Mar 19 2018
Encore Research

In April of 2016, Perth played host to the world’s largest global liquefied national gas conference, LNG18. Held over four days at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in Western Australia, the conference saw over 6,000 LNG industry professionals register to attend the conference and exhibition. Amongst those in attendance were CEOs from Chevron, Shell and Woodside and even attracted Australian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and other Heads of State.
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Staging Connections were proud to be appointed as the official audio visual provider for the conference, delivering all audio, vision, set design and staging, lighting and multimedia content for all events over the 4 days. This included the main Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions, the daily plenary sessions in the main theatre and accompanying breakout rooms as well as AV for several ancillary keynote events that ran alongside. Contemporary set design using the latest in projection mapping
A hero feature of the conference was the spectacular stage set designed by Staging Connections’ team of in-house designers and technicians. Inspired by a contemporary, industrial look and isometric shapes, the hexagonal shaped set spanned the entire length of the main theatre stage, standing 7.5m high by 20m wide. A scaled-back version was also created was the breakout room, standing 3.5m high by 15m wide. The hexagonal shapes created a perfect canvas for projection mapping stunning scenery of Australia’s landscape and integrating vision of current and future LNG projects. This was projection mapped onto the hexagonal shapes and surrounding stage screens using 12K Panasonics in the breakout theatres and 18K Christies in the main plenary theatre. Watchout software was used to manage the vision playback whilst a Spyder was used as the vision switch control. The stage set was designed with this in mind and the combination of the shapes, scenic content and on-stage performances made way for a very impactful stage experience. LNG18 also gave Staging Connections the opportunity to showcase our multimedia production expertise, having produced all on-screen content for the plenary and breakout sessions as well as captivating videos for the opening and closing ceremonies and sponsor loops. Inteli-Touch – bridging the gap for exhibitors
Making it’s debut at the conference was Staging Connections latest digital offering – Inteli-Touch. Inteli-Touch is our answer to “what comes next after PowerPoint and Keynote?” – an interactive touch-screen presentation software that unlocks many opportunities for a seamless presentation experience. Inteli-Touch was utilised by Exhibitions & Trade Fairs (ETF) who delivered the huge scale exhibition at the event. ETF needed a solution that enabled them to display floor plans with the added capability of securing bookings for the 27th World Gas Conference in Washington. It was important that their stand stood out from the other grand scale exhibitions and our touch screen technology, Inteli-Touch enabled them to do just that. The interactive technology enabled visitors to filter floor plans based on their needs, for example stand size and view the available positions in detail. They could then either send an enquiry, or book directly from the ETF exhibition stand. Rodney Cox, Event Director at ETF, says, “[Inteli-Touch] was really beneficial to be able to show prospective exhibitors of the next LNG exhibition including the available stand positions in real time. The technology also enabled exhibitors to secure a booking immediately, right from the stand. We loved the interactivity of the Inteli-Touch system. Exhibitors were clearly impressed by the state of the art touch screen. So I’m sure it positioned us at the forefront of technology.” Delivering LNG18 from Staging Connections on Vimeo.
Partner with Staging Connections for your next conference
Staging Connections has been the name behind some of the biggest national and international conferences for over 30 years. We’re the preferred event services provider for corporate events due to our proven-track record for first-class events as well as our unrivaled breadth of event services and in-house venue partnerships. Speak to a Staging Connections representative today to start planning your next corporate event by calling 1800 209 099 or sending an enquiry. … Read More

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How to plan the perfect Outdoor Event, safely: Part 1

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
With Winter well and truly on its way, and summery outdoor events drawing to a close we have taken some time to reflect and compile a list of essentials to guide you in planning for next Spring/Summer. There’s no setting for an event that can compete with nature itself. If you’re organising any kind of gathering that could take advantage of the season and a beautiful natural setting, or spill from the confines of a building into manicured grounds, then you should embrace the opportunity. Outdoor events may be casual or formal, held in grounds, parks, gardens or even remote, unspoilt locations. While getting out amongst it can add some logistical and physical challenges, this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the beautiful natural landscapes on offer. All you need is an experienced outdoor event company to take the stress and hard work off your hands. We have the equipment, strategies and processes in place to ensure that your guests are comfortable, entertained and delighted. Putting on an event outdoors involves several considerations that either don’t apply or are simply not an issue inside a venue. Temporary structures such as outdoor stages and rigging for mounting lighting and audio equipment must be assembled and tested by qualified personnel. Most public parks and gardens require special protection of lawn and other surfaces from what can be the harsh effects of wheeling in heavy equipment. Any structure that can conceivably become a sail area in a high wind must be rated to a certain wind speed, and the environment monitored accordingly. As noise restrictions in any outdoor space adjoining a residential area must be strictly adhered to, sound systems must be designed to optimise coverage for your guests while protecting any neighbours from nuisance. Why you need the right people Technical directors experienced in outdoor production understand these needs implicitly and work with event managers to ensure that the correctly qualified crew, right protective equipment and workable timeframes are in place to ensure your event goes without a hitch. Trained staff constantly monitor events in progress outdoors, keeping tabs on the guests, weather and equipment to ensure that any environmental problems are dealt with as they arise leaving you focus on other important aspects of the event. While going about these vital duties, it is great if your event staff can blend into the styling or theming. In one memorable case, Staging Connections staff dressed as clowns to monitor equipment spread along the route of the Adelaide Christmas Pageant! Given that your outdoor event is in the safest of hands, your next step is to determine just what kind of theming, services, lighting and audio your guests will need. Staging Connections event planners work hand-in-hand with you, drawing on their experience of outdoor events to make sure that everything that needs to be provided is accounted for. Technical experts determine the need for specialised equipment, such a portable power generation, battery backups and wind and weatherproofed audio visual equipment. Provision of AV for an outdoor event can be as simple as providing a small PA and lighting system fitted with rain-proof slip covers, or as involved as running several kilometres of cabling to power loudspeakers along the route of a road race. Styling Tips for Outdoor Events Just because having an event outdoors means you’ll need to be more organised, this shouldn't deter you from taking advantage of the beautiful natural settings our country provides. Our stylists have listed a few short tips to help you start prepping: The spontaneity of Mother Nature is the biggest factor. Without the control an indoor venue provides you need to consider rain, wind and most importantly safety. Consider the possibility of things breaking and any consequential danger involved. Avoid glass elements like vases or votives and tape or blu tak light or fragile items. The best way to prepare is to ask yourself ‘What if?’ If I want to hang paper lanterns – what if it rains? Therefore do I hang plastic or fabric ones instead? Always have a Plan B. Always! Avoid white linen such as tablecloths, napkins, and chair covers. They tend to easily get marked with dirt, leaves, ash from fire. If white is a non-negotiable then opt for a patterned tablecloth or table runner to provide some cover. Even incorporating large charger plates is a nice way of incorporating style to the tablescape whilst protecting the cloths from stains. Use waterproof LED tea lights with long life batteries as real ones blow out – use flickering ones for best effect Make sure you're water, wind and weatherproof Staging an event in the Great Outdoors doesn’t mean you have to forego any of the high-impact vision, lighting and sound that we take for granted indoors. Manufacturers of AV equipment have an internationally recognised standard for weather and waterproofing of electrical equipment, known as an IP Rating. IP stands for ‘International Protection’, and an IP rating on a piece of AV equipment, such as a loudspeaker will feature the letters ‘IP’ followed by two digits, e.g. IP65. The numbers refer to two tables of standards regarding the level of protection afforded against solids (first digit) and liquids (second digit). In the example of IP65, which is one of the most common ratings for AV equipment suitable for outdoor use, ‘6’ is the highest level rated for solids, meaning ‘No ingress of dust; complete protection against contact’. The ‘5’ indicates that ‘Water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) against enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.’ The liquids rating goes all the way to 8, which indicates the equipment is certified to be permanently immersed in water up to one metre deep. Video, sound and lighting equipment rated for outdoor use will be quite indistinguishable from its indoor equivalents, both visually and in terms of performance. Most often, it is exactly the same product, with added design innovations that close any gaps or holes, cover any electrical contacts and seal in any point where cables connect. It is entirely practical to build enormous LED screens, concert sized PA systems and a full lighting rig that can operate happily in all but the most adverse of weather conditions. The key thing for technical staff to roll out and monitor correctly in this scenario is power distribution. The equipment most susceptible to interference or damage from the environment on an outdoor gig is usually power cabling, power supply racks and power amplifiers for loudspeaker systems. Staff should be trained in the operations of high-voltage equipment that may be affected by rain or water, and they should always ensure safety is the first priority under any conditions. Wanting to host an outdoor event? Get in touch with our event experts today! Love learning the latest in event technology and delivery? Download our range of free White Papers today. ... Read More

Welcoming our new AV Technician Trainees!

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
Every year, Staging Connections offers a Certificate III in Live Production and Services program (CUA30413), where new recruits undergo an intensive six month course, learning invaluable skills in AV technical, safety and live production management, under the guidance of experienced AV technicians. This highly sought after events training program is well regarded in the events industry, with Staging Connections' unique 'on-the-job' training curriculum providing hands on experience with the latest event technologies. As the only events company in Australia registered as a Registered Training Organisation, we are very proud to support the audio visual and events industry by delivering a nationally recognised qualification across our Eastern seaboard offices, including Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Melbourne. Pictured above are the AV Trainees based at our Sydney and Canberra offices. This year, the Queensland events team received over 150 applications, of which two lucky Trainees were recruited (pictured below), and will experience everything the events industry has to offer in a practical learning environment. The Certificate III course is specifically designed to give Trainees the required skills, knowledge and experience to kick start their career as an events technician, learning all aspects of live audio, vision, lightingandstaging. The program also places strong emphasis on safety, as the live events industry, sees exposure to a large volume of manual handling and electrical elements units. By offering this course to trainees every year, Staging Connections is committed to educating the next generation of AV technicians with the aim of instilling high standards of service delivery to improve the safety and execution standards of live events into the future. Based around an hands-on approach and rotation through all areas of the business including Warehouse, Venues, Sales, and Operations, the Trainees will work alongside experienced AV practitioners to hone their skills and knowledge. Working with the latest in event technology, alongside our world-class industry experts, ensures they are job-ready at the end of their six months of training. The success of the program means we are provided with great results with tailored training to our needs. Trainees who are better equipped to start on the job, armed with an understanding of the business culture and our high expectations. It is a great opportunity for up-and-coming AV technicians to gain real life experience in the events industry and to receive positive responses from staff, venues, and clients. With the further support of internal training and succession program within the business, many of our Trainees are promoted through the ranks into Senior Management positions. One of the longest serving employees of Staging Connections, Andrew Thorne, joined the company via the traineeship 20 years ago and now heads up the Safety and Training Department of the Staging Connections Group. Staging Connections first commenced the program in 1998 and was accredited as a Registered Training Organisation in 2004 to deliver a Nationally Recognised Training Program. ... Read More

What it takes to pull off a Business Chicks event with Jamie Oliver in 2 weeks!

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
We’ve been working with Business Chicks for seven years now, so when we get the green light to go ahead and put on an event for Jamie Oliver with just two weeks to prepare, we kick straight into action. This week's Event Spotlight is brought to you by Lizzi Lovegrove (pictured right), Key Account Manager for Business Chicks. I work closely with Sara Jenkins, Event Manager and her team at Business Chicks in the lead up to the event. From the briefing period, right through to the bump-in of the event (usually the day prior) and on event day itself, we are in constant communication ensuring everything is on track. The team at Business Chicks find some of the highest profile speakers, and all round super-cool people to entertain audiences across the country. They are continuously researching and in conversation with a range of diverse speakers to ensure they get the best for their members. This certainly keeps our job interesting, as dealing with high profile speakers like Jamie, often only gives us a very short period of time in which to get everything ready. So once a speaker is confirmed, the team kicks into gear. The Business Chicks Event Coordinators drive the crucial task of perfecting the event run sheets – from the stage styling to the menu, to the very detailed AV requirements, everything is included. In the world of events, our lives rely on the accuracy of the run sheet! We supplied and managed all the AV and production for Jamie’s event and getting these elements together so that no microphone fails, no lights flicker and nothing is out of sync at the event takes a team of pros and some tried and tested processes. When we knew what was required, I coordinated with our onsite Event Staging Manager at The Westin Sydney, who pulled together the production requirements, resources and logistics. Our production department were notified of the event and a Technical Director was allocated to oversee the floor plan, schematics, site inspection, risk assessment and show call/cue sheet. Our operations department at The Westin reviewed equipment availability and brought in any bits and pieces that weren’t already on site. Our crew department appointed the most suitable Technicians to set up, rehearse, operate and pack down the show. Photo credit: Merrin Boyer Photography We always love turning up to the event and seeing what the Business Chicks have put in the goodie bags. They work with some incredible brands to pull together the gift bags, making sure the contents are relevant to the speaker. In Jamie Oliver’s gift bags they were very conscious of only including healthy, natural products. Once every element has been considered and prepared, we step into event-action-mode. We did a full run through on the morning before the event. Our AV team at the back of the room control everything throughout the event – running the presentation, cuing lighting and balancing all audio before the audience hears it. Jamie was fantastic to work with and a true natural speaker. It’s always great to stand at the back of the room and just see it all in action. That’s the real joy for everyone in events, watching all the preparation pay off and seeing Jamie entertain and engage every single member of the audience was amazing! ... Read More

Planning successful events across the Australian outdoors

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
Our General Manager - SA/NT, Ashley Gabriel discusses the challenges outdoor events can present and shares his thoughts as to how you can make the most of your next outdoor event. Our General Manager - SA/NT, Ashley Gabriel discusses the challenges outdoor events can present and shares his thoughts as to how you can make the most of your next event. What epitomises an Australian summer more than attending an outdoor event? Apart from the weather, have you ever considered the other numerous challenges that face event producers when delivering high quality event experiences in outdoor locations? Things like: 1. Making sure the public attending feel part of a community or brand experience. 2. Keeping safety as paramount at all times. 3. And most importantly, creating an interactive experience for those attending and those watching at home. Whether executing an audio visual solution for over 750,000 spectators in South Australia or providing staging for a parade which attracts close to 400,000 people we have combined creative and technical elements to deliver a recent slew of outdoor events under challenging outdoor conditions. The Santos Tour Down Under, the southern hemisphere’s largest cycling race, held annually in South Australia is a prestigious road cycling competition drawing cycling greats from around the world. By working together with the team over numerous years, we have been able to determine the optimal location of speakers and screens at multiple sites throughout the week long festival of cycling. Over four hundred 100 volt Line Speakers were spread throughout the streets of Adelaide, its suburbs and country towns with over 30 km of copper cable for the street PA's used. In order to ensure the outmost safety for both the riders and the public, a bespoke audio system was installed into some of the race day cars which travel ahead of the parade. All of this combined allowing for all attendees to be enthralled with the unfolding action whilst ensuring the riders were not distracted from the task at hand. In celebration of the Tour’s 15th birthday acclaimed Australian dance music group, Sneaky Sound System took to the stage on Saturday 19 January 2013 to kick things off. We set the staging, concert lighting and LED screens withIn celebration of the Tour’s 15th birthday acclaimed Australian dance music group, Sneaky Sound System took to the stage on Saturday 19 January 2013 to kick things off. We set the staging, concert lighting and LED screens with live footage for over 30,000 spectators. We installed a comprehensive audio system suited the crowds, eliminating the audio bounce back that can often occur at outdoor events. Toward the beginning of Summer, we also assisted with the Credit Union Christmas Pageant in Now in its 80th year, the parade attracts over 400,000 people each year and many more for the TV audience. Our team of 12 staged the event with over 200 speakers along a 6km route through the city streets and over 60 individual MP3 audio systems in various floats and walking characters. We worked closely with the Pageant, even disguising two crew members as Clowns so they could ride in the pageant and fix any audio issues on the floats without taking away from the magic of the parade from either the live or TV audience. Although outdoor events present numerous challenges compared to Indoor ones, we find that our crew love taking on that challenge and working in the great Australian sun. Being able to contribute to a major outdoor event in a way which enhances the public’s enjoyment (whilst remaining relatively in the background) is part of the thrill the crew enjoy. With temperatures reaching 40+ and usually non-stop sunshine, we have developed logistics and plans to suit to all weather contingencies and ensure that not only our staff & general public remains safe but that the show goes on and all deadlines are met. Written by Ashley Gabriel, General Manager - South Australia/ Northern Territory. Ash shares with us that the best event he ever worked on was a Video conference for the Queen. He commented that whilst there were obvious challenges in ensuring technology worked in two countries, it was all worth it once the team saw the Queen smiling and amusing to see Prince Philip's reaction when he realised we were watching him back here in Australia. ... Read More

10 ways our event app can help you manage and plan a product launch event

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
Event apps - The new way to manage and plan a successful product launch event. To help event planners organise a successful product launch event, Staging Connections has recently released Event Briefcase, an event planning app that allows you to upload important information about your product launch and simultaneously share it with all event attendees. And best of all - it's free when you use our event services exclusively for your product launch. With Event Briefcase, you can provide attendees with important information such as a list of speakers, a list of event attendees, live event polling, a social media and so much more. Our app is a great way to add value to your event for those who will be attending and to increase engagement with your guests. If you are planning a product launch and you want to give your attendees a great experience, our event planning app can help you do just that. Here are 10 ways that Event Briefcase can help you plan a flawless product launch. 1. Share an Agenda Feature: Agenda With Event Briefcase, you are able to upload the agenda and schedule for your event so that your guests can view it from their smartphone or mobile device. 2. Upload Speakers’ and presenter bios Feature: Speaker Information With our event app, it is possible to share a list of the people who will be on hand to speak at your event. Our app also goes a step further and allows you to upload bios and important information on all of the key people who will play a part in the product launch you are planning. If you have special presenters at your product launch, this is a useful feature to help communicate and explain to your guests who they are and provide some context as to why they're speaking. 3. Share Venue Information Feature: Facility Overview It is likely that not everyone who attends the product launch will be familiar with the location of the venue you have selected for the event. With our event planning application, you can share a map complete with helpful directions to the venue. With the map, you can include any relevant shuttle or transportation information as well via the Transit feature. 4. Attendee list and networking Feature: Attendees With Event Briefcase, you can upload a list of your event’s attendees complete with their email address so that they can network and communicate with one another. If you upload email addresses, your attendees can even contact one another simply by tapping on the email address which will instantly open up their email client with the email address automatically in the recipient field. 5. Provide Paperless Handouts Feature: Downloads With our event planning app, we can help save you money and time by making it possible to upload handouts, floor plans, and other relevant information that is traditionally printed out and handed to event attendees. Not only is going “paperless” more cost effective, it also helps to save paper and creates less waste. 6. Quiz your audience, manage Q&A and get them talking about your product! Feature: Links With a product launch there are a number of reasons why you’d want to incorporate live audience polling into the event. A live event poll is a quick and easy way to conduct a Q & A session about the new products that are being featured at the product launch. You can also use a live poll as a means of testing the organisations employees on information retention about the new products, obtain feedback, conduct a survery and brainstorming sessions. Event Poll is Staging Connections exclusive audience polling platform which offers event planners a choice of 11 question templates, giving you the flexibility to choose the best format and brand the questionnaire. 7. Give your product launch social media exposure Feature: Links Utilising social media as a part of your product launch is a great way to garner engagement from attendees. Product launches tend to be private events made exclusive for VIPs, bloggers, employees and the like with the content embargoed. If your content is sensitive but you still want to engage your guests, we have a specialised event social media platform that enables a private social feed. Our event planning application allows you to provide everyone at your launch with a link to Event Feed - so guests can freely post without the content leaking to the public. 8. Keep Everyone Up-to-Date Feature: Bulletins Our event app makes it easy to share news and important bulletins in relation to your product launch with your audience. 9. Share Great Content Feature: Videos Videos are a fun and easy way to share content and information with your audience. For a product launch, you can upload videos packed with information about the new product being launched so that attendees of your event can experience the new products in video form. 10. Additional Promotion Feature: Downloads / Links When you choose to host a product launch party at a venue, often that venue will offer your guests various promotions. Our app makes it easy for you to share these promotions with your event’s attendees. Event Briefcase by Staging Connections - a free corporate event app. Our free corporate event app, Event Briefcase, is just one of the ways that Staging Connections can help you plan and flawlessly execute a stand-out product launch event. We also offer you the skills and expertise of more than 30 years of experience and we can provide you with a professional and organised event production team who will assist you in the production of a product launch that will blow your attendees away. To find out how Event Briefcase can enhance your event, speak with one of our Staging Connections representatives today by calling 1800 209 099 or by sending an online enquiry. ... Read More

5 corporate event trends we've noticed for 2015

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
1 Companies Stopped Spending Money On 'Stuff' And Started Spending On Experiences. This trend applies to both big and small companies, as the consumer culture has shifted in favor of experience rather than a simple act of buying. If before, the purchased product was enough to justify the act of spending money, nowadays the act of purchase has to be an event in itself. Apple has pioneered this concept with its Apple Stores. This had a dramatic impact on event marketing. In part because of this consumer obsession with experience, companies have started spending more money on event marketing than ever before. While this seems like good news for event marketers, it is important to remember that the expectations of companies for event marketing have increased. This trend disproves the earlier assumption made by many companies that the physical object will be valued by people more than the intangible experience. Apparently, when spending their money, the people are paying more attention to the emotional side of their brain rather than the logical one. That is why enjoyable experiences, such as vacations or concerts, are highly valued by people and are always in demand. That's why you need to choose the location of the event wisely. 2 Mobile Event Apps Are More Popular Than Ever Before. A great number of event marketers have stressed the importance of mobile event apps. Most of event marketers are using at least one mobile event app, while many other event marketers are using multiple event apps for a single event they manage. This helps them streamline every aspect of their event marketing work, everything from check-ins to guest interactions during event. 3 Event Marketers Are Stressing The Importance Of Integrated Technology Solutions. With a proliferation of technology, more and more devices are becoming available to an event marketer. With this multitude of devices has come a need for one unified data set that can be accessed from any device. This is important not only for the purpose of work simplification but also for the purpose of ROI measurement. That is why mobile event apps should be integrated with existing marketing automation platforms and customer relationship management software. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and makes it easy to measure data. 4 Event Marketers Are Still Unsure On How To Prove The Event ROI. More than half of event marketers interviewed in a marketing study said that they believe that the event ROI is going to be the primary measure of their effectiveness. Nevertheless, the vast majority of event marketers cannot identify the key metrics that can be used by companies to measure the event ROI. This points to yet another interesting trend in event marketing that we discuss below. 5 Adoption Time For New Technology In Event Marketing Is Still Quite Long. While the new event marketing technologies are entering the market almost every month, not many of these technologies will have a permanent place in the pantheon of marketing. The vast majority of marketers seem to be aware of this phenomenon, so they shy away from many new technologies, in part because they require investment of both time and money. However, the fact that mobile apps have gained ground in event marketing in a relatively short period of time is an encouraging development for all the tech enthusiasts out there. ... Read More

Audio Visual Solutions for the Perfect Event

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
When you're considering the AV equipment you need for your next event, it's important that you don’t think about what you need simply in terms of AV equipment. Think in terms of the entire audio visual solution required. Equipment is just the tool; solutions are the outcome of a carefully formulated strategy that drives your campaign and makes sure it aligns with your objectives. When you're considering the AV equipment you need for your next event, it's important that you don’t think about what you need simply in terms of AV equipment. Think in terms of the entire audio visual solution required. Equipment is just the tool; solutions are the outcome of a carefully formulated strategy that drives your campaign and makes sure it aligns with your objectives. We understand that audio visual solutions are all about ensuring the main message is clear and central to the event design, and the myriad details of any complex event are taken care of. We want to see everything from the speaker lists and bio’s right through to the menu so we can tailor av solutions to suit your event. A number of important factor make it possible for us to provide quality AV solutions. The first is our long history in the events and audio visual industry. For 25 years we've provided Australian and international organisations with the means to achieve a range of corporate objectives. These range from launching new products in a way that makes them truly memorable, to managing awards nights that are the talk of the town long after the event has finished. Another reason for our ability to provide effective AV solutions is that we're committed to the industry. You only get one chance on the night and we're determined to make every event the best it can be. We do this in a number of ways including keeping abreast of changes in the industry, we are always looking for the latest technology and emerging trends. And above all, there's our people. Technology is nothing without the technicians to operate the equipment. Our people are best asset. They bring energy, enthusiasm and a bucket load of knowledge to bring your event to life. Really effective audio visual solutions are based on a bed rock of the best in technology and the best people to maximize its value and efficiency. And that's exactly what we at Staging Connections are committed to. Contact Staging Connections today on 1800 209 099 to discover the full range of audio visual solutions for your next event. ... Read More

How to capture the spirit of Australia with table styling

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
It's all hands on deck when you're delivering one of the biggest events in the Australian corporate events calendar. On Sunday 27 March, the Staging Connections NSW team delighted 1,150 Amway Taiwan VIPs with a breathtaking, Australian-themed gala dinner as the pinnacle event of the 5 day major Asian incentive. The incentive gave Staging Connections the opportunity to showcase our ability to deliver technically demanding live events encompassing the breadth of our event services. With so many seats at the table, it was crucial the table styling also left a lasting impression and did justice to our beautiful country. Creating Australiana-themed centrepieces and table styling for 1, 150 guests The brief was big, an Australiana-themed spectacular for the people of Amway Taiwan. Staging Connections accepted the challenge to create an incentive event to outshine and out-sparkle any other we’d ever seen. Naturally, how everything looked was going to be an essential part of it. Therefore our talented Event Stylist, Felicity Webb, had a big role to play in getting it right. “I was responsible for finding the perfect look for centrepieces, table décor and linen,” Felicity says. “It was about conceptualising and realising the client’s specific brief, and finding the right solution that would result in an appropriate and beautiful execution.” Aside from all the incredible acts and dazzling performances – the gala dinner was a crucial element of the whole event. It was more important than ever that the styling was carried out across every element of the evening, so the Amway guests continued to be immersed in the spirit of the theme at every opportunity. That’s exactly why the event styling and centrepieces had to integrate perfectly with the Australiana-theme as well as be a feature, all on their own. “Each table had unique Australian-themed centrepieces with textural native flowers. The miniature bud lights in the flower displays twinkled and there was an LED light in the center of the arrangement, which also made the flowers glow. We even had a nod to Easter, with a few little eggs and bunnies making an appearance too.” Not only was the theme reflected throughout the event styling, but as with any corporate event, the Amway brand had to feature strongly too. The styling team designed custom-embroidered napkins with Amway branding as well as engraved napkin rings, some of which were produced overseas, requiring even more attention to timing. Another element of the event styling brief was to create a special section for Amway's VIP guests. Positioned directly at the foot of the stage and over the red carpet, the VIPs were treated to an oppulent table setting. "The brief was to create a luxurious table that made the VIP section stand-out from the rest. We draped the tables in gold sequin cloth and covered the chairs in pleated gold satin. In keeping in theme, we used the same wreath base for the main guest centerpieces but added more styling elements such as clusters of pillar candles which created a stunning warm glow reflecting off the sequins. Each VIP guest also received their own individual chocolate gifts, comprising a gold Lindt bunny and basket of Easter eggs," says Felicity. Felicity's tips for creating a winning table style and centrepiece design Every event planner knows in order to run a successful event preparation is key. For stylists, with so many objects and materials to coordinate, preparation is paramount. It's about ensuring you have everything you need, looking the way you intend so every guest has the same experience right down to the finest detail. Those small details, whether they’re LED lights or the right shade or texture on the tablecloths, are what our style teams thrive on. Order more than you need. If you have wriggle room in your budget it's always best practice to over order so you have plenty of back-ups just in case. This applies to table runners, chair covers, napkins, centrepiece elements and more. For large events, repetition in styling is what creates a beautiful event landscape so you'll want to avoid having anything missing or looking out of place. Treat all of your elements separately. Calculate the time and people needed to create all of the individual pieces. Give vendors notice and be sure to over-estimate time to give yourself as much leeway as possible. Know who your styling for. Consider styling implications for working with different cultures as the aesthetics and customs are likely to be different than that of your own. The reward of delivering an event of this scale An event like this certainly takes hard work – and when the centrepieces and table décor takes 32 staff (and counting) to create, it’s clear Event Stylist like Felicity had her work cut out for her. But as anyone in events will tell you, there’s nothing quite like seeing it all come together on the night – and that’s exactly what happened for Amway. “It was so satisfying seeing everything come to life on the night knowing we’d really pleased the client." says Felicity. Tony Chamberlain, Managing Director, Staging Connections commented on the impact that this type of major incentive has on Australia’s reputation for hosting spectacular business events. “Asian incentives look to Australia to offer their guests experiences that they cannot have anywhere else in the world and this market is experiencing major growth, contributing massive economic benefit to our country, based on our international reputation for excellence. “We have delivered a range of international events, from the G20 in Brisbane, to the Rotary International Convention, Joymain Incentive and the IUCN World Parks Congress in Sydney, and now the Amway Taiwan Leadership Seminar. Our teams have excelled in delivering superior results for these clients, putting their events in the spotlight on the global stage and delivering lasting memories for attendees, which have all contributed to Australia’s strong reputation for delivering world class events,” said Mr Chamberlain. Partner with Staging Connections for your next incentive Staging Connections has been the name behind some of the biggest international incentives for over 30 years. We're the preferred event services provider for corporate events due to our proven-track record for first-class events as well as our unrivaled breadth of event services and in-house venue partnerships. Speak to a Staging Connections representative today to start planning your next corporate event by calling 1800 209 099 or sending an enquiry. ... Read More

Event Styling for Vivid Colour Events & Intimate Dinners

Mar 19 2018
Encore Research
This week's Event Styling Profile brought to you by Event Stylist, Felicity Webb. Event Styling Profile: Carnivale and Mad Hatters Tea Party Themes The end of 2014 saw the installation and execution of two very colourful events. A Carnivale themed corporate function at The Westin Sydney and a Mad Hatters Tea Party themed Christmas Party in ivy’s Sunroom. The Mad Hatters Tea Party brief was for a fun filled room with props and teapots that created a Mad Hatter environment. We knew that the guests were going to be dressed in theme, giving us confidence to really get creative with the quirky side of the Alice in Wonderland story. The client expanded the brief by allowing us to style further into the space than what was originally given, allowing us to really immerse every area of this quaint venue. The challenge with this event was the tight turnaround for the set up meaning that a team of over ten people were required to run around the venue and set up this prop heavy, and detailed styling approach. For a playful approach, tea cups, hats, playing cards and candles were arranged upside down, sideways and on top of colourful candlestick pedestals. Arrangements of bell jars and tea cups, birdcages and candles, and rabbits and hats were scattered throughout the room providing detailing to larger items such as the Alice in Wonderland backdrop, fairy lights and lanterns hung in the dance area. The theatrical feature of the room were the marquee letter lights spelling “TEA” and so clearly setting the scene, yet adding a theatrical statement feature. Both this and the Carnivale themed event provided the perfect opportunity to introduce our new coloured glass candlestick range. Where colour features, yet style and class are desirable, these candlesticks not only display our rustic pillar candles, but in the case of our Carnivale event they showcase vividly coloured feathers for a festive look that also mimicked the clients event logo. Event Styling Profile: Intimate Dinner Settings On the other end of the spectrum - far, far away from the colourful realms of Carnivale - we’re seeing a range of stunningly intimate dinner looks where it’s all about mixing textures, florals and festoon lighting. A recent styling highlight for us was this intimate dinner at Cockatoo Island’s Naval Store. Our client wanted to create a memorable and intimate dinner for their special guests. Our team of Account and Event Managers together with a Technical Director and Stylist worked together to overcome location challenges and heritage listing parameters to create a bespoke solution. The decadent tablescape starts with an elegant furniture selection and develops through beautifully juxtaposed textures of smooth, glossy elements and rustic detailing. The venue’s timber cog tables made beautiful display pedestals for customised vignettes of soft, warm pillar candles and petite bud vases with blooms. With a sunset palette, the flowers colourfully adorned the tables and brightened the worn, yet delicate space. Completing the look were festoon lights strung across the ceiling space over the table and making an intimate glow. In addition, the long king table allows for real impact in the space as table decor repeats with varying levels to create interest. The mix of textures on this event made for a very enjoyable and satisfying event to style and was a fresh look to inspire for 2015. Our stylists search the globe for what’s trending so they stay ahead of the game. They’re inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes, from what’s happening in the fashion, movie and music industries to website designs and home wares. Want your next event styled like this or have an idea you want brought to life, get in touch with us today! Get your daily dose of event inspiration by following us on Instagram. Want to stay up to date with industry trends? Browse our range of downloadable Event Insights papers ... Read More