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 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.

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 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.”

Elevating The Business of Events with Innovation

Brief: PCMA Asia Pacific aimed to host a conference in Singapore that would set new standards for the events industry, requiring innovative solutions to engage attendees and deliver an unforgettable experience.

Solution: Encore APAC partnered with PCMA Asia Pacific to ignite the future of events at The Business of Events ‘Unbound’ Conference in Singapore. Leveraging its expertise in creative production, Encore crafted an immersive exhibition stand which captivated attendees and showcased the alliance of cutting-edge technology together with creative interactive content.

 

In addition to its impressive exhibition stand, Scott Nodsle was joined on stage during the conference program by Encore’s Creative Director, Julz Partington who has become a regular presenter in the event industry speaker circuit. They answered questions on the topic of ‘The Mindset of Innovation’ exploring the strategies for integrating innovation into customer partnerships, creative production and planning through to integrating it in the Encore workplace ensuring that both our customers and talented teams are innovative and inspired to deliver world class service and think outside the box, ensuring they are not just being AV order takers.

Result: Encore’s presence at The Business of Events ‘Unbound’ Conference left a lasting impression on attendees, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the event industry throughout the region. There immersive exhibition stand and insightful presentations by Encore’s leadership team received positive feedback, inspiring our industry and demonstrating the power of a creative production partner in events. It’s not about the technology but rather more about how the technology can be used by our creative production specialist to evoke a feeling, create a memory or convey a message. By partnering with PCMA for the Business of Events conference, Encore showed the event organisers and industry alike that the answer to a successful event is, finding the right partners who can understand your brand, your message and your event purpose and help you deliver unparalleled experiences. Encore reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the events space throughout APAC.

Florence Chua, Managing Director, APAC at PCMA was delighted,

“Encore Event Technologies proved to be an exceptional partner for our conference. Their understanding of our event needs and requirements were delivered with innovative ideas in creative production and flawless onsite execution. We are grateful for the passion and collaboration the Encore team brought to the partnership, “teamwork makes the dream work.” We have already started to engage with Encore to plan next year’s chapter of the event and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Encore for the future.”

Scott Nodsle, Managing Director Encore APAC, commented,

“The Business of Events Conference was a fantastic opportunity for Encore to showcase our expertise and innovation in creative event production. It was truly a team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of our collaboration with PCMA Asia Pacific. Together, we set new standards for event experiences and left a lasting impression on attendees. I look forward to future collaborations and further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the event industry.”

Conclusion: Through its partnership with PCMA Asia Pacific, Encore Event Technologies APAC showcased its unparalleled expertise and innovation, setting new standards for creative production. By pushing the boundaries of event design and embracing new technologies, Encore continues to elevate the future of events and inspire industry professionals worldwide.