Rebirth of a Sydney Icon as Encore helps deliver glamorous Re-Opening of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

 

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth recently celebrated its grand re-opening after an extensive AUD 70 million refurbishment, marking a new era of French luxury while honouring Sydney’s local heritage.

The glamorous event, hosted by Gold Logie winner Larry Emdur, gathered Sydney’s elite, including French Ambassador Pierre-Andre Imbert, Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, and TV personalities like Sonia Kruger, Melissa Doyle, and Kerri-Anne Kennerley, alongside tourism leaders and loyal guests.

As a major sponsor of the event, Encore played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this momentous occasion by providing all the audio-visual elements and technical production expertise. The grand re-opening event was a spectacular affair, showcasing the hotel’s new amenities and services.

Among the highlights was the stunning projection of the Sofitel logo and “60 years” against the building’s façade complemented by uplighting and moving spotlights, creating a dynamic and celebratory and atmosphere that perfectly complemented the hotel’s sophisticated new look.

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Venue Partnerships, Encore APAC, expressed her excitement about the event, stating,

“We are thrilled to partner with Sofitel and to have sponsored their grand re-opening. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfect, and we are proud to have contributed to such a successful and memorable event.”

The grand re-opening also marked the hotel’s 60th Diamond Jubilee, adding an extra layer of significance to the celebration. First opened in 1966 by Qantas, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has long been a landmark of luxury in Sydney, having hosted an endless list of international celebrities and dignitaries over the decades. Among its notable guests are Princess Diana and Prince Charles (now King Charles), Queen Elizabeth II, Sophia Loren, Elton John, and Bill Gates.

With a revitalised look that honors its storied past, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth marks a significant comeback in Australia’s luxury hotel sector.

“This refurbishment is a celebration of our heritage and a reimagining for the future,” says Sofitel’s CEO – Maud Bailly.

The hotel’s strategic location in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, near the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, has made it a fashionable destination for both local and international guests. General Manager Sam Panetta and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, among others, reflected on the hotel’s rich history and sparkling future, reaffirming its position at the heart of Sydney’s vibrant social scene.

The recent refurbishment, led by architecture firm FK, embraced a ‘modern heritage’ approach, honoring the hotel’s post-war minimalist origins while incorporating contemporary design elements.

The renovation also included a revamp of the conference and event facilities. Lighting, presentation and staging technology have been upgraded by Encore across 15 event spaces and the 629-square-metre Wentworth Ballroom. Now equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology and one of Australia’s largest LED screens makes Sofitel Sydney Wentworth a premier destination for events and conferences.

The grand re-opening event featured a range of activities, including the introduction of new dining options through a partnership with House Made Hospitality. Guests enjoyed the culinary delights at Tilda and Bar Tilda, Delta Rue, and the Wentworth Bar, further enhancing the overall experience.

As a major sponsor, Encore’s dedication to excellence and attention to detail played a crucial role in the success of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s grand re-opening. The event not only showcased the hotel’s stunning transformation but also highlighted Encore’s expertise in delivering exceptional audio-visual and technical production services for high profile launch events.

 

 

Encore’s 5-star production expertise illuminates Auckland’s Viaduct Event Centre, delivering a dazzling evening for Barfoot & Thompson’s Award Gala under a canopy of lights.

 

Encore was tasked with delivering the prestigious real estate company, Barfoot & Thompson’s, Annual Awards 2024 Night at the Auckland Viaduct Event Centre. With a theme of “A Night with the Stars,” the event was expected to be a glamorous, star-studded affair for approximately 760 attendees. Barfoot & Thompson, a long-standing client, entrusted Encore with the creative freedom to bring their vision to life, building upon the success of previous years. This year’s event presented unique challenges due to its new, larger venue and the client’s desire to replicate key design elements from past events.

 

The Solution

Encore’s solution was a complete production package, including audio, vision, lighting, show calling, and styling coordination. The evening began as guests entered an elegantly styled pre-function space, setting the tone for the night ahead. A split draping curtain with gold edging led attendees into the main ballroom, where the “night with the stars” theme truly came to life.

The room was a breathtaking sight, lit to resemble a starry night sky, thanks to a stunning fairy light curtain spanning 42 metres long and 4.5 metres high. Over 80 Ayrton Rivale pin spots added to the ambiance, highlighting each table and enhancing the room’s sparkle. Encore also designed a custom stage, complete with a golden rain backdrop and two 30-foot screens that seamlessly blended projections. To give the event a touch of luxury, a 42-metre-long blue carpet was laid out, reflecting Barfoot & Thompson’s corporate colours and mimicking the elegance of a red carpet entrance.

However, the journey to this visual masterpiece was not without its challenges. With only a narrow window for setup, starting at midnight due to an event the night before, Encore faced a daunting task. One of the key challenges was replicating the impactful table pin spot lights from the previous year’s event at the Cordis, Auckland, now in the larger Auckland Viaduct Event Centre. The client loved the visual effect and wanted it replicated on a larger scale, requiring 83 pin spots. Sourcing such a large number of lights was no small task, but thanks to Encore’s extensive global network and the support of local suppliers, they were able to secure the necessary equipment.

However, the real challenge lay in the installation. The venue had a tight bump-in schedule, with an event occupying the space the night before, allowing Encore to start their setup only from midnight. The venue itself expressed doubt about the feasibility of installing 83 pin spots within such a limited time frame. But this did not deter the Encore team. Through creative problem-solving and strategic negotiation, they secured a contra deal with the prior event’s production company, allowing them to begin rigging the pin spots three days in advance. With meticulous planning and coordination, Encore ensured that the installation was completed on time, preserving the integrity of the design and leaving enough time for rehearsals.

 

The Result

The Barfoot & Thompson Annual Awards 2024 night was a resounding success. The event ran seamlessly, with every detail meticulously executed, from the dramatic lighting to the flawless audio and visual presentations. The fairy light wall, a standout feature, captivated guests as they entered, creating the “wow factor” that the client had hoped for. The event not only met but exceeded expectations, with positive feedback from attendees and the client alike.

Encore’s ability to adapt and overcome the logistical challenges, all while maintaining the highest standards of production, solidified their reputation as a trusted partner. This event exemplified the strength of the ongoing collaboration between Encore and Barfoot & Thompson, showcasing the team’s dedication to delivering excellence, even under pressure. As Encore reflects on this achievement, they express their gratitude for the opportunity to work with such a valued client and look forward to continuing this successful partnership in the years to come.

 

Brief:
Fashion for Cancer 2024 was an extraordinary charity event aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer survivors. Hosted at The Westin Singapore, the show featured a runway graced by cancer survivors who modelled with resilience and strength. Encore, as the in-house AV production partner at The Westin Singapore, was tasked with creating a stunning atmosphere through lighting, audio, and vision, while supporting the event’s emotional and inspirational theme. This was a particularly meaningful show, founded by Ong Bee Yan in memory of her son, Rong Liang, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at 38.

The Solution:

The Westin Singapore’s elegant ballroom provided the perfect backdrop for Fashion for Cancer 2024, with its grand dimensions ideal for the runway. Encore was responsible for transforming the space to align with the event’s inspiring theme, bringing the runway to life with creative lighting design and seamless audio-visual production.
Despite being the venue’s first collaboration with a volunteer-driven charity, Encore’s experience and expertise ensured that the coordination between all parties was smooth. The lighting design added a warm glow to match the tone of hope and resilience, while precise audio ensured that both live performances and emotional speeches were heard clearly. The AV elements were tailored to create an uplifting yet reflective mood throughout the evening.

The Result:

Fashion for Cancer Singapore 2024 was a resounding success, celebrated by over 350 guests. The evening was filled with emotional moments, from heartfelt stories of strength to dazzling fashion displays, all supported by Encore’s flawless production. Live performances by artists like Nathan Hartono, Yahui, and Joie Tan further elevated the event, leaving attendees moved and inspired.
Encore’s dedication to the cause was evident in every aspect of the event’s delivery. By leveraging their expertise in AV and lighting design, Encore contributed to an unforgettable night that celebrated resilience and beauty. This event not only honoured the lives affected by cancer but also highlighted the spirit of hope, community, and togetherness.
Both Fashion for Cancer Singapore and The Westin Singapore were thrilled with the results, and the event left a lasting impact on everyone involved, from organisers to guests.

“Fashion for Cancer Singapore 2024 was more than just a charity event; it was a powerful celebration of resilience, strength, and hope. Encore played an integral role in bringing our vision to life. Their expertise in AV production, lighting, and sound created an atmosphere that was perfectly matched to the spirit of the evening. From the emotional speeches to the live performances, every element flowed seamlessly thanks to Encore’s flawless execution. Their dedication to the cause was truly heartwarming, and their professionalism ensured everything ran smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help make this event so memorable. Encore’s contribution made a lasting impact on our guests and reminded us all of the power of coming together for a greater purpose.” – Ong Bee Yan — Fashion for Cancer Singapore

Click here for the full gallery on Encore-Asia.com

 

Photography credits:

• Dynax Yiu @dynaxyiu
• Macarthur Lim @macarthurlim

Encore recently hosted a groundbreaking event that brought together thought leaders and advocates to discuss the critical topics of Trans Awareness, Gender Diversity, and Emotional Intelligence. The event featured powerful presentations from Katherine Wolfgramme, a renowned Trans Awareness Educator and Gender Diversity Consultant, Linda Boyd, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kleu, Rachel Cosgrove-White, a Navy veteran sharing her experiences as a lesbian in the defence force, and Gavin Loveday, a long-standing team member of Accor who shared his heart-warming experience of acceptance working for our hotel partner.

Encore produced the event in support of these inspiring presenters and as part of our various business resource group endeavours which has seen the development of various groups including Encore Pride, Women of Encore and Encore Wellbeing.

Katherine Wolfgramme: Turning Fear into Understanding

Katherine Wolfgramme, a celebrated trans advocate and award-winning speaker, shared her journey as a transgender woman. She highlighted the significance of creating legal precedents and changing societal language to foster a more inclusive environment. Katherine’s efforts have led to monumental changes, such as allowing transgender people in Fiji to change their legal documents and influencing respectful journalism practices in Australia.

In her presentation, Katherine discussed her experiences with gender dysphoria, and the skills and attributes that transgender people build in order to survive in a combative world. She emphasised that transgender people have an ability to engage with body image and empathy in a way that reflects the difficulties they face in a hostile world. Her personal narrative, detailing the struggles and triumphs of growing up transgender, captivated the audience and underscored the urgent need for acceptance and support for the transgender community.

Katherine also addressed the alarming rates of suicide attempts among transgender people, attributing these to societal, environmental, and financial factors. She urged the audience to advocate for mental health support and anti-discrimination measures to improve the well-being of transgender people.

Linda Boyd: Emotional Fitness and Revolutionary Leadership

Linda Boyd, the inspiring founder of Kleu, brought a wealth of knowledge on emotional intelligence and its role in transforming frontline customer interactions. With a successful track record in engagement consultancy, Linda has now set her sights on democratising access to emotional fitness.

Linda shared skills to combat the flight-flee-fawn cycle, such as building a practice of taking six seconds to reflect before making decisions to allow for rational thought to return after emotional overwhelm. She shared her view that emotional intelligence is a muscle that can be built up over time, and discussed how emotional intelligence can help to combat stressful work situations and overwhelming environments.

Rachel Cosgrove-White: Navigating Identity in the Defence Force

Rachel Cosgrove-White, a Navy veteran, shared her poignant and inspiring experiences as a lesbian in the defence force. Rachel’s story highlighted the unique challenges and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in military environments. She recounted her journey of navigating her identity while serving, the importance of resilience, and the compassionate approach she discovered as her son came out as transgender.

Rachel emphasised the need for inclusive policies and supportive leadership within organisations to ensure that all employees can approach their work environments authentically and without fear of discrimination. Her presentation was a powerful reminder of the progress that still needs to be made to achieve true equality and acceptance in all sectors of society.

Gavin Loveday: Acceptance and Inclusion at Accor

Gavin Loveday, a long-standing team member of Accor, shared his heart-warming experience of acceptance working for the hotel brand. Gavin’s story of Accor’s encouragement and acceptance of his creativity through drag illustrated the positive impact of inclusive workplace policies and a supportive company culture. He highlighted how Accor’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has allowed him to thrive both personally and professionally.

Gavin’s experience is a testament to the importance of fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and accepted. His story inspired attendees to advocate for similar inclusive practices within their own organisations.

Empowering Discussions and Future Directions

The event facilitated meaningful discussions on the intersection of gender diversity and emotional intelligence, emphasising the role of empathy and understanding in creating inclusive environments. In-person and remote attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can contribute to a more accepting and emotionally intelligent society.

Encore is proud to have hosted such a transformative event, bringing together leaders and advocates dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of transgender issues, the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the military, and the importance of emotional fitness. By leveraging these insights, Encore continues to lead the way in creating inclusive, forward-thinking events that drive positive change in the community.

 

Encore delivers The University of Sydney ’ s  largest wave of graduation ceremonies in 2024

 

 

19 days. 56 ceremonies. 9,500 graduands. 18,000+ live stream attendees. 1 mammoth month for Encore.

 

 

The Brief

It is one of the most significant days in their lives. This is why The University of Sydney turned to trusted event production specialists, Encore, to deliver a memorable graduation ceremony for more than 9,500 graduands. This was to take place three times a day, over 19 days with full audio visual and production support and a live stream to thousands of attendees worldwide. With the right mix of equipment, skills, experience and people power, Encore was the perfect team for the challenge.

 

The Solution

The production solution was months in the making. Key elements in Encore’s solution were AV integration, redundancy contingencies, production quality and prioritising crew wellbeing.
Being able to integrate with and control the venue’s in-house AV system was critical to the event’s success. This enabled Encore’s crew to not only manage the in-room audio and vision, but to also successfully capture and feed into the live stream which was hosted on the University’s main website.

With experience comes the knowledge to back up and back up again. This is why Encore’s team allowed for several contingencies to ensure each event over the 30 days would go on no matter what happened. This included facilitating internet connection with a dedicated PEP-Link in place to avoid any disruption to the live stream. With attendees live streaming each ceremony this was a critical piece in the solution.

One of the defining features in Encore’s production solution was the camera craftsmanship. Encore’s goal was to deliver a solution that went beyond simply capturing the day’s events, to anticipating moments that tell the story.

Encore’s Key Account Manager for the event, Dan Armstrong, described how experience can transform the production quality.

 

“Having a deeper understanding of the script notes and the flow of the graduation lets you know where there will be opportunities to bring a different perspective visually to the in- room attendee. This goes without saying, this becomes even more important for those watching online.

“It’s the layering of camera angles, capturing the right reactions at the right time for the right amount of time, without losing sense of what is still happening live in the room,” said Mr Armstrong.

 

A final and hugely important part of Encore’s solution was maintaining crew wellbeing. For an event of this magnitude, with back-to-back ceremonies over 30 days, fatigue management plans were critical to the solution. Overlooking this element can have devastating effects and which is why Encore places wellbeing as one of their highest production priorities.

The Result

Each ceremony over the 30 days was delivered seamlessly, both in-room and online. More than 9,500 people tuned in to watch the live stream from more than 10 countries around the world. With talks already underway for the next wave of ceremonies, it’s clear Encore’s production solution was a success.

“Encore has supported The University of Sydney graduation ceremony events since 2021, supporting ~100 ceremonies for ~12,000 graduates annually. Encore currently provides infrastructure, lighting, filming, audio, and a live stream platform for graduation ceremony events. Onsite broadcasting services were also utilised during covid19 restrictions. Since 2021, the Graduations Team have worked with Encore to research and implement options to improve the event delivery and graduate experience.”

– Jerry Wu, Senior Administration Officer, The University of Sydney

 

 

 

Encore treated guests at this year’s 2024 Air and Space Power Conference to an LED odyssey.

 

The Brief

The sky was the limit for this year’s brief to event production specialists, Encore, who were appointed the task of designing and delivering the 2024 Air and Space Power Conference. Having delivered the prestigious biennial event twice before, Encore was familiar with the production standard the event and its guests had come to expect. Presented only with a static graphic of the event’s proposed branding, whilst also relying on Encore’s past experience delivering the event, it was an open brief for their in-house team at the National Convention Centre Canberra.

 

The Solution

With all eyes on the stage, it was the focus for Encore’s design solution. This year the team opted for an all LED set design rather than projection. The aim was creating a look that was uniform and capable of delivering an incredibly bright experience that not only immersed guests in a space-travel-inspired experience, it also brought to life the colours and vibrancy in the event’s branded content more so than what projection could. This LED story continued right across the stage, including the digital lecterns and digital fascia on the presenter panel creating a seamless content display. Another key design element was creating depth and dimension using multiple levels and curved staging. It wouldn’t be a space themed event without the all-important star-cloth which the team added either side of the stage to frame the set. The event’s branded graphic also influenced the lighting design which used the same colours along with moving GOBOs of aeroplanes flying over the stage flooring. Haze was also strategically used throughout the event to add another layer that mimicked a cloudlike effect.

 

The Result

Encore’s render-to-reality service played a pivotal role in communicating the end design concept. Better still, what was delivered on show day was exactly what was rendered. It’s this peace of mind which is why Encore is trusted with delivering events of this calibre year on year.

The team is still receiving glowing feedback from delegates and speakers about how successful and enjoyable the event was.

The event planners at Air Force Events are already looking forward to seeing what Encore delivers for their next event.

“I don’t know how you’ll be able to top this off in two years’ time. The LED screen made a huge impact. Everyone was talking about it!

“What I also really valued was the 3D renders. They allowed us to visualize every detail, from the layout and design to lighting and décor, giving us a clear picture of the final result and peace of mind our idea will be what’s delivered.”

Encore welcomes the challenge.

 

The 2024 Helloworld Travel OMC Conference wrapped up in true Aussie style in Sydney, with over 550 attendees soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency during the days and the Overseas Passenger Terminal for a dazzling gala dinner, this event was a testament to the thriving travel industry Down Under.

Encore was engaged to transform the venues into an engaging experience for attendees through tailored creative design, audio-visual and lighting solutions.

Held by day at the Hyatt Regency, the conference was not short on exciting nighttime activity with a Welcome event on the harbour aboard Starship Sydney that kicked off the conference with style as delegates enjoyed not only breathtaking harbour views but an amazing fireworks display!

The theme, “A World of Opportunity,” echoed throughout the event, with speakers like Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, swimming legend Grant Hackett, and motivational guru Ben Crowe inspiring optimism for the future.

Throughout the conference, owner-managers shared insights on the importance of passion, customer care, and industry relationships, proving that despite evolving trends and technology, the heart of travel remains unchanged.

Networking lounges buzzed with excitement as suppliers showcased their offerings, with Viva Holidays celebrating their 50th anniversary in style. Glittering attire was a must for their spirited “Sale of the (Half) Century” game, adding a touch of glamour to the affair.

The grand finale came with the Gala Dinner, sponsored by Qantas, where the Overseas Passenger Terminal was transformed by Encore into an exclusive haven.

As guests arrived at the Overseas Passenger Terminal they were greeted with a red carpet experience and a striking neon archway leading into the exclusive networking area. Uplighting on the luxe curtain draped partition created a warm mood-lit ambience while custom GOBOs projected Qantas and Helloworld Travel branding.

The Qantas Australian Girls Choir kicked off the evening, with a stirring rendition of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, setting the stage for a night of celebration and surprises.

On the stage itself, sat a large LED wall visually separated into three panels by two columns of shimmering sequin tiles creating a stunning artistic effect. The room and stage lighting was further enhanced by LED tubes being suspended from the ceiling – a stunning effect and perfect complement to the Gala’s ‘light up the night’ theme.

As the night unfolded, attendees learned that Vancouver would host OMC 2025, igniting anticipation for another year of networking and exploration.

After the meal the dance floor beckoned as delegates enjoyed live music from Big City Beat and danced the night away.

As the conference drew to a close, attendees departed with a renewed sense of inspiration and camaraderie, ready to seize the countless opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving world of travel.

Sarah Gerrand, GM Partnerships and Events, at Helloworld Travel was delighted with the event commenting,

“Encore exceeded all expectations with the execution of the 2024 Helloworld OMC Conference in Sydney. From the seamless delivery of our conference at the Hyatt Regency Sydney to the stunning Gala Dinner at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, every detail was meticulously crafted. Their creative design, audio-visual expertise, and lighting solutions were amazing, perfectly reflecting the conference theme, ‘A World of Opportunity.’ Encore’s dedication ensured a memorable experience, leaving attendees inspired and charged for the future.”