Encore has announced that Scott Nodsle, Managing Director APAC, has been appointed as Executive Sponsor of the ‘WellBeing at Encore’ Business Resource Group (BRG). Nodsle has been with Encore for 23 years and has held various leadership roles during that time, which is a testament to his commitment to Encore and team members.

Nodsle commented on the appointment,

“When I was presented with the opportunity to sponsor the WellBeing BRG, I jumped at the chance. Having started my Encore career as a Technician, and then serving in other field-based leadership roles in the U.S., EMEA, and now APAC, I am well aware of the pressure our team members are under. It’s incredibly important to keep your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and that of your teams, top of mind at all times. I’m looking forward to helping team members do exactly that through this BRG.”

WellBeing BRG Purpose

The WellBeing BRG exists to support the mental, physical and social wellbeing of Encore team members and the larger communities they impact. The group will accomplish this by working to overcome stigmas, providing resources, and raising awareness of these important topics.

Recent initiatives

The WellBeing BRG is new in APAC and has already seen significant impact and involvement. Recently the group delivered aWellbeing lunch and learn workshop which highlighted the power of connection and community and how feeling safe, respected and understood which can play a massive part in how we participate in our work.

Whilst the team in South Australia attended WellFest, a well-being breakfast designed to help guests take time out to hear experts identify and explain the way they manage their Mental Health and how to be “nicer to yourself and others”.

Encore has been focused on reducing our impact on the environment for may years and our endeavours have seen us awarded an EcoVadis accreditation.

In continuing these commitments, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new electronic vehicle in Auckland and are soon to be taking delivering of our first hybrid truck in Melbourne.

“We have been moving to more energy efficient vehicles for many years.”, commented Nathan Mckenzie, Operations Director APAC who is responsible for many of Encore APAC’s sustainable practices and projects.

“In line with the Government’s commitment to deliver a low emissions vehicle target Encore has begun is transitioning its current fleet of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric and hybrid technology.”

“Delivery of the new fleet is planned to continue, and as older vehicles reach the end of lease they will be replaced and we plan the new hybrid and electrical fleet will be fully implemented by 2026.”

Scott Nodsle, Managing Director of Encore APAC noted,
“The new fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles are an exciting and important development in Encore’s strategies to be more sustainable and is part of our focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance practices”.

Encore assessed several factors, including battery consumption, charging capability, vehicle handling, maneuverability and performance in a variety of traffic conditions, driver and passenger comfort, carrying capacity when selecting vehicles which make the least impact and also suit our teams’ needs and equipment moving requirements.

While the introduction of electric vehicles into the Encore fleet will initially cost more than that of equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles, savings in on running costs, including fuel and maintenance in addition to the many benefits to reducing our total emissions are expected.

Encore driving the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles

Encore has become more committed than ever to our team. Everyone is on a continuum when it comes to health and well-being, and as a company we want to help our team no matter what stage they are at. Whether that be through tips and tricks, professional help or engaging them in social challenges.

Today (10 October) is World Mental Health Day and so we thought this would be the ideal day to share a recent Encore Wellbeing initiative.

Encore Wellbeing

Encore Wellbeing – an internal business resource and support group – held its first ever mindfulness workshop.

The lunch and learn session was aimed at supporting and empowering team members with practical, life-changing tools and techniques around improving mental health.

The topic was ‘Bringing Mindfulness into the Workplace’ and focused on how mental health affects all of us – in every sphere of life – why it’s so important to discuss mental health in the workplace. The workshop highlighted the power of connection and community and how feeling safe, respected and understood is part of our basic needs (in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs) which can play a massive part in how we participate in our work.

The Mindfulness Workshop was facilitated by Wellbeing Leader for APAC, Darren Perrera (Regional Director of Event Technology) and was presented by Noosa based, Taylah Noble-Wilson (Director of Event Technology).

Taylah Noble-Wilson is a qualified 500-hour Yoga instructor, personal trainer, Reiki Master, NLP Practitioner & Life Coach, Lomi Lomi Massage Practioner and Breathwork Facilitator.

Taylah graciously shared her wisdom and insight on mental health and how to implement breathwork and meditation techniques to mitigate effects of stress on your nervous system. Talyah demonstrated a simple but highly effective breathing exercise known as ‘box breathing’ (i.e. breathe in for count of 4, hold for count of 4, breath out for count of 4 and hold for count of 4).

Taylah also emphasised how vital it is for everyone to create their own mental health plan – which involves making deliberate daily decisions – non-negotiables if you will – around maintaining good diet and nutrition, keeping fit and active, practicing meditation, having a positive mindset and self-talk, and prioritising a healthy work-life balance.

Bringing mindfulness into the workplace - feedback from the lunch and learn session

“We’re absolutely thrilled at the level of interest and feedback we received about the workshop….Taylah did a fantastic job in reminding us all, the importance of discussing mental health in the workplace”
– says Darren Perera (Regional Director of Event Technology).

The successful mindfulness workshop was held a week following company-wide participation of R U Ok day.

Encore Wellbeing is one of several business resource groups within Encore aimed at promoting a healthy, safe and inclusive environment for all our employees.

Encore is proud to be a Great Place to Work® certified organisation in 7 countries around the world including Australia and New Zealand.

Leading event production company, Encore Event Technologies has announced their appointment to deliver the Amway China incentive to be held in Auckland and Queenstown, October to December 2023.

Encore triumphed in a competitive pitch involving a number of leading event production companies. The win was due to the teams’ creative pitch comprising innovative event design, inventive use of technology and production expertise.

The success will build on Encore’s portfolio of successful delivery of Amway international incentive events, including Amway China 2005, 2011 and 2019, Amway Taiwan 2016 and 2019, Amway Vietnam 2016 and 2019, Amway Hong Kong 2017 and 2023, Amway South Korea 2020 and Amway Russia 2018. Encore has also delivered hundreds of other international incentives, conferences and major events.

For Amway, Encore will provide end-to-end services from strategy and creative concepts to 3D design, theming, technical solutions and overall production of the event which will see 10,000 VIP delegates attending in waves from across China.

The win is another exciting development for the growing Encore team in New Zealand. Head quartered in Auckland, the team has grown significantly, particularly within their skilled production division. The growth has required a new head office with dedicated creative ideation spaces, production warehouse and technical training facilities.

Scott Nodsle, Managing Director, Encore APAC, was delighted with news of the appointment, “Encore is honoured to be the production partner for the Amway China 2023. As we continue to follow our customers journey around the world, we understand their needs and are proud to connect and inspire their attendees for yet another amazing event! Our team will bring together the ideal mix of creative flair, leading technical solutions and production expertise bespoke to this event.  Our team in New Zealand is among the best in the business, delivering world-class, memorable experiences and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to achieve exactly that and more for Amway China 2023.”

Encore has been awarded another new partnership with the world-class Grand Hyatt Incheon hotel in South Korea. The hotel is the largest Hyatt hotel outside North America with 1,024 guestrooms, making it an ideal venue for large-scale meetings and events. It is in a prime location for local and international conferences, located only three minutes away from Incheon International Airport and near to the South-Korean capital Seoul and other major cities in Gyeonggi province.  

Encore’s partnership with Grand Hyatt Incheon was awarded after a highly competitive selection process. During which time Encore’s in-house service model was identified as a point of difference from their competitors, in addition to their highly skilled team and detailed understanding of the venue and what can be achieved in the hotel’s event spaces. Director of Strategic Partnerships Katherine Pfahl commented;  

“Encore has the local knowledge backed by global resources to deliver unique, transformative experiences that achieve real results. We know that these services are in demand in the current market. Clients don’t want a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to their event design and delivery. They want choice, flexibility and the ability to create an event which exactly meets their brief and needs, not a one-size-fits all approach. That’s the Encore difference. That’s what we deliver.”  

Encore’s in-house service model was viewed by the hotel owners as vital in being able to facilitate outstanding events for their clients as they are not restricted by the availability or resources of external providers.  

Client: Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW)

Venue: The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, Sydney

Date: 20 July 2023

Encore proudly designed and produced the glittering 2023 TAA (NSW) Awards for Excellence at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, hosting 700 guests for the celebration of the Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence.

The event was meticulously planned and executed, leaving attendees in awe of the glittering atmosphere. Encore’s expertise in creating memorable experiences shone through, making the awards night a resounding success.

The stunning stage set recreated an abstract city skyline using mobile, modular LED panels. The panels then transformed to an electric multimedia display to enhance the musical performance by a violin soloist, also dressed in a costume comprising neon lights. The screens further changed again through the night with glittering designs to complement presenters and announce winners.

Encore further supported the event by sponsoring two award categories:

The Conference and Events Talent of the Year award was won by Chloe Mitchell The Star Sydney and presented by Encore APAC Managing Director Scott Nodsle.

The Conference and Events Venue of the Year award was won by The Fullerton Sydney and presented by Encore General Manager NSW & ACT Nicole Russell.

Nicole Russell, Encore Event Technologies General Manager NSW & ACT commented,

The TAA NSW Awards for Excellence event was an incredible effort by everyone involved and truly wonderful occasion to be part of!

Congratulations to all our venue partners.

Encore have announced a partnership with Sofitel Sentosa Singapore Resort expanding their footprint to clients in the region, particularly corporations and PCOs wanting an out of city location offering an opulent experience. 

Destination events have gained increasing popularity in recent years, with organisers looking beyond traditional hotel walls and into less conventional venues like picturesque, or exclusive locations. However, Sofitel Sentosa Singapore offers international delegates the unique combination of a professional conference venue in an island location providing an opulent, luxury experience for down time. 

Getting away from the standard convention center environment and into a more inspiring, beautiful, environment can foster more authentic conversations and relaxed interactions while guests sample the local flavors and take in the sights. A hidden gem set atop a cliff on the Southern edge of Sentosa Island, the luxuriously appointed Resort offers guests a haven of peace and tranquility spanning 27 acres of outdoor palatial spaces.  

Katherine Pfahl, Director, Strategic Partnerships Encore APAC commented, 

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with such a beautiful and unique venue like Sofitel Sentosa Singapore, and look forward to growing our offering in Singapore. Together, we’ll elevate the guest experience, through each interaction they have at an event at this beautiful island location. The point of difference for our partnership will be the ability to offer a tailored, conferencing solution using the latest mobile equipment, combined with the unique Resort providing add-on experiences via the Resort and other local activities beyond the conference.” 

We did it! Encore’s virtual event platform Chime Live acknowledged as finalist in Spice Hot 100!

Encore has again been recognised in the 2023 Spice News Hot 100 in the category of:

Services and Suppliers for 2023 in the Best Virtual Event Platform

Every year the team at Spice News search the nation to find the top 100 suppliers and services in the events industry – as voted by the public. Their hard work saves you the time and headache of finding the top five businesses in each category.

About Chime Live:

Packed with helpful features, it’s easy to see why this is the platform of choice for in-person and hybrid events.

Platform features:

  • Create a branded online experience
  • Tailor the functions to suit your requirements
  • Secure platform with option for attendee login access
  • My Experience feature lets attendees select whether they’re attending in-person or online and the platform will configure to suit.
  • Live stream multiple speakers in from anywhere in the world
  • House important event information and maps
  • Engage attendees with polling, Q & A, word clouds, heat maps, up voter and more interactive tools.
  • Greater ROI with sponsor recognition
  • banners and profiles that click through to their desired webpage.
  • Upload videos and images
  • List Exhibitor information and location.
  • Ability to quickly make changes to the event as they occur
  • Collect valuable data for insights and improvements – both live and historical data
  • Security protocols compliant with AGM requirements.
  • Facilitate networking and video chat between attendees.
  • Showcase your speakers with clickable bios
  • Attendees can create personalised agendas

Find out more here.

Encore APAC is proud to provide support both local communities and industries in our region; and as part of this commitment, we recently expanded our support of the Fijian community with an outreach program in partnership with Gordon Rugby Football Club to sponsor the local teams; the Drua Rugby team and Yasawa Island Rugby club, now known as the Somosomo Stags.

Encore’s Fijian team members were joined by Encore APAC Managing Director, Scott Nodsle and the former GM, of Gordon Rugby, Grant Pisani to celebrate their sponsorship and present the players’ new team jerseys, boots, balls and training shirts.  

They were welcomed by the village residents with a rousing chorus welcome song and handmade welcome sign. The presentation was led by their village Chief and our local key partner, Kaiava Salusalu “Salu” at the Somosomo Village in the Yasawa islands. After the initial welcome meeting and Kava ceremony with the Village elders, Encore’s Managing Director, Scott Nodsle presented the partnership’s gifts to support the village. That was followed by a beautiful display of Fijian dishes prepared by the team mothers, wives and supporters to celebrate the sponsorship.

Scott Nodsle commented,

“Rugby is a way of life and revered sport in Fiji, offering opportunities for the locals to grow, develop and connect within a community environment. So we are very honoured and privileged to support and sponsor the Drua Rugby team and Somosomo Stags.

“A highlight of the visit was developing strong relationships and ties with the local community. We were overwhelmed by their warm welcome. Building connections and opportunities for growth and careers with Encore is one of our future focuses for the village community.”

After the formalities, the younger locals demonstrated their football skills during a training session to prepare for their community rugby tournament. The local teams and their families then joined Encore and Gordon Rugby on a boat ride to Naviti Island, where the Stags worked hard to get into the semi-finals, falling just short of winning the title and grand prize. The community was thrilled with the outreach and support, as mentioned by the team Captain, Opeti Laqo,

“This is such a blessing for us because it is a huge burden being lifted from our shoulders, as we struggled with financial needs to support the village, we can now focus more time on training sessions and helping our community further.”

Grant Pisani was similarly delighted by the visit to the island and presentation with the team and commented,

“It was an easy decision to supply kit and support for these youths chasing their rugby dreams as I was a rugby player back in the day. Working with the local community has given us more than we can give to them, by enriching our knowledge and love for the people of Fiji.”

Click here to listen to Episode 26 of the Coconut Wireless Podcast with Kaiava Salusalu from Somosomo Village on Naviti island in Fiji & Grant Pasini from Gordon Rugby Football Club to discuss the trans-Pacific partnership between Encore and Gordon Rugby in Australia and the Somosomo Stags in Fiji.

Encore has partnered with Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo, expanding their network of bespoke venues in Sydney. Situated near Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, the Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo offers a unique stay. Bridging between heritage and modern luxury, their contemporary design is complemented by the rich history of the Woolloomooloo wharf.  

Ovolo as a brand is distinctive, in that they are a collection of contemporary hotels that keep guests connected to the little luxuries they love that are included in their stay. The company prides itself on being in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, complimentary value-added services like the mini bar and breakfast, with cutting-edge technology. Brimming with character, Ovolo needed an event management team that could work alongside their culture and understand their needs. Encore understood that Ovolo would require creative and tailored solutions to their event planning, knowledge that ultimately led them to success in securing the partnership.