Sydney, NSW — 5 July, 2024 — Hilton Sydney in partnership with Encore, has launched an extraordinary new era in event excellence with their latest showcase, featuring a revolutionary approach to their culinary offering and industry-leading event services. This dynamic event enveloped guests in cutting-edge technology and innovative service offerings, setting a new standard for memorable experiences at Hilton Sydney.
The event was a feast for the senses, captivating media, stakeholders and buyers with seven specialty food stations, including caviar and Peking duck, interactive food displays, premium Champagnes, wines, cocktails, and sakes from around the world. Attendees were also treated to a stellar lineup of live entertainment, from Japanese drummers and an interactive tuna cutting ceremony by masters Ishii San and Ryu Toru to performances by a string duo, flutist and bands Bermuda Social and Larger than Lions.
Under the visionary direction of Executive Chef Hamish Neale, Hilton Sydney unveiled a bold, flexible, and agile culinary concept for events. This new approach is designed to be as expansive and dramatic as budgets allow, celebrating global influences and unrestricted creativity.
“Event organisers place so much time, money and investment into organising quality, bespoke events only to be faced with generic food packages that can often be restrictive or uninspired and this is absolutely not the case at Hilton Sydney” Neale explained.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that no matter where you dine in our hotel you will be experiencing an unforgettable culinary experience.”
Encore’s collaboration with Hilton Sydney also introduced groundbreaking production innovations at the showcase.
New creative technologies included Flown LED Banners, Ayrton Rivale Profiles, Astera Titan Tubes, Projection Mapping, Prolights Diamondbacks, and Animated Holding Graphics. These advanced tools enable stunning visual effects, interactive pathways, and bespoke content tailored to each event’s vision.
Malcolm Zancanaro, General Manager of Hilton Sydney, highlighted the value of this partnership:
“Encore’s partnership with Hilton Sydney allows us to offer an enhanced guest experience with access to new, unique and immersive technologies which include incredible uses and applications of light and LED to create theatrical moments, presentations, theming and pathways. Our guests have unrivalled access to some of the world’s most advanced technologies to create events that are a cut above the rest.“
Nicole Russell, Regional General Manager NSW, QLD & ACT added,
“Our partnership with Hilton Sydney means we can give our guests an amazing experience combining culinary innovations with cutting-edge, immersive technologies. We’re talking about incredible uses of light and LED to create stunning theatrical moments, presentations, themes and pathways. Our guests get access to some of the most advanced technologies available in our industry, making their events truly stand out.“
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 Event Technologies is thrilled to announce its selection as the exclusive in-house creative event production partner for Crown Resorts in Sydney, Melbourne, and now Perth. This prestigious partnership, following a highly competitive bid process, solidifies Encore’s reputation as a leader in delivering exceptional event experiences in Australia’s top luxury hotels.
Encore’s new role as the in-house event production partner for Crown Resorts across three major cities is a significant achievement that reflects the company’s expertise, creativity, and commitment to delivering unparalleled event experiences.
Encore’s role at Crown Resorts involves managing a wide range of events, from corporate galas and conferences to weddings and private celebrations. The team at Encore will collaborate closely with the Crown Resorts team to ensure every event is executed flawlessly, with a seamless blend of luxury and creativity that exceeds expectations.
“We are honoured to be the exclusive event production partner for Crown Resorts in Sydney, Melbourne, and now Perth,” said Scott Nodsle, Managing Director, International (EMEA & APAC).
“This partnership allows us to bring our expertise to some of Australia’s most iconic luxury resorts, and we are excited to create unforgettable events that will leave a lasting impression.”
Crown Resorts offers a luxurious backdrop for events, with state-of-the-art facilities, stunning architecture, and a commitment to exceptional customer service. The venues in Crown Sydney, Crown Melbourne, and Crown Perth feature flexible event spaces, gourmet dining options, and breathtaking views, providing the perfect setting for any event.
Encore’s partnership with Crown Resorts further expands its network of in-house partnerships in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific. With this new collaboration, Encore continues to set the standard for creative event production, ensuring that every event is a unique and memorable experience.
We are delighted to share that Encore was awarded the National Incentive Event of the Year at the Meetings Events Australia National Awards on Thursday 13 June. This honour highlights our exceptional production of the gala dinners for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar.
Encore’s talented team orchestrated 15 awe-inspiring events across two iconic New Zealand venues, featuring a massive LED wall with captivating, themed designs, stunning table projections, special effects, and extraordinary performances. The outcome? A series of unforgettable evenings that celebrated Amway’s top achievers in grand style.
Back in May 2024, Encore won the NSW State Award for the same event.
Both the the State and National awards acknowledges the immense creativity, technical brilliance, and seamless teamwork that went into creating the stunning series of events for Amway’s Diamond-level top performers.
Over a two-month period from October to December 2023, a delegation of 10,000 Chinese visitors experienced a memorable and awe-inspiring series of events across New Zealand as part of Amway’s extensive recognition program. The celebrations culminated in 15 spectacular gala dinners held at two iconic venues: Auckland’s Viaduct Event Centre and Queenstown’s Ice Arena.
Encore’s award-winning production featured a stunning array of innovative technologies and creative design elements that left guests in awe. The highlight of the galas was a jaw-dropping visual spectacle that included a blended 180-degree projection screen, 80 spectacular table projectors, special effect lasers, snow machines, and multisensory interactive displays representing earth, water, fire, and air. The immersive content, seamlessly integrated into the event’s theme, showcased New Zealand’s natural beauty and Amway’s core values of harmony, wonder, and partnership.
During each gala dinner, the Viaduct Event Centre and Queenstown’s Ice Arena underwent dramatic transformations with breathtaking visual effects, including lava projections and stunning custom motion design content across both locations. Guests were treated to high-energy performances by Strings of Fire, JGEEKS, C-Pop singer Laurence Larson, and multimedia performers Vosper Tron, all perfectly choreographed to create a captivating and unforgettable experience.
Encore’s success in executing this complex and large-scale production is a testament to the team’s creativity, expertise, and dedication. The journey began one year prior with a competitive pitch and continued with meticulous planning, including initial design concepts, storyboarding, and first renders, leading up to the remarkable final galas.
Michael Magafa, Commercial Director APAC, was delighted with the win, commenting,
“I'm thrilled to share the fantastic news of our win! This achievement is more than just an award—it’s a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication that our team brings to every project."
Producing the gala dinners for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar was an incredible feat. It challenged us to push the boundaries of what an incentive event could be, and I’m proud to say that our team rose to the occasion. We crafted a series of breathtaking experiences that not only celebrated the outstanding achievements of Amway’s Diamond-level performers, but also set a new standard for event production.”
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Amway China, our client, for giving us the opportunity to create such a breathtaking event and of course our phenomenal team for making this achievement possible.
Encore in Fiji, proudly announces the launch of VULITARA, its dedicated technical training program aimed at fostering local talent and providing opportunities for the younger generation to thrive in the dynamic events industry.
Launch event highlights
The launch event was a vibrant and culturally rich celebration of the spirit of Fijian heritage and community. Held at Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spaon May 29, 2024, the event was a testament to Encore’s dedication to empowering local youth through education and opportunity.
The event began with a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony, featuring a meke dance performance that highlighted the cultural significance of the initiative. This was followed by formal introduction from Tim Keeling, Encore General Manager Pacific & Queensland, who emphasised the transformative potential of the VULITARA program.
Guests included community members from Somosomo village in the Yasawa islands, local dignitaries from Denarau, industry leaders, hotel managers and the aspiring trainees and their families, all of whom enjoyed the interactive sessions. One of the key highlights was the surprise presentation of the trainee’s personal gear, uniforms and equipment by three star players of the Fijian Dura national rugby team. . Next there was a live demonstration of Encore’s latest advanced technical production equipment the trainees will be learning.
The event also featured a cocktail function, allowing trainees and their families to connect with industry experts and mentors. This interaction aimed to inspire and motivate the young attendees, highlighting the supportive community that Encore fosters.
The launch event not only marked the beginning of the VULITARA Technical Training Program, but also celebrated the unity and collaborative spirit of Encore and the local community in Fiji. It reinforced Encore’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders and contributing to the vibrant future of Fiji’s economy.
Program background
VULITARA, derived from the Fijian word for “Internship,” reflects Encore’s commitment to nurturing aspiring professionals and supporting their journey towards excellence. This initiative underscores Encore’s dedication to investing in the future of Fiji’s event production landscape.
The VULITARA program is designed to offer participants a comprehensive learning experience across various facets of event management, including customer service, sound engineering, lighting design, stagecraft, theming, sales strategies, and operational insights. Interns will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills under the guidance of seasoned industry professionals.
“Our ultimate goal with VULITARA is to not only provide valuable training but also to integrate successful candidates into our full-time team,” says Tim Keeling, Encore General Manager Pacific & Queensland. “We believe in empowering individuals to reach their full potential while contributing to Encore’s mission of growth and expansion throughout Fiji.”
“We are excited to invite passionate and driven individuals to join us in shaping the future of Fiji’s event production industry. VULITARA is not just a training program; it’s a commitment to Fiji and its people.”
Encore prides itself on being more than just an employer; it’s a community where individuals are valued for their unique talents and contributions. Trainees participating in VULITARA can expect a supportive environment where they are encouraged to connect with their work, customers, and peers, fostering personal and professional growth.
We are thrilled to announce an exciting project with Westlake Boys High School Auditorium, which saw Encore make a significant donation of audio visual equipment no longer in use in the business. Around 50 motorised theatre lighting units and other equipment has found a new home at the school, enhancing their capabilities for future productions.
Encore was upgrading the lighting rig at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel, and in doing so recognised that the installed motorised lights still had plenty of life left in them. Instead of discarding them, Encore made the decision to donate these units to the school.
The auditorium technicians are always looking for the best way to deploy their existing technology and the donated equipment will greatly enhance their existing systems. Additionally, students in the technical production classes will have the exciting opportunity to learn how to operate the advanced lighting units, further enriching their educational experience.
We eagerly anticipate seeing these lights in action during upcoming Westlake Productions. This donation not only enhances the school’s technical capabilities but also strengthens Encore’s commitment to ESG and our community.
We look forward to the school illuminating their stage with creativity and innovation in the years to come.
Encore is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Nodsle as Managing Director, International (APAC & EMEA). In his new role, Scott will provide strategic leadership and oversight for Encore’s operations in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia-Pacific) regions.
Scott’s appointment underscores Encore’s commitment to strengthening its international presence and delivering world-class service to clients across diverse markets. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Scott brings invaluable insight and expertise to his expanded role.
In his new role, Scott will be responsible for supporting Encore teams, partners, and customers, with a primary focus on driving business growth, expanding the customer base, and establishing a global network of support to ensure seamless service delivery.
As a seasoned leader with a proven track record of success, Scott possesses extensive experience. Coupled with his passion for fostering talent and delivering exceptional experiences, this makes him the ideal candidate to lead Encore’s international operations.
Scott joined Encore in 2000 and has held various key roles within the company, including Managing Director – APAC, Group Operations Director – EMEA, and Divisional Vice President of Southern US. His diverse background and deep understanding of the industry position him well to drive Encore’s continued success in international markets.
“I am honoured to take on this new role and excited to lead Encore’s international operations into the next phase of growth,” said Scott. “I am committed to empowering our teams, strengthening our partnerships, and ensuring that Encore continues to deliver outstanding experiences and events worldwide.”
Scott holds a Master of Business Administration and Management, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Business Management and Entrepreneurship, both from Texas A&M University. He currently resides in Sydney with his wife and two sons.
Encore announced today it received a bronze medal from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. Awarded during Earth Week, this medal applies to all Encore global operations, including international subsidiaries and Hargrove from Encore.
Encore earned a place in the top 11% of companies rated by EcoVadis in the Conventions and Tradeshows sector and in the 83rd percentile of 125,000 companies rated globally.
EcoVadis is the global standard for business sustainability ratings. The EcoVadis assessment evaluates 21 sustainability criteria across four core themes: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement.
“We know that our customers are looking for partners that share an interest in taking care of people, the planet and demonstrating corporate responsibility and we are proud to be making meaningful strides in those areas,” said Patrick Sullivan, Global Director of Sustainability at Encore. “EcoVadis is a globally recognised benchmark of performance related to a company’s sustainability practices and to be recognised with a bronze medal shows our commitment. We are genuinely encouraged by the acknowledgement from EcoVadis to recognise our global efforts on our sustainable and social impact journey.”
Encores areas of success include outstanding policies in all four core themes (environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement), demonstrated results to promote diversity and inclusion to prevent discrimination, actions to support employee health and safety and career development, and measures to monitor and reduce consumption and emissions.
Encore has been certified at a regional level in APAC (Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong) and DACHNL (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Netherlands), and EMEA (France and Monaco, UAE, UK) in previous years.
Scott Nodsle, Managing Director, International Operations which covers APAC and EMEA commented,
“We’re delighted to have received the global EcoVadis medal. This honour reflects the dedication and hard work of our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) teams around the world, who are striving to make Encore a more sustainable company.
We recognise that our venue partners and clients are increasingly investing in sustainable practices and choosing suppliers and partners who share their commitment. This award is a significant step in showing that we are on the right track.”
EcoVadis’ business sustainability ratings are based on international sustainability standards such as the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the ISO 26000 standard. The ratings provide an evidenced-based analysis on performance and an actionable roadmap for continuous improvement. Read more about Encore’s responsible business program, Committed to our People and Planet.
Encore has been awarded the prestigious State (NSW) award in the Meetings & Events Australia Awards for Incentive Event of the Year for their production of the gala dinners for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar. This award acknowledges the immense creativity, technical brilliance, and seamless teamwork that went into creating the stunning series of events for Amway’s Diamond-level top performers.
Over a two-month period from October to December 2023, a delegation of 10,000 Chinese visitors experienced a memorable and awe-inspiring series of events across New Zealand as part of Amway’s extensive recognition program. The celebrations culminated in 15 spectacular gala dinners held at two iconic venues: Auckland’s Viaduct Event Centre and Queenstown’s Ice Arena.
Encore’s award-winning production featured a stunning array of innovative technologies and creative design elements that left guests in awe. The highlight of the galas was a jaw-dropping visual spectacle that included a blended 180-degree projection screen, 80 spectacular table projectors, special effect lasers, snow machines, and multisensory interactive displays representing earth, water, fire, and air. The immersive content, seamlessly integrated into the event’s theme, showcased New Zealand’s natural beauty and Amway’s core values of harmony, wonder, and partnership.
During each gala dinner, the Viaduct Event Centre and Queenstown’s Ice Arena underwent dramatic transformations with breathtaking visual effects, including lava projections and stunning custom motion design content across both locations. Guests were treated to high-energy performances by Strings of Fire, JGEEKS, C-Pop singer Laurence Larson, and multimedia performers Vosper Tron, all perfectly choreographed to create a captivating and unforgettable experience.
Encore’s success in executing this complex and large-scale production is a testament to the team’s creativity, expertise, and dedication. The journey began one year prior with a competitive pitch and continued with meticulous planning, including initial design concepts, storyboarding, and first renders, leading up to the remarkable final galas.
Michael Magafa, Commercial Director APAC, was delighted with the win, commenting,
“I'm thrilled to share the fantastic news of our win! This achievement is more than just an award—it’s a testament to the hard work, creativity, and dedication that our team brings to every project."
Producing the gala dinners for the 2023 Amway China Leadership Seminar was an incredible feat. It challenged us to push the boundaries of what an incentive event could be, and I’m proud to say that our team rose to the occasion. We crafted a series of breathtaking experiences that not only celebrated the outstanding achievements of Amway’s Diamond-level performers, but also set a new standard for event production.”
Encore proudly announces its selection by luxury hotel Sheraton Grand Mirage as the exclusive in-house partner to deliver creative event production services following a highly competitive bid process. The prestigious partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, reaffirming their commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences in the heart of the Gold Coast.
After a rigorous selection process, Encore was appointed, securing the coveted contract to return to Sheraton Grand Mirage as its trusted partner in delivering exceptional events. This achievement underscores Encore’s reputation for excellence and their proven ability to exceed client expectations in the creation of luxurious experiences and truly unique events.
“Sheraton Grand Mirage together with Marriot conducted a thorough evaluation of potential partners and Encore stood out as the clear choice due to their unparalleled expertise, creativity and dedication to customer service excellence,” said Scott Breen, Hotel Manager, Sheraton Grand Mirage. “We are thrilled to welcome them back as our in-house partner and look forward to creating unforgettable experiences together.”
With this exclusive partnership, guests of Sheraton Grand Mirage can anticipate a seamless blend of luxury accommodation and world-class event delivery. From elegant corporate galas, to engaging conferences, weddings and other unique experiences, Encore will collaborate closely with the hotel team to ensure every event is executed flawlessly, surpassing even the highest expectations.
“We are honoured to have been selected as the exclusive in-house partner for Sheraton Grand Mirage and are excited to continue our journey together,” said Scott Nodsle, Managing Director, International.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to customer service excellence and innovation, and we are dedicated to delivering exceptional event experiences that leave a lasting impression.”
The appointment further grows Encore’s expanding network of in-house partnerships in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific.
Sheraton Grand Mirage provides a stunning environment for large meetings, intimate social events and everything in between. The venue provides 14 flexible meeting rooms perfect for meeting, connecting and collaborating, in iconic event spaces, which overlooks the resort’s lagoons and offers panoramic ocean views. With spectacular restaurants, a contemporary bar and a swim-up pool bar, the resort is a perfect location from meeting and learning during the day, to sundown celebration or relaxation.