Overview

DEEPAL Australia launched its first electric vehicle (EV), the S07 SUV, at a spectacular event at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. Designed and produced by award-winning creative event production specialists, Encore Event Technologies. The event seamlessly blended creativity, design, and sustainability to create an immersive brand experience that left a lasting impression on guests.

Creative Strategy & Concept

Encore’s creative proposal was entirely dedicated to DEEPAL’s brief – positioning the brand as a leader in innovative EV technology while reflecting its values of sustainability, user experience, and progressive design. Bondi Beach was strategically selected as the venue to align with DEEPAL’s connection to nature and sustainability, creating a launch that was as visually captivating as it was meaningful.

The event design took inspiration from DEEPAL’s sleek automotive aesthetics, featuring curved LED screens that gracefully wove through the space, mirroring the fluidity and motion of electric vehicles. Soft angles and a bright, modern colour palette complemented the brand’s futuristic identity, while natural finished, mirrored the surroundings bringing the creative strategy through the connection of brand and place.

Design & Styling

Rather than focusing purely on technology, Encore focussed on the event’s creative strategic to curate and create an atmosphere that reflected DEEPAL’s premium introduction in market. The main stage was a masterpiece of creative production, blending reflective flooring to bring all the tech elements and landscape into the depth of the stage set. The event space was carefully curated to offer a balance between structured presentations and organic discovery moments, allowing guests to engage with the brand at their own pace.
Six of DEEPAL’s new vehicles were displayed in the pavilion’s forecourt, designed as an interactive showcase where guests and passer byers could experience the innovative features firsthand. The VIP Lounge offered an exclusive retreat, featuring a seamless blend of modern aesthetics and furniture and event styling, including a projection-mapped virtual performance that captivated attendees.

Experience & Engagement

Beyond static displays, Encore introduced multiple creative touchpoints to enhance guest engagement. Branded interactive zones allowed attendees to explore the DEEPAL range in a hands-on way, while synchronised LED Pixel Totems Did we end up doing this?and ambient lighting guided the storytelling of the brand’s sustainability mission.
A highlight of the evening was the launch moment – choreographed to perfection with a dynamic countdown video, synchronised lighting, and a dramatic vehicle reveal that seamlessly integrated visual effects with live motion.

Entertainment & Memorable Finale

The entertainment concept was built around the themes of movement, energy, and the synergy between technology and nature. A water-themed dance troupe performed an immersive routine, symbolising the fluidity and sustainability of DEEPAL’s EV technology. Guests were then treated to a live DJ performance, blending futuristic beats with the beachside ambiance, ensuring a high-energy and memorable conclusion.

The event’s grand finale was a symbolic cultural exchange between Chinese and Australian representatives, reinforcing DEEPAL’s commitment to global partnerships. The exchange of gifts—Bondi Beach lifesaving uniforms for Chinese delegates and traditional Chinese artwork for Australian hosts—further strengthened the brand’s cross-cultural narrative.

Outcome

The DEEPAL S07 launch at Bondi Beach was more than just a car launch – it was a meticulously designed brand experience that showcased DEEPAL’s values through immersive storytelling, innovative design, and engaging activations. By integrating cutting-edge production with creative execution, Encore delivered an unforgettable event that solidified Deepal’s presence in the Australian market.

Event Highlights

Strategic Venue Selection: Bondi Beach was chosen to align with DEEPAL’s sustainability and innovation values.
Immersive Design: A blend of futuristic aesthetics with natural elements created a visually stunning and brand-reinforcing experience.
Engaging Experiences: Hands-on vehicle showcases, dynamic digital displays, and storytelling-driven presentations ensured deep audience engagement.
Creative Entertainment: The water-themed performance and cultural exchange reinforced the brand’s global vision.
Seamless Execution: The event flowed flawlessly, balancing structured moments with organic audience interaction.

Encore’s ability to create immersive, experiential events that reflect brand identity and values ensured that DEEPAL’s first Australian launch was an outstanding success. The event not only highlighted the S07 SUV but also positioned Deepal as an industry leader committed to innovation and sustainability.

“Encore transformed our vision into an extraordinary reality. Their ability to blend cutting-edge creative production with seamless event execution was truly impressive. From the breathtaking stage design to the immersive digital storytelling, every element was meticulously crafted to reflect our brand identity.
The team’s professionalism, innovation, and dedication ensured a flawless experience that captivated our audience and left a lasting impression. Encore didn’t just produce an event—they created an unforgettable brand moment. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

Hearing Australia Annual Conference 2024: From conference to awards night, Encore delivers a winning playbook for a seamless, sports-themed experience at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park.

 

Brief

Encore was proudly selected for another year to deliver the Hearing Australia Annual Conference 2024, held at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park’s Freshwater Ballroom. Hearing Australia, a leading provider of hearing services and devices, adopted a “Kicking Goals in 2024” theme for the event, inspired not only by the venue but by the AFL and NRL Grand Finals. Encore’s brief was to create a full production solution that brought the sporting theme to life, seamlessly transitioning from a daytime conference to an awards night that would engage and celebrate the 140 delegates in attendance. As the in-house production partner for the venue, Encore was tasked with providing a turnkey production solution. A key deliverable was integrating creative sports-themed elements while coordinating the rapid turnaround from conference to awards, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

 

The Solution:

The Hearing Australia Annual Conference began with a daytime conference, designed with a clean, simplistic look. Delegates were seated at banquet rounds, with a flexible stage setup of three projector screens with fixed frames decorated in green uplighting.

With a limited turnaround time, Encore’s team took a minimalist but effective approach, using lighting, Scenic Panels, and table styling to create a fresh and exciting sporting atmosphere for the awards night. The entrance was transformed to emulate AFL goalposts, with 3D Scenic Panels and white uplighting, while green astro turf replaced the typical red carpet to bring the sports theme to life.

Inside the ballroom, tables were styled with centrepieces featuring AFL and NRL balls set atop astro turf, surrounded by decorative candle votives. The lighting scape was set in Hearing Australia’s brand blue along with green to emulate the vibrant feel of a sporting stadium. The fun continued with delegates encouraged to dress up as

sports-themed characters, from cricket umpires to soccer balls, adding a festive and interactive element to the evening. Sporting games placed throughout the venue gave guests additional entertainment between award segments.

Following the formalities, delegates were invited onto the dance floor with a live performance from the Jellybean Jam band, capping off the night with upbeat tunes.

 

Challenges and Successes:

The evening showcased Encore’s exceptional capabilities when their production team turned a challenge into an opportunity. With the hotel at maximum capacity and bump-in time reduced by half, the team brilliantly demonstrated their versatility and collaborative spirit. Team members seamlessly expanded their responsibilities, expertly managing crowd movement while simultaneously orchestrating the room transformation.

The seamless transition between events was so smooth that delegates were unaware of any production challenges. Hearing Australia commended Encore for their flawless execution, noting that the unseen work behind the scenes exemplified the professionalism of a truly dedicated production team.

 

The Result:

The 2024 Hearing Australia Annual Conference was a resounding success. Encore’s sports-themed transformation delighted delegates, while the quick transition from conference to awards night provided a memorable and seamless experience. Hearing Australia expressed their appreciation for Encore’s dedication, flexibility, and expertise in delivering a polished, engaging event. Encore looks forward to building on this success in 2025, continuing its partnership with Hearing Australia to create another impactful conference experience.

 

Encore delivers an extraordinary 7-day incentive program for 700 Asian Paints India resellers, blending cutting-edge innovation, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences across three cities and two countries.

 

Brief:

Asian Paints India sought to reward and inspire 700 of their top-performing sales resellers with a truly unique incentive program. Their vision was clear: to create an unforgettable one-week experience filled with once-in-a-lifetime activities that embodied the theme of being “Unstoppable.” The event needed to blend celebration, cultural immersion, and cutting-edge technology, while ensuring a seamless and impactful delivery across multiple locations.

The program’s objectives included:

• Strengthening brand loyalty and motivation for sales growth.
• Showcasing local cultures in New Zealand and Australia.
• Creating memorable moments through innovative technology and engaging activities.

The logistical challenge was immense, with the program being delivered in two back-to-back waves involving 32 events across 17 venues in Queenstown, Auckland, and Sydney over 14 days, plus the need for personalised touches that catered to cultural preferences. With a diverse audience, a strong emphasis on emotional engagement, and a mandate to push creative boundaries, Encore was tasked with turning this vision into reality.

 

The Solution:

Encore leveraged their expertise in creative production, advanced technology, and local partnerships to deliver a meticulously planned and executed program to transform the “Unstoppable” theme into a multi-sensory journey.

Ground-breaking applications such as hologram animations, 30m LED screens, kabuki drops, and dynamic pyrotechnics brought each event to life. A customised rocket ship, launched from the ceiling at the Auckland gala, showcased unparalleled technical ingenuity.

Creative themed evenings – from carnival-style “beerfests” and disco nights to Arabian-themed galas – offered a fresh, cohesive theme that blended decor, entertainment, and interactive activities.

Delegates were immersed in an event-long competition that divided them into teams representing the five vibrant regions of India, each identified by its own colour. The excitement built throughout the event, culminating in a theatrical unveiling of a trophy encased in a stunning block of ice.
Each day featured tailored activities such as gondola rides, bungee jumping, and private cruises in New Zealand, alongside iconic Australian experiences like Sydney Harbour yacht races. Cultural immersion was central to the program, with entertainment and decor reflecting local traditions.

Encore’s approach to logistics was as dynamic as the event itself. Coordinating two waves of attendees across two countries, the complex schedule was managed with precision. Key strategies included pre-rigging equipment at venues to minimise downtime, partnering with local suppliers to streamline operations, and flexible and adaptive planning to accommodate last-minute client requests and challenges, such as weather disruptions.

 

The Result:

Encore delivered a meticulously planned and executed program that set a new benchmark for incentive events.

The Asian Paints India Incentive Program exceeded expectations, achieving its goals of celebration, motivation, and cultural immersion while setting new standards for technical innovation and event production.

Attendees reported heightened emotional connection and brand loyalty, with highlights such as the holographic displays and immersive themed dinners creating buzz throughout the program.

Encore delivered logistical mastery; despite the geographical dispersion and demanding schedule, the event was executed flawlessly, showcasing Encore’s operational excellence.

The program had both economic and cultural impact, boosting local economies by showcasing the best of Queenstown, Auckland, and Sydney, enhancing their appeal as future travel destinations.

Asian Paints India’s leadership lauded Encore’s creativity, problem-solving, and attention to detail, solidifying their partnership for future initiatives.

 

Asian Paints expressed overwhelming satisfaction, commending the Encore team for exceeding expectations in creativity, execution, and the event’s lasting impact – truly living up to its ‘Unstoppable’ theme, stating:

“The incentive program designed and executed by Encore for our top-performing sales team was nothing short of extraordinary. Their ability to seamlessly coordinate such a complex, multi-city program across Australia and New Zealand was remarkable, and they brought our ‘Unstoppable’ theme to life in ways we never imagined.

From stunning holographic displays and breathtaking pyrotechnics to immersive themed evenings and culturally rich experiences, every element of the program reflected creativity, precision, and passion. The personalised touches, innovative use of technology, and flawless execution not only motivated our attendees but also strengthened their emotional connection to our brand.

Encore’s dedication to delivering excellence exceeded all expectations and has set a new benchmark for incentive events. We’re thrilled with the results and look forward to partnering with Encore for future initiatives!” – Amit Singh, Event Manager, Asian Paints

 

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Related:

• Asian Paints India Incentive Event 2017
• Honda Motorcycles India
• Turning your event into a brand experience

Encore delivering a high-impact event experience through tailored solutions, innovative design, and seamless execution.

The Brief

On October 4, 2024, Encore delivered a stunning production for the Melbourne Football Club’s Best and Fairest Awards at the CENTREPIECE Grand Hall. This event was part of a series of six curated for the AFL’s major event week, marking the first time these events were hosted at CENTREPIECE with Encore at the helm, placing high expectations for innovation and excellence.
With a focus on consistency, flexibility, and impactful design, Encore delivered a high-end experience tailored to each brand’s unique identity while maintaining budget efficiency.

The Solution

Encore’s challenge was to create a consistent event production solution for six AFL events, ensuring every event met the same exceptional standard while allowing individual events to showcase their unique branding. From the pre-function areas to the ballrooms, the production maintained a cohesive look, ensuring continuity and professionalism across all events.
For the Melbourne Football Club, Encore’s expertise in AV production shone through, delivering an event that kicked all the goals for the best-and-fairest experiences.

The stage design revolved around strategic use of LED screens, chosen for their flexibility, crystal-clear imagery, and dynamic content capabilities. The screens were configured to maximise visual impact while aligning with budget constraints, offering the ability to display individual or combined content seamlessly.

Encore’s design not only optimised stage space but also created a visually compelling setup that elevated the event’s atmosphere. The Melbourne Football Club’s multimedia team embraced the branding opportunities offered by the LED screens, producing cohesive content that flowed from the digital seating chart in the pre-function area to the stage backdrop in the ballroom. The result was a sophisticated and professional presentation that left a lasting impression.

A dramatic lighting design in the club’s iconic red and blue colors further enhanced the experience. Featuring over 150 R3 washes, 8 Ayrton Rivales, and 8 Axcors, alongside programmed strip lighting, the lighting scape complemented the LED visuals, creating a vibrant and immersive environment for attendees.

Encore faced a tight timeline of just three weeks to design and execute a flexible package solution for six events, each requiring a unique identity while maintaining a high standard of production. This challenge was compounded by the fact that it was the first time that Encore and the AFL businesses had delivered these events at CENTREPIECE.

Through expert collaboration and meticulous planning, Encore delivered a tailored solution that adapted to different event styles, including a cocktail party for the Brisbane Football Club.

The Result

Melbourne Football Club praised the AV production quality, particularly the impactful use of LED screens and lighting design. The cohesive and polished presentation reflected the club’s professionalism and elevated the event experience for the 1,000 attendees.

Encore’s delivery of the Melbourne Football Club’s Best and Fairest Awards showcased their ability to craft high-quality event solutions tailored to individual needs. By leveraging innovative stage design, strategic use of LED screens, and a commitment to consistency, Encore created a memorable and impactful experience that set a new standard for these events at CENTREPIECE.
As Encore continues to partner with AFL businesses, their dedication to excellence, adaptability, and creativity ensures every event is as unique as the teams and events they celebrate.

 

Rebirth of a Sydney Icon as Encore helps deliver glamorous Re-Opening of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

 

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth recently celebrated its grand re-opening after an extensive AUD 70 million refurbishment, marking a new era of French luxury while honouring Sydney’s local heritage.

The glamorous event, hosted by Gold Logie winner Larry Emdur, gathered Sydney’s elite, including French Ambassador Pierre-Andre Imbert, Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, and TV personalities like Sonia Kruger, Melissa Doyle, and Kerri-Anne Kennerley, alongside tourism leaders and loyal guests.

As a major sponsor of the event, Encore played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this momentous occasion by providing all the audio-visual elements and technical production expertise. The grand re-opening event was a spectacular affair, showcasing the hotel’s new amenities and services.

Among the highlights was the stunning projection of the Sofitel logo and “60 years” against the building’s façade complemented by uplighting and moving spotlights, creating a dynamic and celebratory and atmosphere that perfectly complemented the hotel’s sophisticated new look.

Katherine Pfahl, Senior Director of Venue Partnerships, Encore APAC, expressed her excitement about the event, stating,

“We are thrilled to partner with Sofitel and to have sponsored their grand re-opening. Our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was perfect, and we are proud to have contributed to such a successful and memorable event.”

The grand re-opening also marked the hotel’s 60th Diamond Jubilee, adding an extra layer of significance to the celebration. First opened in 1966 by Qantas, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth has long been a landmark of luxury in Sydney, having hosted an endless list of international celebrities and dignitaries over the decades. Among its notable guests are Princess Diana and Prince Charles (now King Charles), Queen Elizabeth II, Sophia Loren, Elton John, and Bill Gates.

With a revitalised look that honors its storied past, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth marks a significant comeback in Australia’s luxury hotel sector.

“This refurbishment is a celebration of our heritage and a reimagining for the future,” says Sofitel’s CEO – Maud Bailly.

The hotel’s strategic location in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, near the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, has made it a fashionable destination for both local and international guests. General Manager Sam Panetta and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, among others, reflected on the hotel’s rich history and sparkling future, reaffirming its position at the heart of Sydney’s vibrant social scene.

The recent refurbishment, led by architecture firm FK, embraced a ‘modern heritage’ approach, honoring the hotel’s post-war minimalist origins while incorporating contemporary design elements.

The renovation also included a revamp of the conference and event facilities. Lighting, presentation and staging technology have been upgraded by Encore across 15 event spaces and the 629-square-metre Wentworth Ballroom. Now equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology and one of Australia’s largest LED screens makes Sofitel Sydney Wentworth a premier destination for events and conferences.

The grand re-opening event featured a range of activities, including the introduction of new dining options through a partnership with House Made Hospitality. Guests enjoyed the culinary delights at Tilda and Bar Tilda, Delta Rue, and the Wentworth Bar, further enhancing the overall experience.

As a major sponsor, Encore’s dedication to excellence and attention to detail played a crucial role in the success of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth’s grand re-opening. The event not only showcased the hotel’s stunning transformation but also highlighted Encore’s expertise in delivering exceptional audio-visual and technical production services for high profile launch events.

 

 

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.

 

Brief:
Fashion for Cancer 2024 was an extraordinary charity event aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer survivors. Hosted at The Westin Singapore, the show featured a runway graced by cancer survivors who modelled with resilience and strength. Encore, as the in-house AV production partner at The Westin Singapore, was tasked with creating a stunning atmosphere through lighting, audio, and vision, while supporting the event’s emotional and inspirational theme. This was a particularly meaningful show, founded by Ong Bee Yan in memory of her son, Rong Liang, who passed away from pancreatic cancer at 38.

The Solution:

The Westin Singapore’s elegant ballroom provided the perfect backdrop for Fashion for Cancer 2024, with its grand dimensions ideal for the runway. Encore was responsible for transforming the space to align with the event’s inspiring theme, bringing the runway to life with creative lighting design and seamless audio-visual production.
Despite being the venue’s first collaboration with a volunteer-driven charity, Encore’s experience and expertise ensured that the coordination between all parties was smooth. The lighting design added a warm glow to match the tone of hope and resilience, while precise audio ensured that both live performances and emotional speeches were heard clearly. The AV elements were tailored to create an uplifting yet reflective mood throughout the evening.

The Result:

Fashion for Cancer Singapore 2024 was a resounding success, celebrated by over 350 guests. The evening was filled with emotional moments, from heartfelt stories of strength to dazzling fashion displays, all supported by Encore’s flawless production. Live performances by artists like Nathan Hartono, Yahui, and Joie Tan further elevated the event, leaving attendees moved and inspired.
Encore’s dedication to the cause was evident in every aspect of the event’s delivery. By leveraging their expertise in AV and lighting design, Encore contributed to an unforgettable night that celebrated resilience and beauty. This event not only honoured the lives affected by cancer but also highlighted the spirit of hope, community, and togetherness.
Both Fashion for Cancer Singapore and The Westin Singapore were thrilled with the results, and the event left a lasting impact on everyone involved, from organisers to guests.

“Fashion for Cancer Singapore 2024 was more than just a charity event; it was a powerful celebration of resilience, strength, and hope. Encore played an integral role in bringing our vision to life. Their expertise in AV production, lighting, and sound created an atmosphere that was perfectly matched to the spirit of the evening. From the emotional speeches to the live performances, every element flowed seamlessly thanks to Encore’s flawless execution. Their dedication to the cause was truly heartwarming, and their professionalism ensured everything ran smoothly. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help make this event so memorable. Encore’s contribution made a lasting impact on our guests and reminded us all of the power of coming together for a greater purpose.” – Ong Bee Yan — Fashion for Cancer Singapore

Click here for the full gallery on Encore-Asia.com

 

Photography credits:

• Dynax Yiu @dynaxyiu
• Macarthur Lim @macarthurlim

Encore recently hosted a groundbreaking event that brought together thought leaders and advocates to discuss the critical topics of Trans Awareness, Gender Diversity, and Emotional Intelligence. The event featured powerful presentations from Katherine Wolfgramme, a renowned Trans Awareness Educator and Gender Diversity Consultant, Linda Boyd, the visionary Founder and CEO of Kleu, Rachel Cosgrove-White, a Navy veteran sharing her experiences as a lesbian in the defence force, and Gavin Loveday, a long-standing team member of Accor who shared his heart-warming experience of acceptance working for our hotel partner.

Encore produced the event in support of these inspiring presenters and as part of our various business resource group endeavours which has seen the development of various groups including Encore Pride, Women of Encore and Encore Wellbeing.

Katherine Wolfgramme: Turning Fear into Understanding

Katherine Wolfgramme, a celebrated trans advocate and award-winning speaker, shared her journey as a transgender woman. She highlighted the significance of creating legal precedents and changing societal language to foster a more inclusive environment. Katherine’s efforts have led to monumental changes, such as allowing transgender people in Fiji to change their legal documents and influencing respectful journalism practices in Australia.

In her presentation, Katherine discussed her experiences with gender dysphoria, and the skills and attributes that transgender people build in order to survive in a combative world. She emphasised that transgender people have an ability to engage with body image and empathy in a way that reflects the difficulties they face in a hostile world. Her personal narrative, detailing the struggles and triumphs of growing up transgender, captivated the audience and underscored the urgent need for acceptance and support for the transgender community.

Katherine also addressed the alarming rates of suicide attempts among transgender people, attributing these to societal, environmental, and financial factors. She urged the audience to advocate for mental health support and anti-discrimination measures to improve the well-being of transgender people.

Linda Boyd: Emotional Fitness and Revolutionary Leadership

Linda Boyd, the inspiring founder of Kleu, brought a wealth of knowledge on emotional intelligence and its role in transforming frontline customer interactions. With a successful track record in engagement consultancy, Linda has now set her sights on democratising access to emotional fitness.

Linda shared skills to combat the flight-flee-fawn cycle, such as building a practice of taking six seconds to reflect before making decisions to allow for rational thought to return after emotional overwhelm. She shared her view that emotional intelligence is a muscle that can be built up over time, and discussed how emotional intelligence can help to combat stressful work situations and overwhelming environments.

Rachel Cosgrove-White: Navigating Identity in the Defence Force

Rachel Cosgrove-White, a Navy veteran, shared her poignant and inspiring experiences as a lesbian in the defence force. Rachel’s story highlighted the unique challenges and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in military environments. She recounted her journey of navigating her identity while serving, the importance of resilience, and the compassionate approach she discovered as her son came out as transgender.

Rachel emphasised the need for inclusive policies and supportive leadership within organisations to ensure that all employees can approach their work environments authentically and without fear of discrimination. Her presentation was a powerful reminder of the progress that still needs to be made to achieve true equality and acceptance in all sectors of society.

Gavin Loveday: Acceptance and Inclusion at Accor

Gavin Loveday, a long-standing team member of Accor, shared his heart-warming experience of acceptance working for the hotel brand. Gavin’s story of Accor’s encouragement and acceptance of his creativity through drag illustrated the positive impact of inclusive workplace policies and a supportive company culture. He highlighted how Accor’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has allowed him to thrive both personally and professionally.

Gavin’s experience is a testament to the importance of fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and accepted. His story inspired attendees to advocate for similar inclusive practices within their own organisations.

Empowering Discussions and Future Directions

The event facilitated meaningful discussions on the intersection of gender diversity and emotional intelligence, emphasising the role of empathy and understanding in creating inclusive environments. In-person and remote attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can contribute to a more accepting and emotionally intelligent society.

Encore is proud to have hosted such a transformative event, bringing together leaders and advocates dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of transgender issues, the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the military, and the importance of emotional fitness. By leveraging these insights, Encore continues to lead the way in creating inclusive, forward-thinking events that drive positive change in the community.

 

Encore delivers The University of Sydney ’ s  largest wave of graduation ceremonies in 2024

 

 

19 days. 56 ceremonies. 9,500 graduands. 18,000+ live stream attendees. 1 mammoth month for Encore.

 

 

The Brief

It is one of the most significant days in their lives. This is why The University of Sydney turned to trusted event production specialists, Encore, to deliver a memorable graduation ceremony for more than 9,500 graduands. This was to take place three times a day, over 19 days with full audio visual and production support and a live stream to thousands of attendees worldwide. With the right mix of equipment, skills, experience and people power, Encore was the perfect team for the challenge.

 

The Solution

The production solution was months in the making. Key elements in Encore’s solution were AV integration, redundancy contingencies, production quality and prioritising crew wellbeing.
Being able to integrate with and control the venue’s in-house AV system was critical to the event’s success. This enabled Encore’s crew to not only manage the in-room audio and vision, but to also successfully capture and feed into the live stream which was hosted on the University’s main website.

With experience comes the knowledge to back up and back up again. This is why Encore’s team allowed for several contingencies to ensure each event over the 30 days would go on no matter what happened. This included facilitating internet connection with a dedicated PEP-Link in place to avoid any disruption to the live stream. With attendees live streaming each ceremony this was a critical piece in the solution.

One of the defining features in Encore’s production solution was the camera craftsmanship. Encore’s goal was to deliver a solution that went beyond simply capturing the day’s events, to anticipating moments that tell the story.

Encore’s Key Account Manager for the event, Dan Armstrong, described how experience can transform the production quality.

 

“Having a deeper understanding of the script notes and the flow of the graduation lets you know where there will be opportunities to bring a different perspective visually to the in- room attendee. This goes without saying, this becomes even more important for those watching online.

“It’s the layering of camera angles, capturing the right reactions at the right time for the right amount of time, without losing sense of what is still happening live in the room,” said Mr Armstrong.

 

A final and hugely important part of Encore’s solution was maintaining crew wellbeing. For an event of this magnitude, with back-to-back ceremonies over 30 days, fatigue management plans were critical to the solution. Overlooking this element can have devastating effects and which is why Encore places wellbeing as one of their highest production priorities.

The Result

Each ceremony over the 30 days was delivered seamlessly, both in-room and online. More than 9,500 people tuned in to watch the live stream from more than 10 countries around the world. With talks already underway for the next wave of ceremonies, it’s clear Encore’s production solution was a success.

“Encore has supported The University of Sydney graduation ceremony events since 2021, supporting ~100 ceremonies for ~12,000 graduates annually. Encore currently provides infrastructure, lighting, filming, audio, and a live stream platform for graduation ceremony events. Onsite broadcasting services were also utilised during covid19 restrictions. Since 2021, the Graduations Team have worked with Encore to research and implement options to improve the event delivery and graduate experience.”

– Jerry Wu, Senior Administration Officer, The University of Sydney