The 2024 Helloworld Travel OMC Conference wrapped up in true Aussie style in Sydney, with over 550 attendees soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency during the days and the Overseas Passenger Terminal for a dazzling gala dinner, this event was a testament to the thriving travel industry Down Under.
Encore was engaged to transform the venues into an engaging experience for attendees through tailored creative design, audio-visual and lighting solutions.
Held by day at the Hyatt Regency, the conference was not short on exciting nighttime activity with a Welcome event on the harbour aboard Starship Sydney that kicked off the conference with style as delegates enjoyed not only breathtaking harbour views but an amazing fireworks display!
The theme, “A World of Opportunity,” echoed throughout the event, with speakers like Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson, swimming legend Grant Hackett, and motivational guru Ben Crowe inspiring optimism for the future.
Throughout the conference, owner-managers shared insights on the importance of passion, customer care, and industry relationships, proving that despite evolving trends and technology, the heart of travel remains unchanged.
Networking lounges buzzed with excitement as suppliers showcased their offerings, with Viva Holidays celebrating their 50th anniversary in style. Glittering attire was a must for their spirited “Sale of the (Half) Century” game, adding a touch of glamour to the affair.
The grand finale came with the Gala Dinner, sponsored by Qantas, where the Overseas Passenger Terminal was transformed by Encore into an exclusive haven.
As guests arrived at the Overseas Passenger Terminal they were greeted with a red carpet experience and a striking neon archway leading into the exclusive networking area. Uplighting on the luxe curtain draped partition created a warm mood-lit ambience while custom GOBOs projected Qantas and Helloworld Travel branding.
The Qantas Australian Girls Choir kicked off the evening, with a stirring rendition of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’, setting the stage for a night of celebration and surprises.
On the stage itself, sat a large LED wall visually separated into three panels by two columns of shimmering sequin tiles creating a stunning artistic effect. The room and stage lighting was further enhanced by LED tubes being suspended from the ceiling – a stunning effect and perfect complement to the Gala’s ‘light up the night’ theme.
As the night unfolded, attendees learned that Vancouver would host OMC 2025, igniting anticipation for another year of networking and exploration.
After the meal the dance floor beckoned as delegates enjoyed live music from Big City Beat and danced the night away.
As the conference drew to a close, attendees departed with a renewed sense of inspiration and camaraderie, ready to seize the countless opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving world of travel.
Sarah Gerrand, GM Partnerships and Events, at Helloworld Travel was delighted with the event commenting,
“Encore exceeded all expectations with the execution of the 2024 Helloworld OMC Conference in Sydney. From the seamless delivery of our conference at the Hyatt Regency Sydney to the stunning Gala Dinner at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, every detail was meticulously crafted. Their creative design, audio-visual expertise, and lighting solutions were amazing, perfectly reflecting the conference theme, ‘A World of Opportunity.’ Encore’s dedication ensured a memorable experience, leaving attendees inspired and charged for the future.”
Elevating The Business of Events with Innovation
Brief: PCMA Asia Pacific aimed to host a conference in Singapore that would set new standards for the events industry, requiring innovative solutions to engage attendees and deliver an unforgettable experience.
Solution: Encore APAC partnered with PCMA Asia Pacific to ignite the future of events at The Business of Events ‘Unbound’ Conference in Singapore. Leveraging its expertise in creative production, Encore crafted an immersive exhibition stand which captivated attendees and showcased the alliance of cutting-edge technology together with creative interactive content.
In addition to its impressive exhibition stand, Scott Nodsle was joined on stage during the conference program by Encore’s Creative Director, Julz Partington who has become a regular presenter in the event industry speaker circuit. They answered questions on the topic of ‘The Mindset of Innovation’ exploring the strategies for integrating innovation into customer partnerships, creative production and planning through to integrating it in the Encore workplace ensuring that both our customers and talented teams are innovative and inspired to deliver world class service and think outside the box, ensuring they are not just being AV order takers.
Result: Encore’s presence at The Business of Events ‘Unbound’ Conference left a lasting impression on attendees, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the event industry throughout the region. There immersive exhibition stand and insightful presentations by Encore’s leadership team received positive feedback, inspiring our industry and demonstrating the power of a creative production partner in events. It’s not about the technology but rather more about how the technology can be used by our creative production specialist to evoke a feeling, create a memory or convey a message. By partnering with PCMA for the Business of Events conference, Encore showed the event organisers and industry alike that the answer to a successful event is, finding the right partners who can understand your brand, your message and your event purpose and help you deliver unparalleled experiences. Encore reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the events space throughout APAC.
Florence Chua, Managing Director, APAC at PCMA was delighted,
“Encore Event Technologies proved to be an exceptional partner for our conference. Their understanding of our event needs and requirements were delivered with innovative ideas in creative production and flawless onsite execution. We are grateful for the passion and collaboration the Encore team brought to the partnership, “teamwork makes the dream work.” We have already started to engage with Encore to plan next year’s chapter of the event and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Encore for the future.”
Scott Nodsle, Managing Director Encore APAC, commented,
“The Business of Events Conference was a fantastic opportunity for Encore to showcase our expertise and innovation in creative event production. It was truly a team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of our collaboration with PCMA Asia Pacific. Together, we set new standards for event experiences and left a lasting impression on attendees. I look forward to future collaborations and further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the event industry.”
Conclusion: Through its partnership with PCMA Asia Pacific, Encore Event Technologies APAC showcased its unparalleled expertise and innovation, setting new standards for creative production. By pushing the boundaries of event design and embracing new technologies, Encore continues to elevate the future of events and inspire industry professionals worldwide.
This year’s Canberra Convention Bureau Top Secret Gala Dinner, hosted at the National Convention Centre (NCCC), truly lived up to its name, leaving interstate delegates dazzled with the creative event design crafted by Encore. As the in-house event production partner for the NCCC, Encore was tasked with creating an unforgettable experience for the annual Platinum Members Dinner, a pivotal highlight of the 3-day city-wide event showcase.
The Brief
Top Secret is an annual familiarisation tour where the Canberra Convention Bureau invites national and corporate CEOs and Event Managers to experience all that Canberra offers in the event world. Given the event’s high profile, Encore’s role was critical in showcasing why the NCCC is one of the country’s leading destinations for corporate events. The challenge was to design a solution that not only highlighted the venue’s technical capabilities but also demonstrated flexibility and scalability to cater to a variety of creative event types, designs, and sizes. Encore’s brief was clear: create a stunning, memorable event that leaves attendees inspired.
The Solution
Encore’s production team, led by Technical Director Hamish McConchie, designed a truly captivating experience, utilizing a combination of advanced technology and creative event design. The focus was on reimagining a familiar space to make it feel both exciting and intimate. With a background in theatrical design, McConchie built layers into the production design to deliver unique experiences throughout each phase of the evening. The creative use of lighting, sound, and video technology was instrumental in achieving this goal.
The evening began with a full venue tour, during which Encore created various event setups to demonstrate how each room could be used as an event space. After the tour, guests were ushered into the Exhibition Hall for the main event. Known for hosting large-scale events with thousands of attendees, the Encore team reimagined the space by dividing it into three sections, each representing a different stage of the evening.
The first section was the Welcome area, where guests enjoyed drinks and canapés amid an ambient light setting, while neon purple Titan Tubes were installed vertically along the floor to create a striking visual continuity tied in to the digital signage around the building. The remaining sections of the hall were masked off with creative lighting, creating an air of mystery and anticipation for what was to come.
Encore’s innovative use of a “curtain of light” – crafted using powerful Diamondback’s and Rivale moving heads – added to the sense of intrigue. This bright and colorful setup, combined with haze effects, set the tone for an immersive experience. As the evening progressed, guests were invited onto an elevated platform for the main dining event, which featured a stunning technical showcase with kinetic truss, high output lighting, and LED screens in unique configurations. The intricate lighting design, synchronized with a dramatic soundtrack, provided a visual feast for attendees.
The second section, the main dining area, was a stunning technical showcase. Encore utilized kinetic trusses to create a dynamic lighting and video experience. The trusses were programmed to move and shift, creating different looks and adding a sense of drama to the event. This innovative approach provided an ever-changing visual backdrop, with wireless lights and LED pillars enhancing the stage area. LED screens floated above, displaying beautiful custom graphics. The intricate lighting design was synchronized with a dramatic soundtrack, providing a truly captivating experience for attendees.
Following the main dinner and speeches, guests were treated to a final surprise. The trusses above the dining area moved to reveal a larger section of the Exhibition Hall, showcasing the venue’s grand scale. This final section, designed to mimic a typical corporate event, featured a jazz band on stage, Scenic Panels, and up-lighting, creating a more relaxed ambiance for dessert and drinks. The gradual opening of the space was a powerful demonstration of the Exhibition Hall’s flexibility and Encore’s technical creativity.
The Result
The result of Encore’s creative event design was a dazzling evening filled with surprise and delight. Through innovative design and technical prowess, Encore transformed the NCCC into a vibrant, immersive experience, leaving attendees dazzled and inspired for their future events.
By segmenting the vast Exhibition Hall into three distinct sections, Encore successfully transformed the space into a series of intimate experiences, each with its own unique ambiance. The combination of advanced technology, imaginative lighting, and creative staging left delegates inspired and eager to recreate similar experiences for their own events.
The impact of Encore’s event design was felt throughout the evening, with attendees remarking on the importance of technical production in creating lasting memories. One delegate commented that the event was a testament to how technology and creativity could come together to create truly unforgettable moments.
Encore’s success in delivering the Top Secret Gala Dinner this year demonstrates its commitment to pushing the boundaries of event design. The company’s ability to ignite excitement and inspire event planners to think creatively about what’s possible underscores why Encore is a leader in the industry. By embracing innovative technology and combining it with artistic flair, Encore continues to set the standard for event design and production.
Comment from the client
Encore Event Technologies APAC, the renowned leader in creative events production, showcased its unparalleled expertise and innovation at PCMA Asia Pacific’s The Business of Events Conference held in Singapore this week. With captivating creative project management, content creation across multiple visual touchpoints including media walls, plenary and break room stage sets, Encore ensured that the core message of Unbound was delivered throughout creative content and live in room experiences.
The highlight of Encore’s presence at The Business of Events Conference was its immersive exhibition stand, which transported attendees into a world of creativity and innovation. Featuring cutting-edge technology, interactive displays, and engaging visuals, the stand served as a testament to Encore’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of event design and experience.
“Our goal was to create an unforgettable experience that would inspire and engage conference attendees,” said Scott Nodsle, Managing Director APAC.
“We wanted to showcase the power of immersive event design and demonstrate how technology can be used to elevate the attendee experience, it’s not just about the technology but it’s about how it’s used to convey a message or trigger an emotion.”
In addition to its impressive exhibition stand, Scott Nodsle was joined on stage during the conference program by Encore’s Creative Director, Julz Partington who has become a regular presenter in the event industry speaker circuit throughout the APAC region.
Both Scott and Julz answered questions around the topic of ‘The Mindset of Innovation’ exploring the strategies for integrating innovation into customer partnerships, creative production and planning through to how Encore incorporates this strategy within our workplace ensuring that both our clients and talented teams are innovative and inspired to deliver world class service, think outside the box and ensure they are not just being AV order takers.
“Our comments were well-received by attendees, who were eager to learn how they could leverage the mindset of innovation to create more impactful events,” said Julz Partington. “We discussed the importance of staying ahead of the curve and embracing new technologies, but that the technology will only take you so far in your quest for innovation, you need the skill set and the talent behind the technology to be able to use the technology it to its full capabilities to evoke emotion, curate an event and inspire guests.”
Encore’s partnership with PCMA Asia Pacific’s, The Business of Events Conference reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and excellence throughout the event industry. With its immersive exhibition stand and insightful contributions to the conference program, Encore continues to set the standard high for creative events experiences.
Florence Chua, Managing Director, APAC at PCMA was delighted,
“Encore Event Technologies proved to be an exceptional partner for our conference. Their understanding of our event needs and requirements were delivered with innovative ideas in creative production and flawless onsite execution. We are grateful for the passion and collaboration the Encore team brought to the partnership, ‘teamwork makes the dream work’. We have already started to engage with Encore to plan next year’s chapter of the event and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Encore for the future.”
The Brief
This year’s Hyatt Client Appreciation Event returned to Grand Hyatt Melbourne and delivered a feast for the senses for 80 special guests. Each year the highly anticipated event provides the opportunity for the Hyatt brand to showcase the chosen venue’s meeting and events offering. It’s a chance for both Hyatt and Encore to work together to dazzle, inspire, and leave guests with a lasting impression of why Grand Hyatt Melbourne is in the top echelon of Australia’s corporate event venues.
The brief to long-standing in-house event production partner, Encore, was to highlight Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s unique offering – its unparalleled location, the diversity and versatility of event spaces, and the world-class production and technology expertise available to planners.
The Solution
Under the guise of ‘Grand, Personified’, Encore’s in-house team designed and delivered a sensory experience of Melbourne through the eyes of Grand Hyatt Melbourne. The idea underpinning the concept was taking guests on a journey through the vibrant city and how the venue is intricately woven into its rich history and culture. With its central location, Grand Hyatt Melbourne was brought to life as the beating heart of the city. As only “a tram stop away” from all the city’s major landmarks, it was fitting to turn the event’s registration desk into a Melbourne tram stop. From there guests were ushered down a green carpet into the Courtyard to enjoy arrival drinks and canapés. The Courtyard is a unique space designed to emulate the many lush parklands surrounding the hotel, which play host to some of the country’s major sporting events. Lining the green carpet stood LED Pixel Totems displaying iconic Melbourne sporting experiences. Alongside the Pixel Totems, beautiful flower performers greeted guests adding an artistic flair to the magical parklands space. Guests next journeyed into the Verandah for the main dining experience. Here, the Encore team used Touch Kiosk for the seating chart – turning a somewhat taxing task into a streamlined digital experience where guests found their seats at the touch of a button.
The Verandah was designed to celebrate Melbourne’s iconic culture and art scene. Encore employed a range of audio and lighting technologies to transform the venue walls not only into works of art, but a historical journey of Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s part in the development of Melbourne. A simple yet effective lighting solution was used to decorate the tables, with LED lights placed underneath turning them into colorful beacons that glowed throughout the night. A novel approach was used to make the dining menus more tactile, replacing the standard flat piece of cardboard for a fun puzzle guests enjoyed completing. Guests were then treated to some of Melbourne’s finest foods and wine from Executive Chef Steven Beaumont and his team. Whilst guests enjoyed the smell and taste sensations, their ears were also treated to mesmerizing sounds from a live three-piece band playing in the adjacent Library. It was a truly captivating dining experience.
And there was more to come.
Following dinner, guests were invited back through the doors they entered from to be welcomed by an entirely new space. During the dinner, Encore’s production team went to work to completely transform the Courtyard from a magical parkland into a vibrant concert-like space. The impact of the unveiling lived up to expectations with guests left speechless at the transformation and the spectacle that awaited them. Encore used creative lighting and haze to deliver an atmosphere that was sure to get the party started. Guests were entertained by FX Entertainment, a unique mosaic-mirror-clad duo that danced and performed mime. At the final turn of the decks by DJ DuJour, the event concluded. Whilst it was officially over, it was also officially an outstanding success with guests complimenting Grand Hyatt Melbourne and Encore on a truly wonderful evening.
Client comment:
“Thank you so much for the most magnificent dinner on Tuesday night. The whole experience was magnificent. The food was exceptional, every dish being a piece of art. The Melbourne theme was also beautifully executed. I may be copying it in the future!!”
Demonstrating innovation and creativity, Crown Melbourne & Encore invited key clients and industry guests to ‘Look through the cut glass’.
The immersive event demonstrated the future of 5 star hospitality and innovative event technology – where innovation meets ambiance.
Guests were invited to imagine a world where every beam of light dances through intricately designed cut glass crystal, casting a mesmerising kaleidoscope of colours that elevates events into a new level of sophistication.
This creative strategy set the tone for the event as we celebrated the two partners combine to one in true partnership.
In a stunningly presented room, Encore curated and produced all factettes of the experience bringing the vision to life & creating an extraordinary spectacle, through content, lighting and event technology, while art directing the entertainment and hospitality aspects of the event.
Like the refined colours and flavours of the carefully curated whisky presented in a cut glass, the luscious hospitality provided by Crown sung a symphony of flavour, whilst Encore’s innovative creativity, technology and production created a truly immersive experience.
It was an unforgettable evening, featuring the latest innovations such as a giant immersive LED Cube, LED DJ booth, in-door pyrotechnics, next-gen multimedia content, and entertainers encased in LED lighting cages alongside modular 3D LED constructs.
But the excitement didn’t end there! Our L-Acoustic speaker system, cranked up, filled the venue with thumping sound as DJ Eliza brought the good vibes from her custom-built booth.
The talented chefs and team from Crown Melbourne treated the VIP guests to impeccable catering including a floating antipasto table, delicious canapés, and refreshing Four Pillars cocktails served by the Crown Events and Conferencing team.
A final engagement element was Encore’s Chime platform which was used as custom event ap and linked the invite so guests could seamlessly learn about the event, team, products, offers and seamlessly RSVP. Then for the event and post event it was enabled as a networking platform so guest could see information on key stakeholders in the room and view brochures and gallery for the event. It will remain live so key clients and event organisers can reference it when they need to.
This event was truly immersive, as we not only created magical moments but also unveiled innovative event concepts and designs, explored the latest trends in immersive events, and celebrated the power of unforgettable experiences.
It wasn’t just another gathering – it was a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and client success! Together with Crown, Encore redefined that it’s not about the technology but about how to best use the technology to convey your creative strategy.
The Brief
Encore was engaged by, Mumbai based, BOI Media and Entertainment working with ICICI Prudential Life, to create a prestigious gala dinner for the ICICI Prudential Life 20th Starclub Incentive Conference. A five-day event celebrating the company’s top performers.
ICICI Prudential Life were offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to nearly 800 participants to be flown from India to Melbourne for the occasion.
The scale and prestige of this annual event is legendary and incentivises employees to strive for an invitation to the next trip. This trip however had been delayed since 2019 and would be the first since Covid and be among the first major events for the Encore team post-Covid.
One more important detail, Encore was now operating in a new world with higher wages and high inflation; so, the solution needed to be carefully thought through to deliver on the original concept without adding financial pressure.
The Solution
With India being a cricket-loving nation, BOI requested the theme for the Gala Dinner to be ‘Master Blasters’.
Through the use of kinetic lights, a 22m wide curved screen, table projections and extensive room lighting, the Grand Palladium room at Crown Melbourne gradually transformed and transported the audience to the grounds of the MCG.
Entertainers and chefs were specially flown in from India to add to the atmosphere and authenticity of the evening.
The Encore team found clever alternative solutions to reduce costs without reducing the impact. The team also leveraged their strong relationships with suppliers to deliver the project on budget but with no compromise on quality.
The Result
As soon as guests walked the red carpet into the Grand Palladium their jaws dropped.
The impact of the Gala Dinner was as dramatic and memorable as it was symbolic. It encompassed a cultural vibe for the Indian delegation and recognition of what Melbourne stands for as an international conference city.
Encore overcame monumental challenges to deliver an event that exceeded the high client expectations and was highly successfully for all stakeholders.
A magnificent result was delivered by Encore for BOI and ICICI Prudential Life; the team were back to black and gig fit!
Encore Event Technologies APAC orchestrated an unparalleled experience for 10,000 Chinese visitors during the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar in New Zealand.
This article highlights how Encore’s innovative approach to event creative, technology and production set a new industry benchmark, delivering an unforgettable journey that combined technological wizardry with cultural immersion.
The challenge
Over two months, 10,000 delegates were flown in 12 waves to New Zealand for the seminar, showcasing Amway’s commitment to recognising top performers. The program featured a series of events and excursions across Auckland and Queenstown, rewarding excellence and fostering brand allegiance among attendees.
Creative inspiration
The superscale events which took up more than 6,000 work hours included 155sqm LED screens, fifteen 20k projectors, 80 table projectors, eight curved screen projectors, four floor projectors, six semi-trailers hauling equipment and even an ice rink.
The concluding gala events held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and then the second streams at the Queenstown Ice Arena for the event highlight of the trip, treated guests to a spectacular night full of creative, technological wizardry and heart pumping entertainment.
Technological innovation
Encore’s technical expertise was showcased through the utilisation of cutting-edge equipment, including the L-Acoustics L2D Loudspeakers, setting a new standard in audio delivery. The event boasted superscale setups, including LED screens, projectors, and specialised effects, creating an immersive environment that captivated guests.
Production excellence
Managing the logistics of such a large-scale event was a significant undertaking for Encore, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. The production team dedicated over 6,000 work hours to ensure seamless execution, from rigging to immersive screen content creation.
Economic impact
Beyond its experiential success, the seminar had a substantial economic impact, generating an estimated NZ $40 million for the local economy. Encore’s collaboration with Auckland Convention Group and Queenstown Convention Bureau facilitated pre-event activities and accommodation arrangements, maximising the delegate experience.
Cultural celebration
The gala dinners held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and Queenstown Ice Arena were the highlight of the seminar, showcasing Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture and spirit. Encore’s creative approach incorporated lighting, sound, and visual elements to celebrate contemporary Māori culture, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
The result
Encore’s involvement in the Amway China Leadership Seminar exemplifies the transformative power of business events. By seamlessly blending technological innovation with cultural celebration, Encore created an experience that transcended traditional event boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on attendees and the host communities alike.
Encore’s tech spectacle for Amway China’s elite in NZ raises the bar in event production
Encore Event Technologies APAC have shattered the boundaries of event excellence, unveiling an unparalleled experience for 10,000 Chinese visitors that redefines the standards of extravagance. This was not just a celebration; it was an electrifying showcase of innovation and technology, a spectacle that will be etched in memory for a lifetime.
Picture this: a delegation flown to New Zealand in 12 waves, embarking on a two-month odyssey from October 9 to December 5 for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar. What awaited them was not just a series of gala dinners but a sensory explosion of sights and sounds meticulously crafted by Encore.
The pièce de résistance? A mind-blowing final gala night held 15 times throughout the period at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and the Queenstown Ice Arena. A year in the making, each event was a symphony of technological marvels and heart-stopping entertainment that left attendees breathless.
Picture this: a delegation flown to New Zealand in 12 waves, embarking on a two-month odyssey from October 9 to December 5 for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar. What awaited them was not just a series of gala dinners but a sensory explosion of sights and sounds meticulously crafted by Encore.
Now, let’s talk tech. Encore, always at the forefront of innovation, showcased the L-Acoustics L2D Loudspeakers, a game-changer that marked them as the sole APAC company outside the global pilot program. According to Daniel Lourenco, the Director of Innovation and Technology, these speakers aren’t just you average everyday line array speakers; they’re a revolution. “They give greater horizontal dispersion at the front of the stage, extreme amount of energy reproduction, quick and efficient setup time, resulting in a sound quality that frankly gives you goosebumps.“
The scale of these events was colossal, with over 6,000 work hours dedicated to an array of technology that would make your jaw drop. 155sqm LED screens, 15x 20K projectors, 80 table projectors, eight curved screen projectors, and an ice rink – yes, an ice rink – were just the tip of the technological iceberg. More than 600 hours of custom motion design content transported attendees through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand on a giant, mountain-shaped central LED.
Delegates in Queenstown were also treated to an incredible display on ice. Daniel explains, “The five skater performers wore 3D tracking beacons driven by Disguise software and we used real time generated tracking content utilising Notch and automated follow-system Zactrack for video and lighting tracking, leaving a visual trail of butterflies or fish. We also had the tracking system on the main performer which really added to his performance.”
To enable the artists to move around without having to walk or skate on the ice, Wahlberg remote controlled motorised platforms were flown in from Germany,
“Traditionally they are used to move stage platforms but we changed the tyres, put studs on them and converted them into bespoke purpose built platforms that we could use to drive the MC and lead singer to the stage and create a bridge to the VIP area. It worked surprisingly well after a lot of fine tuning and rehearsal. We put dedicated cameras in the roof to give the operators a bird’s eye view and attention to detail was paramount as we all understood the safety concerns, particularly around acceleration and deceleration.”
But it wasn’t just about visuals. Encore wove a technological tapestry, utilising Disguise software, Notch, and Zactrack for real-time 3D mapping, turning performances into mesmerising experiences with trails of butterflies and fish.
In the words of John Schryver – Special Events Director for Amway 2023
“We didn’t just aim for an event; we aimed for an extraordinary journey. The feedback from attendees confirms that we didn’t just meet expectations; we exceeded them, delivering an experience that was truly transformative and unforgettable.
For Encore the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar set a new benchmark for their event delivery capabilities, showcasing their aptitude for creating experiences that go beyond the ordinary, their global procurement networks, and their local knowledge and expertise.
Encore’s masterpiece in immersive event design & creative strategy produces a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime odyssey in New Zealand for Amway China’s top 10,000 reps.
The massive delegation of top Amway reps was flown to New Zealand in 12 waves over two months from 9 October to 5 December for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar, produced by Encore Event Technologies APAC.
Attendees were treated to an extensive program of events, seminars and excursions that rewarded exceptional performance and elevated brand allegiance whilst enjoying all the incredible sights and adventures New Zealand has to offer.
Encore dedicated their heavyweight creative, production and technology expertise to deliver a brand-defining set of ‘moments that matter’. These included pre-event tourist experiences, business sessions and 15 extravagant gala dinners with unforgettable show performances – embracing the organisation’s values and the best of New Zealand.
The superscale events which took more than 6,000 work hours to create included 155sqm LED screens, fifteen 20k projectors, 80 table projectors, eight curved screen projectors, four floor projectors, six semi-trailers hauling equipment and even an ice rink with advanced content tracking sensors to highlight live performers on the ice.
The concluding gala events held at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland and then the second streams at the Queenstown Ice Arena for the event highlight of the trip, treated guests to a spectacular creative visual feast and heart pumping entertainment.
An event of this magnitude required Encore’s special events teams to apply a systematic and creative approach to design a solution for this large-scale event. They began by applying a design thinking methodology to develop a creative strategy and event theming based on the client’s brief, their brand, the purpose of the event and profiles of attendees. The team considered every aspect of the delegate experience from creative design to technical and production solutions to devise an unforgettable event with lasting impact.
Encore APAC’s Creative Director, Julz Partington highlighted the significant role that ‘design thinking’ played in bringing these events to life.
“Design thinking is critical in everything that we do. We take a step back and we think about an event as a creative strategy and a journey. It really is about creating an immersive experience and combining creative, technical and production elements into a unified theme. From table decor, the set, entertainment, the sound and lighting. It’s all part of that strategy. And if you know what that creative strategy messaging is, then really it flows on from there”.
Design thinking is a process that puts understanding the event attendees and their needs at the forefront of design and decision-making; combining elements of empathy, ideation, and prototyping to create solutions that are both effective and user-focused.
“It’s not just about the hospitality, the technology or the decor but about all of these notes as a whole and ensuring that when they are put together they sing the same tune.” added Julz Partington.
“Design thinking is critical in everything that we do. We take a step back and we think about an event as a creative strategy and a journey...And if you know what the creative strategy messaging is, then everything else flows from there."
For the gala, a wide range of innovative technologies were used with panoramic scenes of New Zealand’s natural wonders played across a giant, mountain shaped central LED, flanked by additional curved projection screens and 3D-mapping on the stage floor. Snow machines, special effects and multi-sensory interactive displays of earth, water, fire and air dazzled guests.
Projection mapping was also used to enhance the whole experience. Each dining table and even individual plates had individual animated projected designs, which changed throughout the night to including stunning New Zealand themed creative themes and Amway branded designs.
“There is a VIP table which has their own dedicated mapping content. We’re also projection mapping the stage as well for when talent and performers are on stage, and it flows through to the LED […] in a customised configuration” – said Daniel Lourenco, Director of Innovation & Technology, Encore APAC
During meal service the giant, mountain-shaped LED display capped with imitation snow-caps underwent a dramatic transformation with lava projections oozing over the stage, creating an impressive backdrop for performers, Strings of Fire, who combined pyrotechnics and acrobatic stunts to music setting the stage literally ‘ablaze’.
Entertainment included trio JGEEKS who combined traditional Māori moves with modern dance techniques and humour, C-Pop singer Laurence Larson and multimedia performers Vosper Tron. Throughout the evening, care was taken to ensure the performances and scenography intertwined to reinforce Amway values of harmony, wonder and partnership.
Daniel Lourenco emphasised that all this was possible because of the strong creative direction from the outset and the team’s laser-focus on creating the best possible experience for attendees.
“It’s got to be something different, something special to make it memorable and something that they will take back with them and go, you know what, that was an absolutely amazing show”
Scott Nodsle, Encore’s Managing Director of APAC said the company’s mission has always been to ‘follow our customer’s journey and create events that transform and experiences that go beyond the ordinary’.
“Encore’s successful involvement in Amway China’s Leadership Seminar demonstrates how far business events can go beyond mere logistics to leave a lasting impact on attendees,”
“Events can be a catalyst for change, whether it’s inspiring new ideas, fostering meaningful connections, or driving positive transformation within an organisation,” said Mr Nodsle.
“So, it’s important to create an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and personal development.”
Mr Nodsle, further elaborates on the significance of creating bucket-list memories through international incentives in this article.