Mar 19 2018
Encore Research

You have received a brief for a product launch, you need to; reach thousands of people – yet don’t have a venue or budget big enough, you also need to build excitement about your product, stay true to brand messages and really engage your audiences – what’s the solution? You have received a brief for a product launch, you need to; reach thousands of people – yet don’t have a venue or budget big enough, you also need to build excitement about your product, stay true to brand messages and really engage your audiences – what’s the solution? Creativity in technical and multimedia techniques using light, sound, vision and the event environment to spark all of the physical senses, integrating these into an event experience and then simultaneously translating that experience online is the only solution. This is exactly what Staging Connections’ recently created when engaged by PRISM Intelligent Activation to launch the Nissan Altima V8 Supercar. Using leading edge integrated event services the team at Staging Connections’ stayed true to the brand message ‘innovation that excites’ for this watershed moment. Using video streaming to gain access to a greater audience geographically and demographically more than 3,000 people viewed the launch online via a live stream to Nissan’s YouTube channel with 150 media attending the physical event. How was the event translated? The supercar was positioned on a podium hidden behind a circular truss with drop-down white drapes. These drapes were used as the canvas for a projected multimedia presentation so the attention was focussed on the car for the reveal. Using the drapes as the projected surface created a dynamic solution for the event that was designed to enthral and engage physical and online audiences. At the end of the Nissan historical video presentation the Staging Connections’ multimedia team used the fluid projection surface to create a dramatic visual build, integrating hints of a storm brewing. Using strobe lighting the room began to grow darker and hints of lightning came into the room from behind the audience. Through the use of a powerful audio storm sound track, dry-ice machines, moving lights and storm imagery on the canvas screen, Staging Connections’ created a suspenseful sensory anticipation until a final crash of lighting ‘blinds’ the audience and the white drapes drop to reveal the V8 Supercar shrouded in a fog, for both the live and online audience.
Bringing together the audio, lighting, visual, multimedia projections within a physical launch translated to view online created a new globally accessible experience.
A product launch commonly attended by hundreds is now available to thousands.
But how do you make the physical event as effective as the virtual one?
The challenge is to impress the attending audience while being able to translate the physical event onto the web without diluting the message and experience.
Commenting about Staging Connections’ involvement, Nissan Motorsport General Manager, Jeff Fisher said, ‘working in the digital space and offering such extensive experience in integrated events, the Staging Connections’ team made the reveal dynamic and exciting for the race fans, Nissan customers and motorsport industry watching throughout Australia and across the globe’. Written by Katie McDonald
Katie McDonald is Digital Brand Manager and resident Brit at Staging Connections. Armed with post-graduate qualifications in Marketing and specialist skills in Digital Strategy, she is passionate about management, execution, and measurement of all digital efforts that enhance and humanize brands online. … Read More

Avoiding Risky Business

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
How many people at the moment are talking about having an epiphany? A dinner with friends doesn’t seem to go by without someone talking about their latest intense moment of realisation, deep spiritual experience, light bulb moment or philosophical awakening - just as they tuck into their second bottle of red. How many people at the moment are talking about having an epiphany? A dinner with friends doesn’t seem to go by without someone talking about their latest intense moment of realisation, deep spiritual experience, light bulb moment or philosophical awakening - just as they tuck into their second bottle of red. Then they proceed to tell you about how this sudden bolt of lucidity changed their lives, despite the fact that their lives look remarkably similar to the last time that you saw them. One shouldn’t judge. This stuff is real. A tough, tattooed rigger with a potty mouth once told me that he experienced his epiphany when he dropped a length of truss on his foot. “It hurt like hell,” he said, or words to that effect, “but it got me thinking. This rock n’ roll business is a mug’s game. I’m going to move to corporate!” For those that aren’t in the know, “corporate” is an AV industry term for any show or event that isn’t rock n’ roll. This was a big decision for him - he knew what he was giving up – from now on he’d have to shave before work, remove his nose ring, cover his tattoos with a nicely pressed long sleeve black shirt, not to mention clean up his language. Like everyone who’s worked in rock n roll will tell you “when you cross the River Styx to the world of corporate, there’s no going back.” But corporate is not without risk - you can still drop a length of truss on your foot if you’re clumsy enough. The difference is that when you do drop it, it doesn’t hurt. The cursing and swearing of your days in rock n’ roll have been replaced with a chuckle as the truss rings like a tuning fork. Why? Because it struck your shiny black steel-toe boot. That’s risk management in a nutshell – think about what might go wrong and come up with a solution to manage it. Like a famous New York banker once said, “risk is just a part of life, so make it your friend, or you’ll have a nervous breakdown.” Despite the fact that he’s now serving a jail sentence for getting a little bit too cosy with risk, he was kind of right. Kind of. However, if the possibility of dropping truss on your foot was the only risk in our industry, I wouldn’t have a job. Ninety five percent of Staging Connections’ business is done in the public arena, which brings with it enormous risk and equally enormous levels of responsibility. We do flip chart and projector meetings in Sydney or Perth, right through to major global conferences in Kuala Lumpur or Paris, and everything in between. Our shows must not only be stylish, technically brilliant and commercially savvy, but they also have to be safe. Clients and members of the public who come to our events shouldn’t have to worry about whether that length of truss suspended above their heads is going to stay there. Embedding risk management into your brand takes commitment. This year Staging Connections began implementing its Stagesafe system along with its logo and mantra, “Stagesafe, every show, every event.” Whenever Managing Director Tony Chamberlain speaks to us, he begins with a message on the importance of safety, not just because he wants to, but because he understands that without safety, your brand is nothing. Author: Luke Sullivan Picture: Unless stated are owned by Staging Connections ... Read More

Bring Your Event Vision To Life

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
In recent years the event experience has been heavily influenced by consumer trends and the introduction of technology to enhance and help to create styled environments. These two factors are the tipping point by which the event experience is evolving to being less about just attending and more about the entire experience. Kristy Foulcher, Senior Event Stylist, Staging Connections says "The key to an event's success is not just about ticking off the must-haves, but through identifying, exploring and bringing to life the single, simple purpose for which you are holding the event. Fundamentally, this is about evoking a human response from your audience, and using design and technology to manipulate that." The Staging Connections team has long been recognised as one of the leaders in the Audio Visual and event staging industry. Our teams have been providing integrated event services for over 25 years. Over this time events have evolved from a simple audio visual setup through to complex, integrated event solutions. Staging Connections' team of event stylists work with you from creation to completion, taking your initial brief, interpreting your aims and goals, and translating those into a comprehensive look and feel. From the sense of arrival in pre function, to the intimacy of the table setting, through to the majesty of the stage set and the fun of the after party, every element is carefully considered. Regardless of whether your message is a corporate communication, or the event is just a fun party, every component is delivered with impact. "Key trends in event design for 2011 have centred around modifying the traditional event experience from straightforward stage and tables to lounge looks, cocktail zones and after bars, transforming a standard conference into a more interactive, dynamic meeting and immersing event attendees into the environment. To maximise a message, the typical drop-down screen system is morphing into megascreens with high impact animation and multimedia." Theming is no longer about a sprinkle of glitter or a disco ball. Styling is about creating a new world, transforming a space, stimulating the emotions - translating the client's desires into reality. Whatever your event and whatever your vision the key to ensuring it is realised is thinking beyond the traditional to the experience you are creating for your attendees, and how to integrate multiple event services to deliver your message with maximum impact. ... Read More

Audio-Visual (AV) - at the speed of light!

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
DVI Fibre Optic cables enable crisp sharp digital images in Full HD to be transmitted over large distances and are fast becoming world's best practice. Staging Connections has recently commenced deployment nationally of robust high quality copper and fibre optic DVI cable to support high resolution single and blended screen shows and provide uncompromising image sharpness and quality. A full range of splitters, DA's and joiners are included to meet a wide range of shows, venues and client requirements.Contact us for more information. ... Read More

30 Seconds: Searching for unique venue spaces? Consider a Stadium

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
What are the benefits of holding an event in a stadium?Clients have the opportunity to run down the player's tunnel, kick a ball on the pitch, or even host a cocktail party in the change rooms! Stadiums provide access to exciting spaces that they can't access every day, so this makes for unique experiences. Why is holding an event in an unusual setting important?I feel the best way to connect, communicate with or thank your guests is to provide them with an experience they will remember. If you want your guests to think about you long after the event is over, you need to give them something to talk about. Hosting your event at Eden Park is unusual and a really great way to make an impact. What is unique about your venue? In October 2010, Eden Park launches its $280 million re-development. The new event suites and lounge facilities will allow groups of up to 1000 people to make the most of the stunning views across the city and the pitch. Our clients will be able to use interesting spaces creating individualised experiences for their guests.What are the ingredients for a truly exceptional stadium event? Exceptional events everywhere require trust in your suppliers, clear communication and great planning to culminate in a successful time for everyone involved.What's the best tip that you have learnt in your career?Have a clear vision and communicate it clearly to everyone around you. Source - Staging Connections spoke with David Allott, Venue General Manager, Eden Park Catering Auckland. ... Read More

Attending Events Can Boost Your Business

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
There are many reasons to attend a live event. You are given free reign to explore your future plans, chart a new course for your business and have fun doing both. 1. Get out of your comfort zone. Many wouldn't call this a plus, but how can your business grow doing the same thing over and over again? For one, you'll get bored. If you are used to seeing people through their words, now you can put a name to a face and so can they. Stretch your business self with interesting people and thought-provoking seminars. Well known speakers use live events to share their "serects" with the attendees. 2. Meet people with similar goals. It is refreshing to hold a conversation with someone who understands where you are coming from. If you are new to business, even the experts can remember back and give you practical advice on how to go from where you are to where they are and beyond. 3. Begin a few joint ventures. Businesses partner with other businesses all the time. If you each have something that can benefit the other, it can be a match made in heaven or at least in cyberspace. But, you may not get the chance unless you attend a live event. When you get to see and hear their plans, you can make a confident decision that this person will be great to work with. When potential partners meet you it quickly builds the know, like, trust factor. 4. Build your business. Oh, yeah, there is this one. There will be people from all walks of life with the same goal - grow their business. You will get business cards, photo and these days video opportunities, business materials, not to mention possibly drinks by the pool with others who are more than willing to talk with you about how to take your business to the next level. Posted - Matt Allely (Article by Linda Hampton). ... Read More

Event Tech Trends, Part Two: Live Streaming Video Can Change The Way Brands Engage With Audiences

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
This is the second instalment in a three-part series in which Chris Cavanaugh, CMO of Freeman, discusses the event technology that is shaping the future of brand experiences. This post focusses on how brands can leverage off live streaming to enrich the experience and drive engagement. Expand your reach and engagement without reinventing the wheel Written by Chris Cavanaugh, CMO of Freeman, originally posted on the Freeman blog. -- In the brand experience category, we are always on the lookout for ways to enhance live events and give them an extra dimension. Live streaming video seems to have finally broken into the big leagues, thanks to the emergence of apps like Facebook Live and Periscope. They’ve made the technology much more accessible and easy to use, and the production value has evolved beyond smartphones to include high-end cameras and even drones. So the obvious question is this: should you use it? The answer depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. As with any technology, strategy is king. The raw, unscripted nature of live streaming gives brands the chance to “be themselves,” and today’s media savvy audiences appreciate that. But it still has to make sense for your brand, your goals, your objectives, and your audience. As more and more brands get comfortable using the technology, we’re seeing some great benefits to live streaming from an event. It encourages participation The ability to share a “big moment” as it is happening is incredibly appealing to brands, because it allows the audience to comment, vote, or ask questions in real time. According to Facebook, people are 10 times more likely to interact with a Facebook Live video than a regular video. For the best turnout, be sure to build buzz and promote the stream to your followers well in advance of your live date. It expands your audience As shows like SXSW or CES become increasingly popular (and thus, harder to get into), their live streams allow people all over the world to participate. "Quality is one of the most important aspects of great content. If you're considering Live Streaming it is essential to partner with an experienced AV company who can facilitate the entire live streaming experience from planning to broadcast on your behalf. Staging Connections has performed countless of high-quality live streams via our own dedicated network as well as through Facebook Live on behalf of brands. With your brand on show, you can't rely on an inexperienced operator on a hand-held device to produce the quality and engagement you're after; it'll simply be a poor experience for everyone involved." Tim Chapman - General Manager Digital, Staging Connections You can reward your audience Live streaming is a great opportunity to grant your audience exclusive access to your event. Q&As, interviews with thought leaders or personalities, and VIP access for influencers (with large social followings) are just a few more ways you can extend your reach and grow your audience. We used Facebook Live to stream the launch of our Design Leadership Council, and with the help of a Facebook ad campaign, the live stream reached 66,500 people. An additional 24,000 people viewed the post-event video when it was uploaded to our Facebook page. It can be cost effective While most branding videos are produced in a way that ensures quality control over content, editing, and appearance, live streaming can be as simple as downloading an app and pressing the “record” button. However, it’s important to note that some applications are now enabled for much higher quality camera and audio equipment, so you have to consider which level of quality is right for your brand. It's honest Working without a script can be a pretty intimidating prospect for brands, but the trade-off is authenticity. This medium is compelling to audiences because the story (and all the stakes involved) are literally happening right in front of them, in real time, without a safety net. It’s not always possible to vet these opportunities through your marketing workflow, so you will have to educate and empower people within your organization to stream live video. You can’t risk missing an opportunity to engage with the “need it now” demands of today’s audiences. It inspires sharing Facebook Live generates 1200% more shares than images and text combined. And a recent study by Deloitte Digital showed that live streaming video centered around newsworthy events has the highest potential for sharing and commenting. The “I was there” aspect makes it ideal for product launches, presentations, live product demos, interviews, promotions, and exclusive behind-the-scenes events. Before you live stream a big, newsworthy event, it’s a good idea to test your equipment and your presentation. If things don’t go smoothly, you can be sure that your live stream will still be newsworthy — just not in the way you’d like. It can be optimised Depending on which app you use, some live streaming videos don’t disappear into the ether once they’ve run. For instance, Facebook Live videos are automatically saved to your page. That means the video of your live event can be repurposed and used elsewhere, increasing the return on your investment. Whether it’s company announcements, product launches, exclusive access, demos, or even creative storytelling, the immediacy of live video gives brands the ability to experiment with and redefine how they converse with their audience at a live event. Creating some guardrails will help maintain brand integrity while unleashing the creativity of your teams. As always, technology shouldn’t be the story — it should help you tell the story. The last thing you want is for your brand to take a back seat to an application or a medium that you’ve decided to use. However, if the objectives of your event are in line with what live streaming has to offer (interaction, engagement, authenticity), then it’s probably right for you. This is the second installment in a three-part series in which Chris Cavanaugh, CMO of Freeman, discusses the event technology that is shaping the future of brand experiences. This post focusses on how brands can leverage off live streaming to enrich the experience and drive engagement. Stay tuned for the next installment of Event Tech Trends, when Freeman will be discussing their thoughts on how to use mass personalisation to maximise the potential of your brand experience. Catch up on Event Tech Trends Part 1 - Virtual and Augmented Reality Are About To Change Brand Experiences ... Read More

Event Tech Trends, Part One: Get Ready — Virtual and Augmented Reality Are About To Change Brand Experiences

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
This is the first installment in a three-part series in which Chris Cavanaugh, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer of Freeman, discusses the event technology that is shaping the future of the brand experiences. This post focusses on the impact and future of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality and how it will shape face-to-face marketing. Creating new ways for event attendees to visualize, engage, and empathize. This post was originally posted on Freeman blog and is the first installment in a three-part series in which Chris Cavanaugh, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer of Freeman, discusses the event technology that is shaping the future of the brand experiences. Keeping up with event technology can be a full-time job. It seems like every week there’s a new application or piece of technology that promises to revolutionize the world of brand experiences. Deciding which technology is right for a given brand, live event, or audience is not an easy decision, given the resources and budget required. There are many drivers, such as the audience’s needs, the strategy, the environment, the brand narrative, and even the brand’s history (to name a few). The best approach is to ask yourself this: what story is the brand trying to tell, and how does this application help deliver the message in a personalized, compelling manner? In this series, I’ll be discussing three technology trends that are currently on the rise, and offering some insight as to why I think they genuinely offer the best opportunities to enhance a brand narrative. One of the biggest trends that we are all going to see over the next year is the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The technologies are closely related, but VR is about creating entirely digital worlds, while AR is about enhancing reality with digital content. As these technologies mature and prices come down, their applications are becoming more and more evident, not just in creating engagement opportunities for audiences, but also as an integral part of the design process. In other words, VR and AR can be just as useful behind the curtain as in front of it. Let’s face it, not everyone is visual. We could all use a little help, right? In terms of design visualization, VR and AR are creating some breathtaking possibilities. With VR, designers and clients will now be able to preview their designs before anything goes into production — in three dimensions, in real time, and with all the context of size, scale, and depth available to them. In the future, as AR technologies become more refined, clients might even be able to preview their designs and experiences in real-world spaces. These applications aren’t just tools to help us tell stories, they’re also the tools that will help us design and build the worlds in which our stories take place. Let’s face it, not everyone is visual. We could all use a little help, right? In terms of content, VR and AR are just starting to come into their own, and consumers are showing a keen interest. Facebook has invested billions in Oculus, and its developers are working on creating avenues for consumption of 360-degree VR content within users’ timeline feeds. The infrastructure is developing, so now it’s up to us to create the content to fill it. As far as engagement, the research is very promising. Studies have shown that this technology can be an incredibly powerful emotional engagement tool, even more so than TV. There’s a widely held belief that VR and AR have the potential to increase empathy, which in turn could result in a deeper, more authentic connection with audiences. Some brands are even using the technology to let users experience life through another person’s eyes. Consider that we’ve only just scratched the surface of VR’s potential. Brands are currently using VR and AR to let consumers interact with products virtually, visit travel destinations or environments they’ve never been to before, and experience concerts or sporting events from the front row. In just a year or two of content creation, our ability to tell impactful stories has already increased by leaps and bounds. As developers get accustomed to using VR and AR as storytelling tools, I think we’ll start to see them dramatically expand the use of these technologies and push their limits. In the hands of our most creative people, there’s no telling what new applications are out there that we haven’t even seen yet. Therein lies the power of VR’s evolution. The Internet was around for years before people discovered that social sharing was the key to driving content adoption. There’s a good chance we’ll see the same growth with VR and AR. Stay tuned for my next article, when I’ll be discussing my thoughts on live streaming and events. The Staging Connections Group Limited (SCGL) was acquired by the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman, in October 2015. As the world’s largest brand experience company, Freeman helps organisations connect with their customers by delivering seamless, innovative, and immersive brand experiences and events. Through comprehensive solutions including strategy, creative, logistics, digital solutions, and event technology, Freeman helps clients increase engagement and drive results. ... Read More

IMEX Insider: 4 event tech trends you need to know about

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
Every year, event professionals, venues, event agencies, and event service providers and suppliers make the pilgrimage to IMEX - the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. This year, we sent our Marketing Manager, Adele Symonds, to Las Vegas to get the inside scoop on what's hot in the world of events and what we can expect to hit our shores. Below Adele shares her insights and experience after attending this year's event over two action-packed days in October. Pictured: Attendees queuing to enter the show floor on Day 1 of IMEX 2016. -- IMEX 2016 was big, I mean really big. With over 3,250 exhibitors, 3,200 hosted buyers and 12,000 attendees you could forgive me for frequently getting lost. An event of this size could certainly use a mobile phone app that uses augmented reality to show me where I need to go – think Google Maps for IMEX. Pictured: Staging Connections; marketing manager, Adele Symonds, enjoying a virtual tour of Qualia Resort at IMEX 2016. IMEX claims to be the pulse of the meetings industry, and if the technology on show was anything to go by, our industry is set to embrace event technology like never before. Data will continue to be a critically important tool and future technologies will do more than just basic analysis. They will aggregate all the available data, enabling event organisers to understand where attendees went, what sessions they attended, what social media they used and other behaviour to give genuine return on investment reports and help improve future events. There were four event technology trends that stood out for me: 1. Wearable Technology for events Apple Watch, Google Glass, even virtual reality—they’re all going to become as common a sight at major events as your co-worker’s Fitbit. Smart badges and wristbands will soon replace the name badge and the exchange of printed business cards. Everyone’s wearing them already, so why not make them work for your event? These devices can serve not only to track attendee activity, but to market and promote your event as well, by sending messages and posting on social channels. 2. Beacons Beacon technology is one that I had predicted we’d see more of, but it has been slow to be adopted. Networking in particular can be greatly improved by using beacons to show users locations, stands and sessions in their area. Aimed at facilitating more meaningful connections, using beacons to connect people can create more memorable events. Particularly events as large as IMEX where connecting with the right people can be tricky. Beacons assist by recognising attendees in the venue, and letting them join ongoing conversations with other users at the same session or function, enabling a new level of interaction. Tapping into this engagement, organisers can also run in-app polls in real time and drive survey responses from those same users. Beacons can also be used for to benefit event organisers by tracking how people navigate their way through your event or exhibition. It provide amazing insights about how long on average people spent at exhibitor booths and can provide insight into how to improve your event's layout. Pictured: Over 3200 exhibitor on show at IMEX 2016. 3. Holograms I saw some really cool examples of hologram technology on the show floor, which will enable speakers who are unable to attend, the opportunity to connect with that audience. It will offer limitless opportunities for speaker sessions and entertainment. 4. Gamification Gamification was another key theme at IMEX. I attended a great session ‘Gamification is serious business’, by Charles Beris from Play with a Purpose. The session investigated how brands can blend psychology with technology to create fun, competitive experiences that drive engagement, loyalty and brand/message recall. IMEX America was incredibly interesting, exciting and, above all else, it was completely energising. It showed the strength of the global events industry, the creativity of event professionals, and gave an insight into what the future of events will look like. ... Read More

New Christmas party styling ideas for Queensland events

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
We're only halfway through the year and the last thing on most people’s mind is Christmas. The many months that separate July and December give the illusion that booking a venue and planning a holiday event is not a pressing matter. You, however, are a savvy event planner, and you know that Christmas venues are already being booked up, and the time for planning a knock-out Christmas party is now. To help you get into the Christmas spirit and holiday party-planning mindset, Staging Connections in South East Queensland has released a selection of Christmas party styling themes so you can start planning a stress-free and beautifully enchanting holiday season event. This year, we’re offering party planners a collection of fresh ideas and some popular revamped classics. Whatever vibe you’re aiming for with your Christmas party, our Christmas themes can help you blow your party’s attendees away. Whether it be a sit down gala dinner, held in combination with your annual awards night or a poolside cocktail party, all of our Christmas party themes can be customized to meet the needs of your Christmas event’s budget, venue and brief. A Fairytale Christmas event theme Fairytales come to life in this beautiful celebration of Christmas. Christmas is a magical time of year surrounded by enchanting tales that warm the hearts of the young and old. This year, we’ll be recreating the magic of these tales in our revamped, “Fairytale Christmas” event styling concept. This theme is all about incorporating rich reds and textured fabrics, like velvet, into your styling and table centrepieces. Add traditional European, medieval-like decorations to your table style to create a luxurious and decadent atmosphere. Ensemble centrepieces of Victorian urns filled with glossy red apples, berries and roses. Bring warmth to the table by adding clusters of red ruby glass candle holders throughout the table. This Christmas styling concept works best on long king tables, which adds a regal atmosphere to the decadent affair. If you’re looking for an enchanting traditional event style for your office Christmas party then this is the perfect concept for you. Glittery Winter Wonderland event styling There is such childlike joy in the thought of snow and we so rarely get to experience its delights here in Southeast Queensland. Whether it be for a festive Christmas event or a stunning gala evening, we can create a magical frozen fantasy to transport your guests to a world of winter white and starry nights. Ethereal snowflakes drift around the room, across sheer chiffon draping in the ceiling and walls of black star-cloth, settling upon a landscape of pristine linens in the purest white. Austere, bare branched centrepieces drip with icy chandelier crystals that twinkle in the light creating a sparkling canopy at every table. With our Winter Wonderland Christmas party theme, your guests will be transported to a world of sparkling white reminiscent of the gleaming north complete with all the enchanting trappings of a white Christmas. Enhance this frosty winter theme with a custom printed Event Backdrop of a Winter Wonderland, or consider projecting snowflakes across your venue walls, or display wintery vistas across a set of digital banners or widescreens. With our range of audio visual technology and lighting systems, we are literally boundless with how we can make your event standout and truly memorable for your guests. Immerse your guests in our 12 Days of Christmas event theme Undeniably a favourite Christmas carol, we’ve brought the ’12 Days of Christmas’ to life as an immersive holiday event theme. With the application of the latest in digital technology, there are limitless ways to make a real impact at your Christmas party with this theme by turning your event into a live countdown to Christmas. Coordinated graphics can be projected onto screens to create a ‘room look’ that changes every half hour to the next day of Christmas, eventually coming to rest at the Twelfth day. This is a contemporary design concept that celebrates an elegant and romantic Christmas tradition. Festive table linens, in shades of Gold, Cardinal Red and Forest Green, create a luxurious atmosphere. 12 different centrepiece designs depicting the 12 days of Christmas coordinate beautifully with the colour palette. This Christmas, create a tonne of excitement at your Christmas party or holiday event with our 12 Days of Christmas party theme. Platinum Colour Pop Add a burst of colour to sophisticated and clean styling with our new Platinum Colour Pop concept. Along crisp white table clothes, silver sequin table runners add sparkle and a sense of luxury to this styled Christmas party look. Our beautiful silver Manzanita trees are decorated with silver baubles all with different finishes and textures, accented with bright pops of colour. Chair covers in silver grey are arranged with coordinating ‘feature chairs’ to match your accent baubles. This holiday theme comes with an entry feature or stage backdrop that includes our lovely and very versatile crystal curtains and spiral chandeliers. To complete your holiday party theme, you can include coloured lighting to match your accent colour in order to create a cohesive and impactful look for your Christmas event. Party in a tropical Calypso Christmas event theme A fun tropical style, the Calypso Christmas party theme is perfect for Queensland’s hot Christmas celebrations. Featuring a riot of bright colours in chair covers and chevron print table runners, you can utilize different elements of this holiday party theme to coordinate or clash to give your tables individual flair. Our pair of pineapple centrepieces in Pink, Lime, Yellow and Teal are the perfect centrepiece for a Queensland Christmas! For an authentic Aussie Christmas feel, you can add our beautiful floating LED orbs in and around a pool area if you have one available, or you can place them on your stage to add a lovely illuminated element to the décor of your holiday event. Christmas Party Styling Top Tips: Event Backdrop – An event backdrop adds a degree of versatility to your Christmas party. Using our range of Event backdrops is a great way to tie your Christmas party theme together while still highlighting your brand. You can use an event backdrop as a stage background, a media wall or as a photo wall. Event Feed - A sure fire way to plan a standout Christmas party is to engage your attendees with a live social media feed. Our Event Feed platform software will pull social media posts with your event’s dedicated hashtag and display them on a feed. When it comes to adding drama to your Christmas party, lighting is your best friend. We offer a range of sophisticated event lighting options to ensure your party shines bright. From branded or themed roving gobos, uplights along the venue walls, to moving pin-spot lighting to make your tables come alive. Change up your seating style – consider ditching the traditional banquet rounds for long king tables, or create a lounge zone at the back of the room, use a mixture of seating options for an eclectic look. In addition to our beautiful and highly customizable Christmas party themes, Staging Connections offer you more than 30 years of event planning experience. We have an event production team that can help you plan and seamlessly execute a Christmas party or holiday event that leaves attendees breathless with enchantment. If you would like to know more about our Christmas party themes, get in touch by calling 1800 209 099 or by sending an online enquiry. Why you should partner with Staging Connections for your office Christmas party The Staging Connections South East Queensland team have delivered countless Christmas parties and end of year office functions for over 30 years. We understand that when it comes to putting on a good show, you need creativity, innovative AV solutions and reliable equipment. Backed by Australia's largest range of event services, you can count on us to make your Christmas party a truly memorable one. We would also like to welcome the newest team member, Pat O'Hara, who is now heading up Event Design at Staging Connections' South East Queensland. Pat O’Hara is one of Australia’s premier event specialists, highly regarded for producing business events of distinction for clients such as Qantas, Emirates, Citrix & Oracle to name a few. He has cemented a reputation for exceptional attention to detail, showcraft, reliability and client service. Specialties and passions include Design, Production Management, & Show Direction. Whilst holding various roles over the years, his connection to Staging Connections goes back to the mid 1990’s. Now as Creative Services Manager, replacing Sean Sturges who has left the business for personal reasons, Pat and his talented team oversee the creative offerings and event design in the South East Queensland region. Sales Manager for South East Queensland, Susan Hamilton, is excited about what the future holds for Staging Connections' styling services with Pat at the helm. “We are thrilled to welcome Pat back to the Staging team! His expertise in production management and creative services, along with his passion for the industry, means he is the perfect fit for our business, and our customers will continue to receive the latest products and event services technology for their conferences and events. Watch this space ...” ... Read More