The Department of Defence last month hosted its debut VIP Defence & Industry Gala Awards Night for over 700 VIP industry, employee and political guests. Held ion the Exhibition Hall at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, the evening included speeches by key political members Christopher Pyne and Marise Payne, assisted by dual MC’s Vince Sorrenti and Erin Molan.

Encore Event Technologies (then Staging Connections) was entrusted with the essential gala styling, AV and multimedia for the inaugural event, all to meet the brief ‘Hollywood Oscars’. The team designed a unique entrance for guests, who were ushered upstairs for photos in front of the media wall, which was simultaneously live-streamed via remote UHF backed camera for other attendees to view.

A French drape feature dramatically revealed the main space, and guests were seated to a memorable Welcome to Country, complemented by a full widescreen video presentation. Encore arranged for four 16k projectors and an impressive 26.5 metre curved widescreen to be flown in specifically for the event, which acted as the backdrop to the stage, displaying awards graphics and video during the evening.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by the extraordinary Defence band, who stood out amongst the elegant black drapery and soft table lighting. Grand MA lighting with over 50 LED fixtures and moving lights kept the attention focused on the awards recipients and inspiring speeches.

Feedback from the client and attendees was hugely positive, and no doubt the event will become a highlight on the Department’s events calendar every year.

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