A Night with the Stars Shines Bright at Barfoot & Thompson Annual Awards
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.
