Up, up and Amway: world-first moments, curated by Encore Event Technologies

Amway China Leadership Seminar wrapped up in Melbourne last week, with the event hosting nearly 16,000 delegates; making the ‘Festival of Amway’ the largest incentive to ever be held in Australia, and one of the largest incentive events from China.

Amway China’s top sellers arrived from Mainland China, in waves of 2,500 to 3,000 people, each experiencing five days and four nights of business seminars, tours, and a gala dinner extravaganza curated by Encore Event Technologies at the Melbourne Showgrounds. The Festival of Amway incentive generated $100 million in economic impact for the State.

For Encore, the planning and delivery of the events spread over a 12-month period, from pitch in May 2024, to briefing in August, with six months to design and deliver full creative until delivery for the April 2025 events.

Between 1 to 30 April 2025, Encore delivered more than 11,000 hours of labour to curate a mammoth production for the Festival of Amway, ranging from engineering to entertainment and choreography, staging, lighting, audio-visual and pyrotechnics. They drew on their in-house heavyweight creatives, production and technology experts to deliver a brand-defining set of ‘moments that matter’ for a truly personalised experience.

The experience started the moment delegates landed in Australia, as Encore Event Technologies staged branded welcome installations in the foyers of each of the 8 Hotels. The business and entertainment program was full to the brim, including a 2.5 hour business conference, a cocktail party accompanied by non-stop entertainment, a gala dinner featuring projections, entertainment and pyrotechnics. The events were delivered in Mandarin, with English speech translation.

The gala dinner featured a 3-course dinner, catered by Melbourne Showgrounds, serving 4.5 tonnes of beef wagyu, 11,000 lobsters, and 16,000 jars of branded lollies as an accompaniment to dessert.

Encore delivered over 2,500sqm LED screens, 190 metres of projection surface, immersing the audience in light, soundscape and visuals. But it was the world-first 35-metre-tall hot air balloon that stole the show, lifting 30m off the ground, with 3D projection mapping in time to a customised soundtrack.

The Festival of Amway’s entertainment program paid homage to some of the incredible destinations Amway China has visited, tapping into the emotion and memories made in global destinations across three decades.

The show opened with Amway’s flower of Total Wellness brought to life, followed by a journey through eight continents including South-East Asia, the Middle East, Spain, Paris, NYC, LA, Las Vegas and Melbourne.

The action-packed, non-stop 15 minute opener featured top echelon artists and entertainers from Melbourne and around the world including: Vietnamese dancers, Arabian belly dancers, Opera singer, ballet dancers and a flash mob cast; Flamenco guitarist, World champion Latin dancers, 40 can-can dancers, 25 dancing gents, LA Showgirls, ‘Elvis’, roller-skaters and BMX riders from global sensation Nitro Circus. A custom-made 3-metre cube gift box shot confetti and dandelion flowers on cue, wrapping up the opening segment. Additional touches included 3D glasses, adding an extra dimension to visuals, a commemorative programme booklet including a collectible magnet opening to reveal the program and performers’ bios.

“Delivering the largest incentive event ever held in Australia was not just a milestone for Amway China — it was a defining moment for Encore,” said Scott Nodsle, CEO of Encore Event Technologies APAC. “From concept to execution, we brought together creativity, precision and scale to craft an experience that was not only unforgettable, but truly world-class.”, he added.

Guests will soon return home, taking the memories, energy, and spectacle of an experience filled with technological wizardry and heart-pumping entertainment.

The successful bid for the ‘Festival of Amway’ was a collaboration between Melbourne Royal, Melbourne Convention Bureau, and the Victorian State Government, which was secured in 2023, after competing in a national and international competitive bid.

Encore has a long history of delivering experiences for Amway, the direct selling business, having devised similar trips for delegations from Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, South Korea and Russia over the past 18 years in addition to other events for international clients.

About Encore

Encore creates memorable experiences that engage and transform organisations. As the global leader for event technology and production services, Encore’s team of creators, innovators and experts deliver real results through strategy and creative, advanced technology, digital, environmental, staging, and digital solutions. Encore operates in more than 20 countries throughout Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and across the SE Asia North, plus locations in America, Europe and the Middle East.

Encore is the trusted partner of choice for leading hotels and venues worldwide and has been awarded the Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) Special Event of the Year Award and Incentive Event of the Year on multiple occasions. The company is headquartered in Sydney for the APAC region.

Encore ANZPAC has announced significant leadership changes in Fiji, marking an exciting new chapter for the company. Long-term Regional Director Rosy Managreve has been promoted to Regional Director of Event Technology Fiji and will oversee the next phase for Encore in the region. Rosy has been a key figure within the Fiji business for many years, and this promotion is a testament to their dedication and effectiveness. Under Rosy’s guidance, Encore Fiji is expected to continue thriving and growing.

In light of this change and after two decades of dedicated service leading Encore’s business in the Pacific, Adam Blyth will be transitioning to Hawaii to assume a new role of Area Director, Venues – Ohau Hawaii with Encore. Adam’s leadership and active role in the local community have been pivotal to Encore’s success in Fiji, and the executive team deeply appreciates his significant contributions.

Tim Keeling, General Manager – New Zealand, Asia & the Pacific commented on the changes,

“We are excited about the leadership changes in Fiji. Rosy’s promotion is well-deserved, and we are confident that she will lead Encore Fiji to new heights. Adam has been a cornerstone of our success in the Pacific, and we wish him all the best in Hawaii.”

Rosy Managreve commented on her appointment,

“I am honoured to take on this new role and lead Encore Fiji. We have a fantastic team here, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead. I look forward to continuing our commitment to local development and leveraging our global resources to achieve even greater success.”

Adam Blyth shared a warm farewell to the Fiji team, saying,

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have led Encore’s efforts in the Pacific for the past 20 years. It has been a very rewarding experience, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I look forward to my new role in Hawaii and continuing to contribute to Encore’s success.”

Encore Fiji is proud to be a local company, employing locals, developing local talent, and being supported by global resources. This commitment to local development is at the heart of the company’s operations and will continue this tradition under Rosy’s leadership.

This leadership announcement comes on the heels of Encore being named one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025 by Fortune magazine. The 100 Best Companies to Work For list honours companies that build a high-trust workplace environment. Encore’s inclusion on this list is a testament to the company’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Encore Event Technologies is pleased to announce its new partnership with Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, a luxury resort renowned for its stunning oceanfront location and state-of-the-art event facilities. This collaboration marks another milestone in Encore’s expanding presence in Fiji, further establishing the company as a leader in world-class event production services in the region.

Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa: Meetings & Events

The resort offers the island’s only convention centre equipped with flexible facilities that can be adapted into smaller spaces to accommodate multiple or combined events. Additionally, the resort includes several stunning ballrooms, each offering a distinctive setting for a wide range of events, from immersive galas to high-impact conferences.

Encore’s partnership will enhance the event experience at Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, providing the resort with in-house access to its award-winning event production services. From corporate conferences and exhibitions to destination weddings and exclusive celebrations, Encore’s team of creative and technical experts will ensure each event is executed to the highest standard, creating unforgettable moments for clients and their guests.

“Encore is thrilled to collaborate with Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, a stunning venue that aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering extraordinary event experiences,” said Scott Nodsle, Managing Director International. “This partnership allows us to offer our clients an unparalleled blend of luxury and cutting-edge event services in one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.”

Adam Blyth, Area Director Fiji at Encore expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“We are excited to expand our partnership portfolio with Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa. Our team’s deep experience in delivering exceptional events throughout Fiji positions us perfectly to support this premier venue. We look forward to bringing our expertise and innovative solutions to enhance the guest experience and set new benchmarks for event excellence in the region.”
This partnership reflects Encore’s ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint in Fiji and delivering outstanding event services that exceed client expectations, setting new standards in the region.

About Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Nadi Bay, Crowne Plaza® offers a luxurious experience with spectacular ocean views and premium amenities. From versatile event spaces to exceptional dining and leisure facilities, the resort provides an ideal setting for conferences, weddings, and special events. Whether for an intimate beachfront celebration or a large corporate gathering or exhibition, Crowne Plaza® Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa serves as the ultimate backdrop for memorable occasions.

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.