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.
Raising the bar in creative design: Encore creates an enchanted wonderland The Million Dollar Lunch
Encore transformed the Palladium at Crown Melbourne into a mystical wonderland experience for guests at The Million Dollar Lunch – the AFL’s annual fundraiser for Children’s Cancer Council.
Encore has partnered AFL to deliver the annual fundraiser for more than 10 years. For the recent event, the brief was to transform the gala into an elegant, immersive and never before seen experience for 600 guests.
From the beginning of the process, Encore’s event designers and creative project managers focused on the overall creative strategy. More than 100 hours went into the creative design phase with even more given to creative production, setup, client walk-throughs and show-day production. The Encore team then produced life-like 3D render illustrations, and technical illustrations to demonstrate their creative vision.
The theme of ‘Enchanted wonderland’, called for custom design/bespoke decals, décor, props, that all had to be designed, fabricated and installed within a tight timeframe.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Additionally, audio-visual technology and lighting scenes were masterfully developed to create and compliment the magical experience.
The storybook inspired décor elegantly-designed themed areas, cutting-edge audio-visual and lighting technology including LED Cubes displays were all integrated with the luxury venue to elevate the event into a never seen experience – certainly worthy of the name ‘Million Dollar’ lunch.
The Encore creative team paid particular focus on the guests’ journey through the magical experience. Guests arrived at the Atrium greeted by a custom floor decal reminiscent of a ‘rabbit hole’, signaling the start of a magical journey. As the guests made their way through the Atrium to the Palladium, they encountered checkered floor and vortex decals accompanied by oversized ‘this way – that way’ themed signage protruding out of whimsical floral bases. ‘Drink me’ carts with signature cocktails were serviced by storybook inspired characters.
At the end of the pre-function area, guests continued their adventure up the escalators where they were greeted by more storybook-inspired characters, inviting them to travel further through and entrance feature doors constructed as a giant book– like a literary portal to an enchanting world of fantasy and intrigue.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
As guests turned through the pages of the storybook tunnel, they entered the ‘Queens Court’ – a lusciously red-lit, velvet-draped room, decorated with chess-piece themed cocktail tables leading to a red and white floral-embellished throne set in front of an illuminated backdrop. The Queen sat on an all-white throne greeting guests in character.
Guests had a photo opportunity at the Queen’s Court before finding their allocated seats on the digital display kiosk before walking into the main room and the adventures within.
Following the red-lit, heart shaped themed Queen’s Court, guests entered into a lush green scenery – a wonderland garden complete with giant plants, forest ferns, décor mushrooms and wildlife; including an ornate, oversized candelabra – flanking a Neon arch entrance drawing guests into a spinning world of a ‘Topsy turvy tea party’.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
The main room was themed as a whimsical and lush garden tea party and featured a central main stage for formalities and a satellite stage hosting the live band. Encore paid special attention to radial sound dispersion from a centralised audio cluster given its flown location and guests being seated around the central stage.
Lighting was precisely designed to perfectly complement the event theme with both intelligent beam fixtures, custom designed GOBO’s and a series of colour wash across the venue. The lighting effects were stunning as the light shimmered and sparkled against the silver sequin drapes that lined the perimeter of the room.
Encore utilised the latest in LED display technology constructing six giant LED cubes suspended from the ceiling, running customised content. These innovative displays were used to create hype moments with custom animations produced by Encore featuring live tally of funds raised as record donations poured in.
Pocket watches hung from the ceiling with themed animations showcasing each auction item and show the formalities, while also showing live to camera shots of the entertainment, MC and speeches.
“Their creativity and technology solutions are just simply mind blowing. They are the best in the business when it comes to creating immersive themed events”
Tables draped in green velvet overlays and custom printed doily bases created a unique tea party style including enchanted florals, teacups, glass candlesticks, butterflies, and tall candelabras.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Once the formalities were complete, VIP guests were surprised to find the seamless sequin drapes peel open up to reveal a speakeasy afterparty!
The creative for this room was inspired by the key and the bronze and checker elements. The magic continued with an infinity, LED checkered dance floor and ‘Key hole’ DJ stage. The attention to detail extended to an enchanted floating desert table offering yummy treats.
The Million Dollar Lunch event raised more than $2.9 million in much needed funds for the Children’s Cancer Council.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Encore was approached to assist with the production and planning of HX2023, Harcourts Australia National conference. A series of events including Launch & Opening Address, Under The Sea networking party and National Awards Gala.
The conference would be taking place in two Gold Coast locations, The Star and SeaWorld, over two full days. Harcourts had come with an initial plan that put into practice, would was exceed budget and prove unsustainable. Encore was able to diversify the proposed plan and bring the same immersive effect while retaining Harcourts’ budget and meeting sustainability goals.
HX 2023 Launch and Opening Address
The Star Theatre, Gold Coast
In conjunction with The Star, Encore was tasked with the conference’s launch and opening event.
Briefed to make it memorable and impactful, a fantastic display of stage management, choreography and cohesive teamwork met and surpassed this ask.
With content on huge LED screens, Encore’s team worked around the clock to ensure meticulous content checks were made and amends completed.
The audience were thoroughly immersed in the show. Lighting and sound bringing the theatre to a whole new level, the opening performance became interactive with audience out of their seats and clapping along. The ball was well and truly rolling for a great conference ahead.
Under The Sea, Networking Party
SeaWorld, Gold Coast
For the first time in the conference event’s history, the networking party was being held offsite. Harcourts had chosen to host at SeaWorld, so guests could enjoy the attractions while they mingled before the evening’s main event: world renowned DJ, Hot Dub Time Machine.
The evening’s theme was Under The Sea, guests came dressed to fit while the entire venue was washed in marine blues and greens, soft ripples adding the to the effect.
The event originally briefed to fit 500, was at the last moment extended to accommodate 150 more guests. Drinks and canapes were served surrounded by aquatic hues and a soft sea mist.
Excitement began to rise in the crowd, as screens displaying Harcourts content, operated by Encore, seamlessly transformed into Hot Dub Time Machine’s signature countdown.
Diamond bacs and truss lighting bringing the stage to life, smoke and haze adding to the excitement and finally the countdown clock hit zero.
The lighting desk was operated in real time with no preview of the set list, making the light show unique to this event. Surrounded by pyrotechnics, Hot Dub Time Machine owned the night. The dancefloor, with enhanced sound and lighting, was packed.
The initial goal was to put on a great show, this was surpassed, it was the show of a lifetime.
The HX2023 Gala Awards Night
The Star Ballroom, Gold Coast
The original vision for the event had included a custom curved screen, which ultimately proved unattainable. Encore keeping the vision and sustainability to the fore, presented a multi-LED solution which would provide the same effect but operate inside the briefed guidelines.
Preproduction was the key to this event’s success, Encore’s strong teamwork, planning and precision could be seen throughout. Through careful forward planning, a pre-show run through gave the team the opportunity to make any necessary amends.
Guests entered the ballroom on a regal blue Harcourts runway, emblazoned with Harcourts’ branding. The room was washed with deep blues, the stage with huge screen was flanked by two trusses of Astera LED tubes lit in complementary blues. A DJ with live performer played a warmup set as guests were seated.
The show opened with the Hall of Fame, the biggest awards of the night. The stage lights switching from deep blue hues to bright golds with pyrotechnics erupting as the Hall of Fame entrants assembled on stage.
The show caller and camera director worked in sync to manage the camera operators as they captured each of the further 250 winner’s award presentations. A technical and production partnership demonstrating the depths of professionalism.
Encore’s lighting manager plotted out the show using The Star’s existing set-up alongside Encore’s equipment, operating both systems in tandem during the event.
After the 250th award had been presented, it was time for the DJ to take centre stage and the celebrations to begin. The lighting now in party mode, guests took to the dance floor and ended their evening in style.
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
The 2022 annual summit for a high-profile medical services company lived up to all expectations. Partnering with long-time production partner, Encore, the company hosted 175 of its summit partners at the picturesque Mercure Gold Coast Resort. The highly anticipated annual event is a chance for the company to bring together clinical and business leaders to be informed and inspired by a raft of innovative speakers and to showcase the latest and greatest products impacting the industry.
The brief to Encore was simple – to ‘wow’ guests under the theme of ‘Momentum’. Momentum couldn’t have been more perfect for this action-packed event. Taking advantage of the exceptional resort facilities, over the course of two-days guests attended an Amalfi Coast inspired poolside welcome reception, a theatrical masquerade dinner and a 70’s themed lunch on The Green. Between all this, guests attended a high-end conference hosted in the Mercure’s Grand Ballroom.
As the in-house event production partner, Encore provided a complete event production solution for the entire 2-day event. A key achievement for the event was Encore’s ability to transform the conference into an immersive gala ‘masquerade’ experience in under two hours.
Encore’s Manager of Event Operations – Gold Coast said,
“It was an exciting opportunity to work with the high profile client and Mercure to deliver this special event. The Mercure Gold Coast Resort was the perfect venue to host an event of this calibre – it gave us the flexibility and space to deliver the client’s vision all in the one venue. A big shoutout to our production team – everyone from creative designers and technicians to the bump-out crew – it was a huge effort executing it, and especially with the tight 1.5 hr turn around between conference to Gala, and back to conference again for the next morning. This event was an exciting achievement for our team and I’m so proud of how seamlessly it went.”
The Brief
Leading global car manufacturer, Nissan Motor Company, turned to Destination Events and Encore to deliver a stand-out bespoke vehicle launch event for their latest fleet of cars. Hosted over three days in May, the event comprised a rolling two-day National Dealer Meeting at Nissan’s Australia’s new HQ in Mulgrave, with the third day a live stream of the Nissan APAC Town Hall and model launch to staff who couldn’t attend in person. A prestigious Gala Event was also held at the iconic Park Hyatt Melbourne.
The Solution
With all eyes on the four new models, Destination & Encore’s pitch-winning solution was a large custom stage design using LED walls that not only met the brief, but it also exceeded expectations on what was achievable within their new head office’s innovative display area. Being a Dealer facing event, the brief was to create a vibe and an environment that got the Dealer Network excited about the new models and motivated to sell.
Carefully considered audio equipment was implemented into the design to eliminate any echoes and feedback from the large display area made of tiles and glass. For visuals we installed several screens around the room to ensure all 200 Dealers could see the hype reels accompanying each car reveal. Encore’s lighting designers ensured all four models were heroed with added movement and colours to create an energetic atmosphere.
To compliment the first day of formal proceedings, Dealers and VIP guests were invited to attend a glamorous gala dinner in Park Hyatt Melbourne’s main ballroom to network and reflect on the exciting new products in the pipeline. Nissan also announced its FY21 ELITE Dealer Excellence winners during the evening.
The result:
Thank you Encore for your professional and personal contribution to the success of the recent Nissan National Dealer Meeting. Destination only aligns themselves with the best in business. All major events are the sum of many parts, and we are judged by not only the strong ties we have with our preferred suppliers but also any weak links we may align ourselves too as well. This year’s event was deemed a major success by our long-standing customer in Nissan and the job Encore played in that was huge. Please pass on my thanks to your team and I look forward to the next project we work on together.
Paul Downey (Pd)
Nissan Account Director
Long-term client of over 20 year, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation approach Encore to again deliver their annual Balmoral Burn Sponsors Dinner. This year was to be particularly special as it was the 20th anniversary of the event. The Balmoral Burn is a gruelling 420m run up Awaba Steet in Mosman, one of the steepest hills in Sydney, where corporates, schools and individuals taking part to raise money for the Foundation.
The Sponsors’ event was attended by patrons including Ray Martin, Jane Fleming and Rugby legend Phil Kearns who came up with the concept 20 years ago.
For this year’s event the brief was to transform a unique space like a marquee on the beach into a gala atmosphere, bringing in warmth and light through every aspect. Working with Humpty partners Ted and Co, the enchanting atmosphere began outside, where the technical team created lighting effects to illuminate the pathways toward the marquee and into the main room. On entering the room main the marquee roof was illuminated by decorative gobos. Event branding was showcased with high impact using Encore’s Pixel Totems displaying imagery from previous events. To further enhance branding behind the main stage, a large 3.6m wide by 3m high digital banner was erected between the Scenic Panels to display Humpty’s Balmoral Burn graphics. Warm amber strip lighting was used to cast a beautiful glow over the beachfront, which was visible through the clear marquee wall. A nice effect to add depth to the event design.
Screens were set up all around the room and displayed video showcases of Humpty’s great which raises funds for much needed medical equipment for sick children in hospitals across Australia. Beautiful lighting again illuminated the space creating a gala atmosphere. Beautiful Scenic Panels frame the stage, while tables were decorated by stunning centrepieces by Ted and Co which complemented the event design perfectly.
Encore’s National Sales Director, Michael Magafa commented on the event,
“Each year the team strives to come up with a new, creative for this worthwhile event and this was no exception. The result was an inspiring, emotional and rewarding celebration for this fantastic cause. The team always approach this event with excitement and strive to do something new and creative each year. We excel with our experience. We know the event intimately and it is the small details that ensure everything goes to plan,” said Michael.
Claire Reaney, from the Humpty Dumpty Foundation was delighted with this year’s event,
“We always look forward to our annual Sponsor Dinner as it’s our opportunity to acknowledge our supporters. The Encore team always come up with new and creative ways to make the event memorable.”
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!
Encore in Melbourne were engaged by long time client of 20 years, Australian Hotels Association, to deliver their annual 2022 AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence for 1200 guests. As with every year, the AHA look to design an event design that has huge impact and delivers a memorable night for their guests.
The gala challenged Encore’s event designers and talented multimedia team to flex their creative muscles. They created a visual extravaganza with custom seamless animation spanning across 40m of custom projection surface. Utilising numerous circular digital panels in various sizes and formations which mimicked the Association’s circular branding and a stunning stage set with wide screens. Each of the 40 awards were celebrated with a different custom animations for each award which were projection mapped for each custom surface for a complete awards package showcasing the category title, finalist and the winner announcement videos.
The team also utilised an array of audio visual, staging and styling solutions for the pre-function area, afterparty and in room elements complemented by the iconic Palladium at Crown chandeliers.
The AHA Victoria were delighted with the result and commented,
“The AHA (Victoria) has worked with Encore on countless events over the last 20 years and have truly become our event partner. At every event we are blown away by their professionalism, dedication and creativity and this event was no exception. The room looked spectacular, and the animations were a great way to celebrate each venue individually. We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team for all their consistent hard work over the years.”
Mike Barouche
General Manager – Partnerships, Administration & Operations
Australian Hotels Association (Victoria)
Encore had the privilege of delivering this year’s Essendon Football Club Hall of Fame Gala hosted at Victoria Pavilion for 450 special guests. It was one of the largest events Encore had the pleasure of delivering purely in-person since the start of the pandemic in 2020. As the in-house event production company at the venue, Encore provided a complete technical production solution.
A snapshot of what was included:
- 12 metre custom LED wall
- 16k Projection
- Extensive moving light package
- Content was created by Essendon Football Club under our recommendation for optimum impact across the LED.
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To learn more about the event and watch replay videos head to Essendon Football Club’s Website
Photography Credit: Lucas Dawson Photography