Seven waves of guests treated to an event spectacular in far North Queensland
Amway China returned to Australia for the sixth time with more than 6,000 guests for their annual 2019 Leadership Seminar, this time held in Cairns. Seven waves of guests attended the 4-day seminar and incentive program between 21 March – 15 April. Designed and organised by Encore Event Technologies, the business sessions and concluding Gala Program treated guests to a spectacular experience including a special blended reality sequence created using layered multimedia, holographics and choreographed robotics show with a live performer.
The ‘Rainforest to Reef’ themed Gala Program was a highlight for the destination incentive, allowing Encore to design four totally bespoke immersive experiences – Rainforest, Beach, Reef and River – using creative technical production. Each environment was themed using a gigantic 270-degree screen that wrapped around the inside of the venue, table-styling which incorporated lighting design, customised soundscapes and roaming performers. Within each of the four environments was a key performance sequence that brought it to life.
The opening ‘Rainforest‘ environment concluded with a spectacular thunder and lightning performance by the edgy Million Volt Man – one of the most extreme live performances that involves stunts using a high-voltage Tesla coil.
This then transitioned beautifully into the second environment ‘Beach‘ which included an artistic Fabric Ballet performance featuring 18 DMX controlled fans with beautifully choreographed dancing and costuming designed by the talented Katie Kermond. The third sequence ‘Reef‘ featured an entertaining game simulation of an underwater treasure hunt made possible using a range of AV techniques, collectively referred to as blended reality. The journey saw a live performer participate in the underwater adventure using layered multimedia with a holographic mesh screen, LEDs, and choreographed robotics show.
A major highlight of the Gala was the performance in the ‘River‘ sequence – the final environment for the evening’s journey. The ‘Fish Medley’ act included a singing and dancing animated multimedia fish on computer controlled Robotic LED screens that moved with the music. Custom designed tropical reef inspired centrepieces decorated each table, each individually lit with both intelligent pin-spotting and wireless DMX battery powered lighting for every table.
In addition, at the completion of the four performance segments, delegates were treated to an amazing high energy performance by The Voice China star Uni Yeh performing with a live band and a team of local dancers. Encore also supplied delegates with fun, luminous head dresses so they could feel part of the theming for the event.
“The guests were blown away by the 270-degree multimedia projection, holographic projection and synchronized robotics. The creative event design was matched with cutting-edge use of technology to create an amazing experience for guests,” said Encore’s Show Producer, Andrew MacColl.
Amway chose to enhance the attendee experience by selecting a new and unusual venue for the event and the newly constructed wing of the Australian Artillery and Armoury Museum (AAAM) was perfect for both the Gala Dinner and Business Sessions. The venue is the largest military vehicle museum on the southern hemisphere. The delegates were treated to a specially created Tank Show in the parklands behind the museum featuring some of the best of these rare and historical vehicles, including dramatic gun blasts and explosions created with pyrotechnics.
However, this unique venue presented major challenges as an event venue; it came without rated rigging points, three-phase power, guest Wi-Fi facilities nor air-conditioning.
“Working in such a unique venue had its challenges, but also many benefits in that it allowed our team the opportunity to maximise their creativity to bring to life a blank canvas. Special Event Director, John Schryver designed a truly unique and immersive experience which will undoubtedly be remembered long after the event. The team bought his design to life and delivered the series of events flawlessly,” said Mr MacColl.
Tony Chamberlain, Managing Director, Encore, said it was an honour to work with Amway China again especially in such an iconic and unique Australian location.
“The team have been engaged in meticulous planning for months after winning the bid to manage this event. On-site we managed 20 days of install and rehearsals. Then the team delivered both Business Sessions and the Gala Dinner for each of the seven waves.
“Our goal was to create an event that showcased the beauty of Far North Queensland while also demonstrating what is possible for a creative business event. Our talented team achieved all this and more, in a challenging venue. This event will go down in Encore history as one of the best,” said Mr Chamberlain.
Encore Event Technologies (Encore) served up an incredible holographic-like experience for some of Australia’s leading event industry professionals, at the “Love and Desire” themed Top Secret 2019 Dinner on Friday 22 March.
Hosted by the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC), as part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), this dinner was part of a 3-day program run by the Canberra Convention Bureau (CCB).
The program consists of a series of individualised experiences for an exclusive group of national meeting planners. Showcasing business event product and services, the program allows Canberra’s events community to demonstrate the calibre of events in our nation’s capital.
The hero of the night was Encore’s expert use of a holographic mesh screen, highlighting the venue as a premium event space and showcasing the technology available when holding an event at the NCCC in conjunction with Encore.
Using the holographic mesh screen, Encore created animated content such as a hot air balloon that appear as though it was floating through the air.
Known for their innovation, Encore really broke the mould for the Top Secret 2019 Dinner bringing Stephen Wood, General Manager of the National Convention Centre Canberra into the room through a hologram. Guests were able to watch Mr Wood standing onstage, interviewing himself as if there were actually two of him.
The use of holographic mesh screens is usually only seen at big budget events such as Eurovision and the Grammys, or on television. However, Encore were able to demonstrate to event managers how this technology is possible at their events with the right team and the right venue.
Mr Wood commented, “We love working with Encore, they always manage to outdo themselves with their innovation and creativity, and this event was no exception.”
The theme for the 3 day familiarisation was “Love and Desire”, based on the current exhibition on display at the National Gallery of Australia.
On each table were large 2D Scenic Panels on custom frames, designed to look like garden lattices in the shape of hearts as a nod to pre-Raphaelite theme of the “Love and Desire” exhibition.
Directly above the tables were 20 LED Kinetic Lights, programmed to move with the music and change colour throughout the night, creating a truly spectacular lighting display.
Also taking inspiration from the “Love and Desire” theme was the night’s entertainment. During the event, two actors from the Shakespeare by the Lake performance rose up after being hidden as guests and began to perform some of the Bard’s most famous sonnets.
Continuing the surprises, instead of using one main screen, Encore set up four 60in televisions across one truss structure on the main stage. They displayed the animated logos of Encore, NCCC, CCB and IHG in front of scrolling panoramic shots of Canberra spread across the 4 screens as a single wide screen image, showcasing the beauty of the city.
“This was a truly sophisticated and memorable event. The National Convention Centre Canberra and guests were delighted with the outcome, and we can’t thank Encore enough,” said Mr Wood.
VIP guests from China celebrated the Lunar New Year in style at Crown Melbourne on Friday 22 February. Encore created an atmosphere of opulence and splendour with their stunning table projection, multimedia, audio visual services and styling.
The highlight of the evening was the spectacular custom table projections that greeted guests as they entered the River Room and found their seats. The content projected onto each individual table was the perfect blend of Chinese tradition, opulence and technical innovation.
On each table, cranes flew around the circular table, fish swam between glasses and flowers grew from plates as the different animated looks circled each table and even individual plates. On top of the Lazy Susan, the menu for the night was projected in both English and Chinese, rotating, so all guests could read it.
Then as food arrived, Encore masked the projection on the Lazy Susan and plates, so the colour didn’t affect the look of the food while the areas surrounding each continued with projected with animation.
As well as the projection mapping, Encore created a beautiful light show adding excitement to the entertainment while enabling the projection show to shine.
Encore’s beautiful styling enhanced the theme. Red was chosen as the main colour as it symbolises luck, happiness and joy in Chinese culture. The team used varying shades of red in the lighting, stage set and table projections, while also laying red carpet to cover the entire floor and hanging red swagged drapes to create a seamless look.
Two large screens framed either side of the stage with a sign displaying a custom designed Year of the Pig insignia in the middle of the stage.
Also outlining the stage was an intricate stage set that was Laser cut to look like lattice in a traditional Chinese garden interwoven with cherry blossom branches.
During the night, guests were entertained by a high energy violinist, lion dancer, and magician. Each entertainment act had their own animated table projection to complement their performance – a sparkling display of glitter for the violinist, a small animated dragon for the lion dancer and the magician’s logo for his performance.
Watch Video
https://player.vimeo.com/video/333017113
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Held on Thursday 19 February, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne Living Grand Dinner brought the four elements to life in a unique sensory experience. Combining audio visual theatrics, custom lighting and creative styling, Encore Event Technologies (Encore), delivered a unique culinary and visual journey with multi-sensory stimulation.https://player.vimeo.com/video/329005042
48 VIPs were led down a dark tunnel into a dimly lit room, surrounded by black drapes with ambient music playing in the background. The room was sparse, with minimal styling and theming building intrigue as to what was to follow.
Once guests were seated, the journey began, completely immersing them in the sounds and visuals, complimenting the menu course by course.
The entree took guests underwater with sounds of the ocean filling the room and swimming fish flawlessly projection mapped onto the tables and drapes. Then when the sorbet was served, it was accompanied by images and sounds of ice breaking and shattering throughout the room.
The main course was themed fire and smoke. Diners were blindfolded before the sounds of burning wood and fire floated through the air. The Encore team then projection mapped fire onto the table while mains were served. Along with the sizzling of food on the grill, the room was filled with low fog slowly rising from the floor as the guests took off their blindfolds.
The final course was an ode to Willy Wonka with the room lighting up with the colours of liquorice Allsorts, a chocolate river flowing down the tables and the infamous theme song of the Oompah Loompas playing.
For this night to be a success, the timing of the projection and audio had to be perfect.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne General Manger, Ilan Weill was thrilled with the work Encore produced.
“We of course appreciated your innovation and hard work to meet the deadlines and listen to us. However, the special thank you I would like to convey is for your partnership and amazing spirit working and having fun with us on what was a last-minute idea and turned out to be a fully produced wow type of night. Your patience, great attitude, talent and how you joined forces with us on the night was felt by everyone involved and we really appreciated working together as one team,” said Mr Weill.
“We are delighted to call you our partners – Thank you again!”
Encore Event Technologies (Encore) treated guests at the SKYCITY NYE Party 2018 to a showstopping, Las Vegas-themed audio visual spectacular at SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland.
The talented team at Encore were entrusted with the event, designed to enthral the most valuable of VIP’s on the biggest party night of the year – and they didn’t disappoint! Capturing the unique and glamorous atmosphere of a Las Vegas show, guests were transported to one of the world’s most famous districts with a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement.
Encore created the stunning aesthetic with bold and colourful lighting choices, innovative stage styling and carefully crafted audio to support the entertainment that immersed the audience in the Las Vegas theme.
The hero of the night was Encore’s lighting solutions. With over 100 LX Fixtures around the room and moving LX fixtures attached to truss droppers and totems on the stage, Encore turned the back wall into a lighting backdrop.
To keep guests entertained, the stage was framed on either side by two 20ft screens and two 16ft screens, all displaying multimedia content created by Encore. This custom content was projected onto the screens using four 7K laser projectors and a Barco S3.
Guests danced the night away with back-to-back entertainment such as illusionists, dancers, singers and an 8-piece band. During these acts, the lighting became part of the show, working seamlessly into the performances on stage.
SKYCITY were once again thrilled with Encore’s work and the creativity and efficiency they demonstrated in producing an unforgettable night. Encore have been creating mesmerising events at SKYCITY for 15 years, managing to outdo themselves each time.
Encore Event Technologies partnered with Crown Melbourne to deliver an immersive New Year’s Eve celebration inspired by American TV comedy series, The Love Boat.
Keen to turn the theme into a unique experience for guests, Encore was responsible for the audio visual production, lighting and styling elements for this fun, themed celebration to ‘Set sail for 2019’.
The New Year‘s event boasted an impressive customised stage, built by Encore, of a giant cruise ship with chaser lighting portholes. A large 3D ‘HMAS Crown’ was projected onto with Edison bulbs, while custom built waves created movement and enhanced the nautical theme.
Upon arrival guests prepared to embark while surrounded by 1960’s seafaring themed signage and accessories. As guests entered the Palladium, a striking 47 metre ceiling installation made of bunting created the entrance onto the ‘HMAS Crown’.
The hero on the main stage was an impressive 18 metre LED screen, coupled with two 9 metre screens on either side. 6 additional screens were strategically placed around the room that used multimedia for a dramatic effect.
Beautifully styled centrepieces made of sparkling anchors, sailor hats and leis decorated each table, plus custom-made wave gobos lights continued the oceanic motif and reflected in the sequin shimmering linen.
Encore used beam lighting to create a nautical search light effect from the stage, and multi-prism gobos in a ripple design projected onto the drapes to transport guests below the sea.
An aquatic dance troop kicked off the festivities, with the Captain welcoming all guests onboard. The entertainment continued with dazzling aerial performers, band and DJ performances throughout the night.
An animated countdown commenced before midnight then 12 confetti cannons blasted into the air to celebrate the New Year while guests cheered.
The event was a great success and showcased Encore’s ability to provide a truly memorable evening.
Staging Connections, now Encore Event Technologies*, have taken out the National Title for Special Event of the Year at the Meetings and Events Association (MEA) Industry Award Gala Dinner in Adelaide last night.
The who’s who of the meetings and events sector celebrated a year of great achievements together at the Adelaide Convention Centre; the Awards are the culmination of the MEA National Conference from 6-8 May, 2018.
Encore won the prestigious award for their superb execution of the Asian Paints Privilege Club Convention 2017 – accepted by an ecstatic events team.
The impressive incentive event was acknowledged by industry peers as a true testament to the team’s creative production capabilities in a highly competitive field. Asian Paints welcomed over 1,000 delegates participating in 12 events across multiple locations. The event included amazing stages, hosting lively entertainment and stunning multimedia projections. The President’s speech was brought to life via motion sensing technology and gesture control.
This accolade recognises Encore’s ongoing dedication to producing outstanding business events, as well as their significant contribution to the Australian event industry.
Commenting on the win for Special Event of the Year, Encore Event Technologies Managing Director Tony Chamberlain, gave high praise to the dedicated and passionate team.
“I want to congratulate the entire events team involved in the creation of this event from concept to execution. Our client allowed us to push the boundaries and implement technologies their audience hadn’t seen before.
This award will inspire us to continue to elevate our service offerings and strive to exceed expectations,” said Chamberlain.
The highly-coveted MEA Awards are judged by a panel of independent industry leaders to celebrate excellence and best business practice in the meeting and events industry. The aim of the MEA Industry Awards is to encourage event professionals to excel in achieving their business and personal goals.
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On 2 July 2018, Staging Connections formerly rebranded to Encore Event Technologies.
SCHILLER PARK, IL, and DALLAS,TX – January 14, 2019 – PSAV, a global leader in event experiences, and The Freeman Company, jointly announced today that the companies have entered into a purchase agreement for PSAV to acquire Encore Event Technologies, a global provider of event technology, staging and production services. The combination of PSAV and Encore will join two companies with deep expertise and a shared commitment to be an invaluable global partner for the meeting industry. This transaction reinforces PSAV’s mission of Connecting and Inspiring People by expanding the breadth of its capabilities throughout North America and Asia Pacific. The transaction is expected to be finalized later this year. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.
Encore has a long and distinguished history dedicated to helping create high-impact meetings and live events for the hospitality industry. Encore operates as both an in-house partner to some of the world’s leading resorts, hotels and casinos, as well as a creative production company for clients around the world.
“Encore is an ideal partner for the PSAV family of companies given its shared commitment to meeting and event planners, and strong alignment with our purpose and mission,” said Mike McIlwain, CEO of PSAV. I am excited about what this means for PSAV, and more importantly our customers, as we continue to focus on more ways to create amazing event experiences wherever an event is held.”
“We’re extremely proud of the success everyone at Encore – including our FAV Canada operations – has created in building one of the world’s leading in-house hospitality, event technology and production service businesses,” said Joe Popolo, CEO of The Freeman Company. “At Freeman, we continue our mission to provide powerful brand experiences, which include our audio visual solutions, for association and corporate customers around the world.”
“It has been an honor to lead and develop Encore and to witness its growth,” said Ken Sanders, chief development officer, The Freeman Company. “I want to thank everyone at Encore for applying their work, skills, dedication and creativity to build this world-class company, and I look forward to watching their continued prosperity as part of PSAV.”
Peter Wallace and David Kestnbaum of Blackstone’s Private Equity team commented, “We are excited about the combination of our portfolio company, PSAV, with Encore. Blackstone sees continued growth opportunities in live events, and we are pleased that Encore will bring additional capabilities to support event planners and our venue partners.”
Bill Stein of Blackstone’s Real Estate team added, “The combination of PSAV and Encore will further enhance our strong capabilities to serve meeting event planners and our venue partners across a diverse suite of services as part of our mission of creating a world-class, diversified global live events platform.”
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel to PSAV.
JP Morgan is serving as financial advisor to Freeman and Encore, and Baker McKenzie is serving as legal counsel to Freeman and Encore.
Media Contact – PSAV
Bob Niersbach
Director, Communications
rniersbach@psav.com
(847) 385-3619
www.psav.com
Media Contact – Freeman
Stephen Phillips
Director, Communications
stephen.phillips@freeman.com
(214) 445-1205
www.freeman.com
Immersive and unique staging and production by Encore Event Technologies recently transported 400 guests who attended the annual Great Humpty Ball back to their childhood.
Hosted by the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, a children’s charity that for more than 28 years has purchased life-saving medical equipment specifically requested by over 380 hospitals and health services across Australia, Encore delivered an imaginative, compelling and truly sweet Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired event at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
Every year Encore works closely with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation team to create an immersive gala dinner themed with fun, colour and technical magic to deliver on the charity’s vision.
First impressions count. On arrival, guests entered the chocolate factory gates constructed of purple bricks and golden wrought iron gates with Humpty branded signage – a welcoming invitation fuelled with intrigue and wonder.
The grass covered walk-way included boxes of Humpty branded chocolate bars, giant gobstoppers, colourful windmills, lollies and mushrooms. Purple trees decorated with lollipops and fairy lights framed the main doors of the hotel’s Ballroom. Guests were entertained by the Wonka inspired photobooth with giant windmill lollies in flower pots and Humpty signage all created to encourage guests to explore the decorated venue.
The beautifully dressed tables were adorned by shiny purple cloths and Wonka inspired golden wrapper runners and two stunning centrepieces. The first, a magical garden, included intricate trees on a grassy knoll decorated with lollies, mushrooms, tea lights and miniature buckets of candy. The second included Willy Wonka’s red top hat, candy jars and colourful windmills on sticks.
Mimicking the iconic “fizzy lifting” scene from the film, Encore created a bubble ceiling installation above the dance floor with long garlands of stunning sliver, white pearl and clear balloons that created the illusion of bubbles exploding out of an oversized fizzy soda bottle.
Keeping to theme, the multimedia team created a chocolate river backdrop with the Humpty mascot image floating past the magical garden that transitioned into an evening scene with Humpty in a glass lift with a giant shimmering moon.
The set was complimented by colourful mushrooms, gobstoppers, a lolly tree and the walls draped with sparkling star black cloth with themed Humpty gobo lighting. Complete with projections and staging, the Encore team delivered purple and gold themed lighting, matching both the Humpty branding and Wonka bars, which ensured guests at the event were reminded of a childhood full of imagination.
Paul Francis OAM, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation commented on the night,
“For each annual Great Humpty Ball we like to pick a theme that can take our generous supporters back to their childhood. Encore certainly helped us achieve this, creating a real wow factor when guests entered the Four Seasons Hotel Ballroom. As with each year we host this event, Encore did a great job ensuring our guests enjoyed a memorable evening”.
The annual Canberra Business Chamber Gala Dinner is the premier event on the Chamber’s calendar and their team and attendees were wowed by a stunning installation created by our talented team at the National Convention Centre Canberra.
Encore were tasked with delivering a purple themed gala dinner with a central focal piece that “took their breath away”. Purple lighting effects, styling and set design elements were key components to creating this look.
The hero of the evening was a giant chandelier Encore constructed using hundreds of interlinked Scenic Panels in contrasting designs. When illuminated with purple lighting and gobos, the Scenic Panels’ laser cut shapes cast stunning reflections around the venue walls for a truly unique and impactful focal point. This was the first time the Scenic Panels had been rigged to the ceiling in a multi-layered chandelier formation and the vast ceiling of the National Convention Centre provided the perfect canopy.
Flowers and dramatic purple draping and lighting dressed the stage for a look befitting of the prestigious business organisation. Two giant screens at the back of the stage ensured all guests could clearly see the entertainment and presentations and a state of the art line array ensured everyone could hear every word of the performances and award presentations.
This was the third year that Encore has delivered the event for the Canberra Business Chamber. Kate Holland, Event Director commented,
“Just wanted to thank you and the team for a great night last night. You all did a fantastic job and the room looked amazing! We really appreciate your work for the Chamber and your professionalism. “
Stuart Buchanan, General Manager of Encore ACT was delighted with the result,
“The team went over and above to deliver on the brief to wow guests. This was the first time we have created a giant chandelier using our beautiful Scenic Panels product. The team continue to come up with unique and beautiful displaying using them in different ways. The clients and guests loved the effect.”
PARTNER WITH EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST TO DELIVER AN UNFORGETTABLE GALA
We believe in turning ordinary events into extraordinary experiences. Encore Event Technologies is the largest event services company operating throughout Asia Pacific. For over 30 years we’ve maintained a reputation as a leading event production and technology company, offering unrivaled experience across audio visual, lighting, staging, styling, multimedia, through to the latest in event technology. It’s our passion for creating extraordinary experiences that drives our 750+ team. Whether you’re planning a conference, gala dinner, roadshow or incentive event, successful events start here.