Harcourts Australia National Conference
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.
