Celebrating Women in Tech: How Encore Delivered Stunning Awards Ceremonies in Sydney & Auckland for the leading women in the IT industry
Brief
The Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) celebrates the achievements of women in technology through prestigious events in two major cities: Sydney and Auckland. In 2024, the Sydney event took place at Doltone House Jones Bay Warf, while the Auckland event was hosted at Cordis Auckland. The objective was to create a seamless, visually engaging experience while incorporating brand identity and innovation.
The client provided a graphic lockup, which served as the foundation for all event branding, including stage set design, lighting, decor and centrepieces. Encore’s brief was to deliver stunning events in both locations, whilst maintaining a focus on optimising creative production. As a result, Encore needed to tailor the design and technical setup for each event while maintaining a consistent visual theme.
Solution
Encore collaborated closely with the client to ensure that each event reflected the vision and prestige of the awards. For the Sydney event Encore created an intricate stage design featuring scenic panels and illuminated light cubes, which aligned with the graphic lockup. Custom-designed table centrepieces comprised LED table lamps that where set to the colour tones in the event graphic, to bring a cohesive look around the room.
The Auckland event required a strategic approach to maintain the same impact as Sydney but for a smaller event. . Instead of scenic panels, striking, super-bright LED screens, paired with stacked printed cubes were used to create a dynamic, 3D stage aesthetic, ensuring an engaging experience without compromising quality. The tech team managed award stings, PowerPoint presentations, and audiovisual elements to deliver a smooth and engaging awards ceremony in both locations.
Result
The Women in ICT Awards in both Sydney and Auckland were highly successful, with attendees praising the event’s seamless execution and engaging atmosphere. In Sydney, the elevated production quality and technical innovations added to the premium experience, reinforcing the awards’ reputation as a top-tier industry event. The Auckland event, while on a smaller scale, was very well-received, with LED technology providing a high-quality visual experience.
The client expressed satisfaction with the execution, emphasising how well the branding, sponsor recognition, and event flow were handled. The success of both events demonstrated Encore’s ability to adapt to differences in venues and countries, while maintaining excellence in production quality, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a leader in event technology and design.
Charlotte Woodward, Director, ANZ Events commented on the event:
“Encore truly delivered an outstanding experience for the Women in ICT Awards in both Sydney and Auckland. From the initial planning stages to event execution, their team demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical expertise, and attention to detail.
The seamless integration of our brand identity, dynamic stage designs, and innovative use of technology elevated both events, ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for all attendees. Despite the different locations and venues, Encore tailored each production flawlessly while maintaining a consistent and premium feel. Their ability to adapt, problem-solve, and bring our vision to life was great to see!”
Shaping the Future of Innovation: Encore’s Stunning Creative Production at Award Ceremonies in Sydney & Auckland
Brief
The Innovation Awards, organised by Foundry, aimed to recognise excellence in technological advancements by celebrating key achievements in the IT industry. The events took place in Sydney and Auckland, with the Sydney event being the largest. The client’s goal was to create an engaging and visually cohesive awards experience that aligned with their brand identity.
A significant aspect of the brief was the integration of the hexagon motif, a central element of the event’s branding. This design element needed to be incorporated into the stage set, centrepieces, and overall event aesthetic to maintain consistency and enhance the immersive experience.
Solution
Encore took a creative and technical approach to bring the Innovation Awards to life. The stage design was built around the hexagon pattern, which was seamlessly integrated into all event elements, from digital visuals to physical decor.
In Sydney, the celebration took place at Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf. Delivered on a larger scale, the event allowed for a grand stage setup with branded, gold mirror hexagon centrepieces and hanging decorations, which added a sense of elegance and sophistication. The design team worked closely with the client to ensure that the stage set reflected the brand’s premium positioning while delivering a dynamic experience for attendees.
In Auckland, the event design was adjusted to fit a smaller event while maintaining a consistent theme and overall event design. The branded gold mirror centrepieces seen in Sydney were used again for a cohesive look, and a more streamlined stage setup was used, incorporating LED visuals and lighting effects to create a high-impact atmosphere.
The technical team played a crucial role in managing award stings, lighting transitions, and audiovisual elements, ensuring a smooth and polished event execution across both locations. Encore’s expertise in handling large-scale award ceremonies allowed for efficient coordination and seamless event delivery.
Result
The Innovation Awards in both Sydney and Auckland were a resounding success, with both events receiving excellent feedback from the client and attendees. The hexagon-themed stage design was praised for its meticulous attention to detail and strong brand consistency, while the gold mirror table design added a touch of luxury, enhancing the guest experience. The centrepieces also featured customised sponsor logos, recognising their valuable contribution to the event.
Encore’s technical execution ensured a flawless event flow, with perfectly timed award presentations, dynamic lighting changes, and high-quality visual storytelling. The Sydney event, being the largest, set a new benchmark for Foundry’s award ceremonies, while the Auckland event successfully adapted the concept to fit the venue without compromising on quality.
Foundry were delighted with the execution, noting that the event design and technical delivery far exceeded expectations. By blending creativity, branding expertise, and cutting-edge technology, Encore once again proved its capability in producing top-tier award events that leave a lasting impact.
Charlotte Woodward, Director, ANZ Events, Foundry, commented,
“The Innovation Awards in Sydney and Auckland were nothing short of spectacular, thanks to Encore’s expertise and innovation. From the stunning stage design to the seamless technical execution, every detail reflected our brand identity and elevated the guest experience. The Sydney event set a new benchmark for us, while the Auckland production was equally impactful despite the smaller scale. Encore’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver consistent results made them a reliable partner for our events!”
Hearing Australia Annual Conference 2024: From conference to awards night, Encore delivers a winning playbook for a seamless, sports-themed experience at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.
Brief
Encore was proudly selected for another year to deliver the Hearing Australia Annual Conference 2024, held at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park’s Freshwater Ballroom. Hearing Australia, a leading provider of hearing services and devices, adopted a “Kicking Goals in 2024” theme for the event, inspired not only by the venue but by the AFL and NRL Grand Finals. Encore’s brief was to create a full production solution that brought the sporting theme to life, seamlessly transitioning from a daytime conference to an awards night that would engage and celebrate the 140 delegates in attendance. As the in-house production partner for the venue, Encore was tasked with providing a turnkey production solution. A key deliverable was integrating creative sports-themed elements while coordinating the rapid turnaround from conference to awards, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
The Solution:
The Hearing Australia Annual Conference began with a daytime conference, designed with a clean, simplistic look. Delegates were seated at banquet rounds, with a flexible stage setup of three projector screens with fixed frames decorated in green uplighting.
With a limited turnaround time, Encore’s team took a minimalist but effective approach, using lighting, Scenic Panels, and table styling to create a fresh and exciting sporting atmosphere for the awards night. The entrance was transformed to emulate AFL goalposts, with 3D Scenic Panels and white uplighting, while green astro turf replaced the typical red carpet to bring the sports theme to life.
Inside the ballroom, tables were styled with centrepieces featuring AFL and NRL balls set atop astro turf, surrounded by decorative candle votives. The lighting scape was set in Hearing Australia’s brand blue along with green to emulate the vibrant feel of a sporting stadium. The fun continued with delegates encouraged to dress up as
sports-themed characters, from cricket umpires to soccer balls, adding a festive and interactive element to the evening. Sporting games placed throughout the venue gave guests additional entertainment between award segments.
Following the formalities, delegates were invited onto the dance floor with a live performance from the Jellybean Jam band, capping off the night with upbeat tunes.
Challenges and Successes:
The evening showcased Encore’s exceptional capabilities when their production team turned a challenge into an opportunity. With the hotel at maximum capacity and bump-in time reduced by half, the team brilliantly demonstrated their versatility and collaborative spirit. Team members seamlessly expanded their responsibilities, expertly managing crowd movement while simultaneously orchestrating the room transformation.
The seamless transition between events was so smooth that delegates were unaware of any production challenges. Hearing Australia commended Encore for their flawless execution, noting that the unseen work behind the scenes exemplified the professionalism of a truly dedicated production team.
The Result:
The 2024 Hearing Australia Annual Conference was a resounding success. Encore’s sports-themed transformation delighted delegates, while the quick transition from conference to awards night provided a memorable and seamless experience. Hearing Australia expressed their appreciation for Encore’s dedication, flexibility, and expertise in delivering a polished, engaging event. Encore looks forward to building on this success in 2025, continuing its partnership with Hearing Australia to create another impactful conference experience.
Encore delivering a high-impact event experience through tailored solutions, innovative design, and seamless execution.
The Brief
On October 4, 2024, Encore delivered a stunning production for the Melbourne Football Club’s Best and Fairest Awards at the CENTREPIECE Grand Hall. This event was part of a series of six curated for the AFL’s major event week, marking the first time these events were hosted at CENTREPIECE with Encore at the helm, placing high expectations for innovation and excellence.
With a focus on consistency, flexibility, and impactful design, Encore delivered a high-end experience tailored to each brand’s unique identity while maintaining budget efficiency.
The Solution
Encore’s challenge was to create a consistent event production solution for six AFL events, ensuring every event met the same exceptional standard while allowing individual events to showcase their unique branding. From the pre-function areas to the ballrooms, the production maintained a cohesive look, ensuring continuity and professionalism across all events.
For the Melbourne Football Club, Encore’s expertise in AV production shone through, delivering an event that kicked all the goals for the best-and-fairest experiences.
The stage design revolved around strategic use of LED screens, chosen for their flexibility, crystal-clear imagery, and dynamic content capabilities. The screens were configured to maximise visual impact while aligning with budget constraints, offering the ability to display individual or combined content seamlessly.
Encore’s design not only optimised stage space but also created a visually compelling setup that elevated the event’s atmosphere. The Melbourne Football Club’s multimedia team embraced the branding opportunities offered by the LED screens, producing cohesive content that flowed from the digital seating chart in the pre-function area to the stage backdrop in the ballroom. The result was a sophisticated and professional presentation that left a lasting impression.
A dramatic lighting design in the club’s iconic red and blue colors further enhanced the experience. Featuring over 150 R3 washes, 8 Ayrton Rivales, and 8 Axcors, alongside programmed strip lighting, the lighting scape complemented the LED visuals, creating a vibrant and immersive environment for attendees.
Encore faced a tight timeline of just three weeks to design and execute a flexible package solution for six events, each requiring a unique identity while maintaining a high standard of production. This challenge was compounded by the fact that it was the first time that Encore and the AFL businesses had delivered these events at CENTREPIECE.
Through expert collaboration and meticulous planning, Encore delivered a tailored solution that adapted to different event styles, including a cocktail party for the Brisbane Football Club.
The Result
Melbourne Football Club praised the AV production quality, particularly the impactful use of LED screens and lighting design. The cohesive and polished presentation reflected the club’s professionalism and elevated the event experience for the 1,000 attendees.
Encore’s delivery of the Melbourne Football Club’s Best and Fairest Awards showcased their ability to craft high-quality event solutions tailored to individual needs. By leveraging innovative stage design, strategic use of LED screens, and a commitment to consistency, Encore created a memorable and impactful experience that set a new standard for these events at CENTREPIECE.
As Encore continues to partner with AFL businesses, their dedication to excellence, adaptability, and creativity ensures every event is as unique as the teams and events they celebrate.
Encore sets the stage for a night of industry recognition, celebrating the best in banking and finance at The Westin Singapore.
Brief:
Euromoney, a globally respected financial publication, tasked Encore with delivering a high-end awards ceremony for their Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence 2024. Held in The Westin Singapore’s Grand Ballroom, the event aimed to celebrate the banking and finance industry’s top achievers. The exclusive, invite-only ceremony brought together 240 attendees, including banking investment and finance professionals from around the world. Euromoney’s brief to Encore was clear: design a premium, seamless event experience that reflected the prestige of the awards and the calibre of its guests. The Westin Singapore was chosen to host the event following a competitive bidding process, largely due to its world-class business event offering and its partnership with Encore as the in-house event production provider.
The Solution:
Encore provided a turnkey production solution that included audio, visual, lighting design, and overall event production. The centrepiece of the stage was an 8.5 x 3.5m LED wall, which served as a striking visual backdrop for the 43 awards being presented. In keeping with Euromoney’s brand identity, Encore bathed the ceiling and stage in ambient lighting, carefully matched to the brand’s colours, creating a sophisticated atmosphere befitting the event.
To help Euromoney visualise the event design—particularly as they were unable to conduct a site visit—Encore’s design team produced a detailed render. This visual aid enabled the client to see the proposed design in advance and make informed decisions, ensuring alignment between their vision and the event’s execution.
Guests were seated at elegantly arranged banquet tables, with simple yet refined centrepieces that added to the evening’s sophisticated ambiance. Encore also coordinated the event’s photography, videography, and signage, ensuring that every aspect of the production ran seamlessly and professionally. The result was a flawless evening where every detail was meticulously managed.
The Result:
The Euromoney Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence 2024 was a resounding success. Attendees, many of whom had flown in from across the globe, were treated to an evening of elegant dining and industry recognition, all within an impeccably designed and executed event space. Euromoney expressed their satisfaction with the seamless flow of the evening and the flawless technical execution of the event.
Another key to success was the collaborative partnership between Euromoney and Encore, with the client being open to recommendations, allowing Encore to execute their vision without compromise.
The event reinforced Encore’s reputation for delivering premium, high-end productions that meet the specific needs of each client. Euromoney’s willingness to collaborate and trust Encore’s expertise contributed to an outstanding event that reflected the prestige of the awards and the global financial industry it represents.
Encore’s successful delivery of the Euromoney Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence 2024 underscores the importance of collaboration, creativity, and attention to detail in event production. The seamless execution, paired with thoughtful design elements, ensured that the event lived up to the high standards of both Euromoney and the distinguished guests in attendance.
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.
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 Australian Defence Industry Awards (ADIA) returned 2023 and delivered a stunning night recognising the top businesses and professionals in the defence industry including businesses, academic institutions and associations, Indigenous and female leaders, scientists, technicians and academics.
The ADIA gala awards were produced by Captivate Events in partnership with Encore and held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra on 21 September 2023.
Brief
Encore was contracted to deliver an immersive experience comprising end-to-end event services, design, technical solution and production for more than 800 guests – including the Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. Defence Connect wanted to take the annual ADIA gala to the next level and create a ‘WOW’ moment for guests when they enter the room.
The event design needed to incorporate an engaging pre-function area with live band and then WOW guests as they entered the gala hall for the traditional Welcome to Country, MC Welcome, keynote speeches, presentation of over 30 awards and live music entertainment.
Challenge
To accommodate more guests and provide an impactful experience when they enter the room, our client asked to reconfigure the room 90 degrees (from landscape to portrait). This change of direction came after the initial event design was approved and just a few short weeks prior to the event. This presented the Encore team with several technical challenges to reengineer the 3D design renderings and technical specifications for the rigging, audio, visual and lighting systems. It’s fair to say, our teams rose to the challenge!
Solution
Within a matter of hours of receiving the request, our agile team was able to imagineer a new technical solution, one that would bring the customer’s vision to life without compromising the guests’ experience.
The Encore team utilised their advanced expertise and supply of cutting-edge technology to transform the National Convention Centre from a ‘blank canvass’ to an engaging and immersive experience.
Despite the last-minute change to the room configuration, Encore’s quick-thinking team used the change to create an improved audience experience as the audio was directed from the stage, without the need for delay speakers behind the audience members. The other benefit was that the technical solution could be simpler with dual system hangs rather than numerous ones positioned the length of the room to the back.
Result
Encore’s impressive audio, visual and lighting systems were finely tuned for the space by highly experienced technicians to produce the desired audio and lighting effects. Our team and their skilled reimagining of the technical solution was fundamental in successfully bringing the customer’s vision to life which was to create an immersive experience for guests with the stunning stage a focal point.
Our team in-house at Crown Melbourne had the pleasure of partnering with the incredible minds at Peter Jones Special Events for this year’s ‘Epworth Glam’ themed Epworth Gala Ball for 1200 guests.
Beautifully captured by Andrew Hobbs Photography.
Featuring Ajaye entertainment & Mike Snell
Encore proudly helped The Fullerton Hotel Sydney host 650 guests for the magnificent return of this year’s Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence. Our goal was to take the curved lines and colours of this year’s invite to inspire our event design, from the centrepieces through to Scenic Panel backdrop. Each table was brilliantly illuminated using 70x ShowPro R3 LED Wash Fixtures controlled via GrandMA and each screen on either side of the stage, and one at the rear measured a whopping 30ft x 10ft, making the audience feel immersed in the on-screen content. An incredible effort by everyone involved and truly wonderful occasion to be part of!