise the outdoor event. Whilst some event apps available come at a cost, Encore offers a free event app packed with 10 helpful features to help the busy event planner communicate and distribute content to many attendees instantly. Partner with an outdoor event specialist Sporting events, outdoor concerts and festivals, exhibitions, conferences, fundraisers and community events - you name it, we've done it. Each year Encore is involved with delivering some of the biggest outdoor events to hit our shores. Our experience and large range of event services and AV equipment makes us the preferred event services provider for outdoor events. Plus you'll find us in every corner of Australia, in New Zealand and even Fiji! Events start with a conversation, so start your outdoor event planning today by getting in touch and one of our event experts will get right back. ... Read More