Each week we aim to demystify the world of AV equipment and event services lingo and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this weeks Techie Tuesday we look at the product launch favourite, the 'Kabuki Drop'. Audio Visual Discipline: Staging Audio Visual Event Category: AV Effect AV Jargon: Kabuki, Reveal What is a Kabuki Drop? A Kabuki Drop describes a swift and sudden reveal, using drapes or curtains that drop to the floor, exposing hidden elements for the audience to see on stage. What events are Kabuki Drop used on? Events such as product launches and live performances commonly use a kabuki drop to provide the audience with mystery, surprise, excitement and a focus. The drop is set up by suspending drapes/curtains on hooks or magnetic clamps that can be released via a remote control positioned off stage. The kabuki can hide any element of an event such as a new product, a live band or even a celebrity presenter. When other elements are combined such as a evocative sound, moving lights, video projection (2D or 3D), and smoke effects, they build to a dramatic finish resulting in the dropping of the kabuki. Check out this video which features a kabuki drop in action at the Nissan Altima V8 Supercar launch. For this event, the car was positioned on a stage, hidden behind a white circular kabuki, which was also used as the canvas for a projected video presentation. The kabuki played a major role in creating focus and generating audience excitement around the product. What is needed to create a Kabuki drop? A few specific items are required for an effective kabuki drop: Rigging: overhead rigging is required above stage to attach the kabuki hardware. Hardware: remote controlled hardware is required to release the kabuki on cue. Kabuki: a material, cloth, drape, or curtain is required to provide a barrier that can drop. Up next week... Next week we shine a light on gobo’s and how they can shape your next event. In the meantime if you have any AV terms or words you would like our AV experts to tackle leave a comment on the blog post below or join in the conversation on Twitter @EncoreAPAC #TechieTuesday. Image source: Gerriets | Kabuki G2 Drop System Related Event Blog Post Optimise your event communication with design and production Love learning the latest lighting and AV techniques? Download our range of free White Papers today. ... Read More

We have so many events happening everyday that we rarely get time to share the end result! In this monthly blog post we round up some of the events we have worked on in the last month to help inspire and amplify your event know how! We have so many events happening everyday that we rarely get time to share the end result! In this monthly blog post we round up some of the events we have worked on in the last month to help inspire and amplify your event know how! We kick off this post with 'The Hunger Project Fundraiser’ in Sydney for our client - the lovely Emma Isaacs, CEO of Business Chicks. We turned an old run down garage in Sydney (that incidentally was formally owned and used by Frank Lowy to store his classic car collection) into a beautiful dinner venue. Recently our mantra seems to be ‘any event space can be your event space’ and this event just goes to prove what can be achieved with a little imagination (and a lot of lighting!) Next up is some child like fun from a Carnival inspired cocktail dinner. This event was hosted in the Barossa Novotel Resort after a two day corporate conference in the Barossa Valley. We couldn't think of a better way to end a conference than with all these lollies and popcorn! Our talented event stylist Alana turned this amazing look around in just under 2 hours flat which is incredible or maybe it was simply down to the sugar rush! Now if you are looking for some colour theme ideas for your next event then check out this fabulous purple styling. Held at the Crown Plaza Adelaide this cocktail party was themed using purple as the main accent colour for the floral and lighting which was complimented with crystals to create this opulent look. Next we jump to Perth for some poolside action at the newly redeveloped Crown Perth! Together with DG Global, we staged the welcome party for ISPS HANDA Perth International Golf event. It was a challenging brief as we had to be incredibly careful not to damage the newly renovated pool area whilst securing the Perspex stage in place. We also had to be absolutely sure it was a safe platform for the band to perform on. We take safety extremely seriously and this event took a lot of pre planning, all worth it in the end as the area looked incredible with that Perspex stage reflecting lighting and creating the wow factor! We have said it once and will say it again; it just shows that any space can be your event space! In October we were also proud AV sponsors of the Black Horse Foundation dinner held at Australian Technology Park. It’s a great event space which has a fantastic industrial feel, great for large scale events! The evening was a huge success with over $80,000 raised for a range of charities including Redkite, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Fareshare and the Beacon Foundation. Check out the boys in black hard at work behind the tech control desk! #weloveourcrew Viva Las Vegas was this year’s theme for the annual United Convenience Buyers Conference held at Jupiter's Gold Coast Hotel. To create this effect we had huge blow out projections directly onto white drapes on the sides of stage and on a cyc backing the stage. Each section was 6 meters high and 20m wide across the entire stage wall of the room. We had to re-edit all of the video content to fit the ratio of the projection area which took a little time but was worth it to create an awesome effect that transported guests right to the Vegas Strip! And finally we teamed up with our venue partner Hyatt Hotel Canberra for an exciting Wedding Experience Day held in the Federation Ballroom at the Hyatt in Canberra. Local brides had the chance to visualise their day with tables and room styling by our talented team from Canberra. They also watched a bridal runway and were treated to some delicious food from the Hyatt’s wonderful chef! Check out the images below, we love the summer centrepieces featuring blossom, willow & roses! October was a great month with some amazing events staged by our teams around Australia. We look forward to a busy November and to share the results with you come December! ... Read More

Graduation Ceremonies are a highlight of the University year and a proud day in the life of those who are graduating. In 2017 Encore Event Technologies (formerly Staging Connections) for the first time collaborated with Flinders University to deliver an event befitting the importance of the occasion. The Encore Adelaide team was engaged to transform the look and atmosphere of the Alan Mitchell Sports Centre, normally home to the University’s sporting clubs, to a graduation venue imbued with prestige and ceremonial ambiance for the 1000+ graduands and guests. Fulfilling the event brief, Encore provided a comprehensive event staging solution, including installation of black draping around the perimeter of the room, stage construction, mounting of digital screens, lighting and audio visual support, and provision of camera operators for live streaming at the venue and across the university precinct including the central Plaza super screen. The ceremonies were also webcast via the Flinders University website, enabling family and friends unable attend in person the opportunity to share in the excitement of their loved ones being presented with their testamurs, via a rich virtual experience. “Encore Event Technologies (formerly Staging Connections) were very professional and great to work with. Dan, Tim and the team were friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. They engaged in a collaborative approach with us throughout the event planning, implementation and debrief; and provided great suggestions and ideas for improvement for the event moving forward.” Kirsten Diercks, Manager Examinations and Graduations Office of Student Administration, Flinders University -- See more recent event work Discover more event ideas, trends and best practices on our Event Blog ... Read More

After a partnership of over 15 years with Destination SA and the Adelaide Convention Bureau, Staging Connections were given the task of designing and producing the significant Destination SA showcase dinner for 120 guests held this year at Sprout Cooking School and Health Studio. Staging Connections’ brief was to design an exciting and engaging event for guests, highlighting Sprout as a function venue, while providing a great platform for dining and networking amongst the stunning natural surrounds. The theme of the evening was ‘organic modern with a burst of colour’, furniture, centrepieces and lighting needed to enhance the existing space and cooking school, Staging Connections’ Adelaide team proved their styling expertise and met the brief by contrasting key industrial, colourful pieces with organic textures and natural greenery. Long, wide timber tables provided ample space for the delicious food and exquisite Penfolds Estate wines, while marble planters filled with foliage and centrepieces of local herbs tied in the unique Cooking School venue, adding a sensory element to the experience. Coloured metal industrial chairs gave a modern edge, and strategically-placed mirrors and scattered tea lights added a warm ambience to the space. The Staging Connections lighting and AV set-up was a real highlight – Sprout chefs prepared the three-course meal exhibiting SA’s local produce as a live cooking demonstration, made possible by large television screens around the room switching seamlessly between supplier logos, stunning SA landscape shots and the live footage from multiple pan/tilt roof mounted cameras. The audience were informed, engaged and thoroughly entertained the entire evening. Destination SA is vital for South Australia’s events industry, marketing the best of SA’s venues, suppliers and producers with a range of dinners, cocktail events, hotel tours, local tourism and featured event spaces. Helen Hobbins, Adelaide Convention Bureau’s Events and Sponsorship Manager, commented, “It really did look amazing! So many comments this morning from clients and all really positive! Please pass on my thanks to the whole team – great job!! Hope to work with you again in the future.” -- See more recent event work Get in touch to start planning your event ... Read More

The Department of Defence last month hosted its debut VIP Defence & Industry Gala Awards Night for over 700 VIP industry, employee and political guests. Held ion the Exhibition Hall at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, the evening included speeches by key political members Christopher Pyne and Marise Payne, assisted by dual MC’s Vince Sorrenti and Erin Molan. Encore Event Technologies (then Staging Connections) was entrusted with the essential gala styling, AV and multimedia for the inaugural event, all to meet the brief ‘Hollywood Oscars’. The team designed a unique entrance for guests, who were ushered upstairs for photos in front of the media wall, which was simultaneously live-streamed via remote UHF backed camera for other attendees to view. A French drape feature dramatically revealed the main space, and guests were seated to a memorable Welcome to Country, complemented by a full widescreen video presentation. Encore arranged for four 16k projectors and an impressive 26.5 metre curved widescreen to be flown in specifically for the event, which acted as the backdrop to the stage, displaying awards graphics and video during the evening. The entertainment for the evening was provided by the extraordinary Defence band, who stood out amongst the elegant black drapery and soft table lighting. Grand MA lighting with over 50 LED fixtures and moving lights kept the attention focused on the awards recipients and inspiring speeches. Feedback from the client and attendees was hugely positive, and no doubt the event will become a highlight on the Department’s events calendar every year. -- See more recent event work Discover more event ideas, trends and best practices on our Event Blog ... Read More

1000 guests in 3 waves across 12 events equals 1 massive incentive road show. It was the magical unicorn brief that rarely crosses an event planners desk. Leading Indian event company, Encompass Events, approached Encore Event Technologies (then Staging Connections) produce and deliver the Asian Paints Privilege Club Incentive Event Series. It was a privilege indeed. The event series was held in various venues in Sydney and the Gold Coast with the aim of strengthening personal ties within the Privilege Club and reward the Asian Paints staff for their hard work and commitment. The theme was ‘Ultimates’ and Staging Connections were tasked with bringing this to life throughout each of the 12 events including the Welcome function, team building and social events, the grand conference and closing Gala dinner. The incentive gave our Sydney and Gold Coast teams the opportunity to collaborate and produce a truly unforgettable experience through a complete event staging solution. It was a masterful celebration of everything we love; from design to delivery, including production and stage management, logistics, audio visual, styling, design and even interactive technologies. The Events Welcome Functions The Welcome function took place at McClaren’s Landing, at South Stradbroke Island, just off the Gold Coast. The team took advantage of the unique beach-side location and delivered a jungle paradise theme. They constructed a double stage on the beach shore – one for the presentations with a super bright LED screen for impressive vision, and a separate one for the surprise entertainment. Throughout the evening, guests were entertained with themed photo booths, African acrobatic and fire dancers, tribal drummers, Aerial Angles and contortionist provided by Onstage Entertainment. Food and beverages were served from beach-side market stalls which were beautifully lit by our team and branded with different signage for each one. The market offered delicacies of South Indian cuisine, Chaat potatoes and fragrant vegetable dishes. The finale to the evening was H2O entertainment, an extreme display of jet pack and water ski performers holding Asian Paints flags and a choreographed firework display. Team Building Days On day two, the groups travelled to Movie World on the Gold Coast for team building activities for which we designed dramatic skyline Event Backdrops to add drama to the group’s photographs with super hero favourites. In the evening, our team delivered a Polynesian themed night with custom designed Event Backdrops, beautiful Hibiscus gobos with merged lighting, giant gold palm trees, Polynesian props and accessories for guests and entertainment by an island themed dance show. On the second team building day, the group moved to Tangalooma Island with their event agency Encompass and our team readied the preparations for the final two days. Sydney Experience Day On day four, the group were treated to the sights and experiences of Sydney with a cruise on MV Epicure, where our team delivered wireless audio for full-coverage on each deck of the boat, plus party lighting for the DJ and dance floor for the evening’s celebrations. Conference and Closing Gala Celebration The closing Conference and Gala Celebrations took place at The Dome at Sydney Showground and The Star Sydney where guests were met by a giant banner welcoming them as the Asian Paints ‘Ultimates’. For these events, the Encore Sydney team built an impressive stage set of interlocking hexagonal panels, a super-sized screen and giant 3D letters spelling out the theme ‘ULTIMATES’, the set was flanked by four, portrait formation Event Backdrops. The technical team delivered amazing lighting and projection onto the stage set which created an impactful look for the main stage where all the important formalities took place. Gesture control was our secret weapon to deliver the conference presentations in a unique and impressive way. Also known as motion control, the technology was used to interactively reveal street murals that Asian Paints had sponsored by different artists around Mumbai, using Asian Paints products of course. To achieve this, the team took ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos of the buildings, and gave the president an ordinary paintbrush. Motion sensing technology was also used in the next reveal of Asian Paints new products and branding. For this, a gyroscope was placed in a paint tin which the President presented to the audience, moving it around to show the new ‘Game Changer’ products. As he moved the tin, a 3D design of the new branding was presented on the super-sized screen and simulated the President’s motions in real time, delivering his presentation in a dynamic way. The President loved the technology and was genuinely excited to reveal the conference content in this way. Gesture control was also used to reveal the ‘Colour of the Year – Intense Ocean’ . To add drama to this reveal, the technical team suddenly cut the Dome lights, and a shut-down sound effect reverberated around the venue and an image appeared on the super-screen of shards of glass shattering down. Darkness followed and then a spotlight on a solitary violin soloist. The momentum built, with dramatic lighting and choreographed dancers appeared, the principle dancers then used long, sheer fabric in the colour of the year – Intense Ocean – as part of their performance creating waves across the stage. Projection on screen behind the dancers cast images of dynamic waters and beach themes, tying in the days preceding the finale day. After this, more stage performances delighted the guests including an appearance by celebrity cricketer Sourav Ganguly, illusionists Adam and Selena and a Bollywood dance extravaganza. The evening finished with another dance party. Asian Paints Privilege Club members expressed great delight in the highly-spirited atmosphere created and even invited the team onto the stage to dance at the final event and celebrate the amazing production! “The Encore (then Staging Connections) team successfully coordinated over 12 events across Australia in different geographies and venues, and ensured adequate resourcing to deliver an atmosphere of celebration from start to finish. They really are a world class team, always client focused. The production strength of Encore helped us to create one of the most innovative events we have done for any of our clients.” Siddarth Ganta, Account Director, Encompass Events See more examples of our event work Get more insight for your next event on our event blog ... Read More

Audio-visual (AV) itself is a powerful tool, but creative AV is even more powerful. It goes beyond purely communicating a message to creating meaning to the message and its context. In this way, imaginative audio visual solutions can become an event professionals’ strongest weapon in their arsenal, greatly improving the marketability of a product or service. Below, we highlight how creative AV was used successfully in a recent event to sell not a product or service, but even a destination – Australia’s capital, Canberra. See how the iconic National Convention Centre partners with Encore Event Technologies (previously Staging Connections) to showcase the venue as the leading destination for business events in Canberra. From 2 to 4 March 2017, Canberra hosted Top Secret, a leading initiative which attempts to sell Canberra as a popular destination for world-class business events through its vibrant events community. Encore was tasked by the Canberra Convention Bureau (CCB) and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), to create a dazzling and memorable lunch on Friday 3 March at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC), in the middle of the event for over 40 special guests. Encore took up the challenge. First, we decided to incorporate things Canberra is renowned for – the Enlighten Hot Air Balloon Festival and the beautiful Autumnal colours of red, orange and yellow. These colours also represent the brand colours of the NCC and the InterContinental Hotels Group, whom shared hosting responsibilities over the 3 day event. Guests of the lunch were greeted by a creative theatrical multimedia display. Deciding to opt for a more novel approach other than traditional event screens and event productions, and inspired by the hot air balloons that have become synonymous with Canberra’s Enlighten Festival, Encore utilised a 3m inflatable sphere to create a mid-air floating screen. Beautiful imagery and multimedia was projection mapped onto the sphere turning the lifeless object into a stunning 3D artwork. Coloured LED wash lights cast beautiful shades of Autumn’s orange, amber and gold around the lunch room, which perfectly complemented the lunch menu. NCC’s Executive Chef’s, Nikhil Jain’s, treated guests to a seasonal inspired menu and classic dish, Duck à l'orange, which was paired with Shaw Vineyard Estate wines to ensure every sense was indulged and payed homage to the local produce. Further captivating guests and adding a unique touch to the dining experience was the high definition projection mapping and multimedia on the table, curved walls, archways and beams, all themed to highlight the light, colour and movement of the Enlighten Festival held annually in Canberra. Tables came alive with colourful animations which changed with each meal, perfecting and highlighting the theme accompanying the menu. Individual dinner plates were also circled with white projection spots highlighting the food while guests’ names were projected onto their seats, offering a unique personal touch and making networking easy. All in all, Encore created a truly enthralling and memorable event for the guests, with the NCC and guests extremely delighted with the outcome. The above successful use of creative AV only serves to prove the point that its use can sell practically anything – from a product or service to even a destination. Its power lies in the ability to (i) accentuate unique features of something or synonymous with something and (b) provide a personalised experience, one that is memorable and takes the audience’s breath away. Partner with the leading AV and event services company for your next event Ensuring our events are a success is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you want to motivate, educate, inspire or reward; Encore has over 35 years experience delivering successful and engaging event experiences. With the largest range of event production services across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji we have the range and reach to deliver seamless events where ever you are. When you partner with Encore you're partnering with an expert team who specialise in audio visual production, event styling and theming, multimedia and content production and event technology like webcasting, online polling, event apps and more. A great event takes careful planning and the right resources, so don't waste another minute - get in touch with us today to see how we can take your event from good to great! SEE EVENT GALLERY ... Read More

What does a “money can’t buy experience” look like in 2017? When this brief hit the desk Encore Event Technologies’ Sydney team went into action to provide a turn-key event solution for Honda Motorcycles India’s Dealer Incentive. -- Earlier this year, Honda Motorcycles India hosted an action-packed Dealer Incentive for over 1000 employees and dealers at the iconic Sydney Showground on February 14. The extravaganza included a cocktail function, business session and concluded with a lavish gala dinner where guests were invited to network and dine on a scrumptious buffet while celebrating their annual dealer awards. Engaged by Encompass to deliver the entire event, Encore (previously Staging Connections) was tasked with delivering an event which upheld Honda’s company values and spoke to the theme of RAW 6.0 (Reach, Acquire & Win). A key component of the Dealer Incentive event was to showcase the new range of Honda motorcycles as capable of transitioning easily from city to outback. The Encore team worked tirelessly in the two weeks from confirmation to show-day and provided all event services from AV and lighting to entertainment and production, to give guests a money can’t buy experience, proving Honda to be a world class company. In order to engage with the theme and the diverse range of guests present from around the Asia-Pacific, the team made sure each phase of the event - from the pre-function to the gala dinner - had clearly defined styles while still adhering to the RAW 6.0 theme. Pictured: Custom built stage set designed in line with RAW6.0 theme. The end look of the event was developed taking a literal approach to the ‘Raw’ theme. The event was centered around a huge 48m x20m ‘V’ shaped stage which split the room into two distinct landscapes – city and outback – two key components of theme. Decorating the stage with bushland and a city skyline provided the perfect setting on which to display the the motorcycles. The stage was framed by a stunning illuminated backdrop spanning 55mx3m, casting a silhouette resembling the Australian outback and city. Pictured: Entire event production delivered by Encore. The impressive stage was further emphasised by five giant screens ranging in sizes which were positioned on different angles to maximise the audience’s engagement and impact throughout the event. The carefully constructed silhouette transitioning from outback Australia to city skyline, along with the road carpeted stage, lighting and props, made the feature of the room a stunning interpretation of Honda’s values. The evening’s entertainment was provided by Japanese drummers Taikoz featuring Nupur Dance Group Junkyard Beats, an innovative and original percussion group combining rhythm with movement, using unique and original instruments. Karaoke was incorporated into the evening’s entertainment to ensure the client and delegates were excited and actively participating in the dealer incentives programs. Pictured: Japanese drummers Taikoz featuring Nupur Dance Group Junkyard Beats What did the client say? This was the first time that Encore was asked to work on this event. The team provided a truly memorable experience and delivered a successful event with only a short lead time. The team handled all aspects, from the cocktail pre-function to the gala buffet dinner and entertainment, creating an exciting, new and diverse atmosphere for all employees and dealers, to get involved in the new products being showcased. “Thank you and your wonderful team for all the help and support at our Honda event. The production was great, the set looked amazing and the welcome arch was my personal favorite. A big shout to all the guys from your team who worked so hard to put up a fantastic show for us and for keeping up with all our last-minute requests. We look forward to collaborating again.”Randeep Singh, Encompass Partner with the leading events company for your next incentive event Encore has delivered countless large destination incentives across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for over 35 years. We specialise in creating an engaging incentive event environment through the latest AV solutions, event technologies, 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 for your guests. We pride ourselves on our commitment to exceptional 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 touchwith us today to see how we can make your event vision a reality. VIEW EVENT GALLERY - ... Read More

Encore Event Technologies (previously Staging Connections) was tasked with working seamlessly in three locations across New Zealand – SKYCITY Convention Centre, SKYCITY Theatre and Crown Plaza – for the country’s largest annual technology conference, Microsoft Ignite. Themed ‘Art of the Impossible’, Encore was briefed to provide advanced AV for the duration of the four day event, which attracts the countries best technology engineers and IT gurus to learn about the latest and greatest software and hardware coming to Microsoft. With this audience of New Zealand’s brightest minds in attendance, it was immensely important that the Encore technicians executed the event flawlessly. Pictured: Encore partners with Microsoft New Zealand to deliver the country's largest technology conference - Microsoft Ignite. Providing a Tailored Audio Visual Solution Encore provided seamless audio visual solutions across all locations over the course of the four day event. Equipment provided by Encore included projection screens, plasma screens, data projectors, monitors, data switches, LCD monitors, laser pointers, timers, lecterns and lapel microphones, cabling, multi-boxes, data interfaces, power-boards, power converters, sound systems and multi-plugs; all of which were installed successfully across several session rooms, the main sponsor hall and the promenade space between session rooms. A custom designed set was developed for the key note sessions, comprising two extra-large 16ft screens on the outside, five small square screens leading to the middle of the room and a single, large, seamless screen in the middle – celebrating the ‘Art of the Impossible’ through different technologies and unusual screen placements. Encore collaborated closely with Make all Media, ETS and Big Picture, to guarantee a high tech digital conference worthy of the country’s best and brightest in technology. Special Touches The team provided a smooth live stream between SKYCITY Convention Centre and SKYCITY Theatre, allowing all delegates an unobstructed view of the important Key Note sessions. To ensure continuous interaction and real-time movement across the two locations, the Encore team provided: Online Audience Polling: the Master of Ceremonies used Encore’s live audience polling software, Event Poll to ensure interaction between the two rooms flowed seamlessly and that guests felt engaged and part of the action. Live Streaming: Encore's Event Stream product enabled the keynote sessions of Microsoft Ignite to reach a wider audience land ensured all delegates – whether in attendance in person or remotely – could participate. Encore produced a seamless and successful four day conference that exceeded the high expectations demanded of it by its technologically-savvy audience. The client was impressed by the Encore team’s professionalism, state-of-the-art equipment, and high level of knowledge and service; faultlessly delivering on all AV aspects of the event, to result in a successful conference. “Having worked with Encore (previously Staging Connections) as our AV suppliers for Microsoft Ignite 2016, I can recommend them as competent providers of configured audio visual equipment... and their availability for rehearsals pre-event across SKYCITY and Crowne Plaza for our 2,500-person event during October 25-28 and in the seven month lead up to the event. We were satisfied with the service and communications we received during our eight-month engagement as well as on-site during the event.” Kylie Williams, Senior Audience Evangelism Manager, Microsoft New Zealand SEE EVENT GALLERY ... Read More