To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Million Dollar Lunch 2025 embraced a glamorous 1920s theme, blending Art Deco style with modern elegance. Inspired by the client’s wish to honour the event’s legacy, Encore’s creative team crafted a concept that balanced historical homage with contemporary sophistication. Held at Crown Melbourne, which also provided hospitality, the event delivered a transformative experience and raised over $2.2 million for the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Guests were welcomed through a draped tunnel entrance, styled with black panne and sheer fabrics, uplighting and florals, creating an immersive transition into the event. The atrium featured a Hall of Fame-style installation with custom-built gold metallic frames showcasing black-and-white imagery from past events. These were paired with gold mirror floor decals and hundreds of warm white pillar candles placed in formation up the centre of the staircase – an enchanting detail that delighted guests and set the tone for the evening.
Inside the Crown Palladium Ballroom, Encore transformed the space with an impressive, central chandelier custom-build by Encore featuring LED segments to form the Art Deco inspired chandelier shapes, plus a projection-mapped central section, all combining to echo the symmetry of the square stage below. Additional chandeliers were hung throughout the room; each draped in green velvet to reinforce the theme and add depth to the styling. These elements created a layered, cohesive look that blended traditional opulence with modern design.
The room was dressed in black pin-tuck linen, green velvet napkins, gold candle holders and rich floral arrangements in green, white and deep red. Even the glassware was selected to reflect the linear, cut-glass aesthetic of the era. The colour palette and textures were chosen to evoke the richness and glamour of the 1920s while maintaining a fresh, contemporary feel.
Entertainment was woven seamlessly into the guest experience. Aerial performers greeted guests in the atrium, dressed in gold hues accompanied by numerous performing feather fan dances beneath the aerial acts. Roaming talent included actors dressed as 1920s paparazzi and flapper dancers, adding theatrical flair. Live performances featured Grammy-winning artist Toni Childs and rising star Lottie Gallagher, both performing from the central stage. When MC [insert name/Toni Childs] unexpectedly stepped off stage to interact with the audience, Encore’s production team responded immediately; adjusting cameras, lighting and audio on the fly to follow her movements and preserve a flawless experience.
Encore also produced a full suite of multimedia content for LED screens, pixel totems, bar surrounds and media walls. Art Deco-inspired graphics, gold framing and marble textures were used consistently across all assets, ensuring a seamless visual journey from entrance to main event. The donation signage, including QR code prompts, was designed with the same luxury aesthetic, ensuring that even functional elements felt integrated and elevated.
The event’s success was not only measured in dollars raised but in the emotional impact and guest feedback. Attendees described the event as stunning, transformative and beautiful – a testament to the power of thoughtful design and seamless execution. The client and guest feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the theme, styling and immersive atmosphere.
Rianna Ponting, Chair of The Million Dollar Lunch Committee, was delighted with the 20tth anniversary year event commenting,
“Encore’s creative vision and attention to detail completely transformed the ballroom into a breathtaking celebration of our 20-year legacy. From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in a world of 1920s elegance – every element, from the hundreds of candles lining the staircase to the velvet-draped chandeliers and custom multimedia, was flawlessly executed. The team’s ability to respond in real time, especially during live performances, was exceptional.
The event was not only visually stunning but emotionally resonant, and the feedback from our guests has been overwhelmingly positive. Encore helped us create an unforgettable experience that honoured our past and inspired generosity for the future.”
Encore’s work on the Million Dollar Lunch 2025 exemplifies how creative vision, technical expertise and responsive production can come together to deliver an unforgettable event. By reimagining the 1920s through a modern lens and ensuring every detail aligned with the theme, Encore helped elevate MDL into a truly world-class experience.
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
Raising the bar in creative design: Encore creates an enchanted wonderland The Million Dollar Lunch
Encore transformed the Palladium at Crown Melbourne into a mystical wonderland experience for guests at The Million Dollar Lunch – the AFL’s annual fundraiser for Children’s Cancer Council.
Encore has partnered AFL to deliver the annual fundraiser for more than 10 years. For the recent event, the brief was to transform the gala into an elegant, immersive and never before seen experience for 600 guests.
From the beginning of the process, Encore’s event designers and creative project managers focused on the overall creative strategy. More than 100 hours went into the creative design phase with even more given to creative production, setup, client walk-throughs and show-day production. The Encore team then produced life-like 3D render illustrations, and technical illustrations to demonstrate their creative vision.
The theme of ‘Enchanted wonderland’, called for custom design/bespoke decals, décor, props, that all had to be designed, fabricated and installed within a tight timeframe.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Additionally, audio-visual technology and lighting scenes were masterfully developed to create and compliment the magical experience.
The storybook inspired décor elegantly-designed themed areas, cutting-edge audio-visual and lighting technology including LED Cubes displays were all integrated with the luxury venue to elevate the event into a never seen experience – certainly worthy of the name ‘Million Dollar’ lunch.
The Encore creative team paid particular focus on the guests’ journey through the magical experience. Guests arrived at the Atrium greeted by a custom floor decal reminiscent of a ‘rabbit hole’, signaling the start of a magical journey. As the guests made their way through the Atrium to the Palladium, they encountered checkered floor and vortex decals accompanied by oversized ‘this way – that way’ themed signage protruding out of whimsical floral bases. ‘Drink me’ carts with signature cocktails were serviced by storybook inspired characters.
At the end of the pre-function area, guests continued their adventure up the escalators where they were greeted by more storybook-inspired characters, inviting them to travel further through and entrance feature doors constructed as a giant book– like a literary portal to an enchanting world of fantasy and intrigue.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
As guests turned through the pages of the storybook tunnel, they entered the ‘Queens Court’ – a lusciously red-lit, velvet-draped room, decorated with chess-piece themed cocktail tables leading to a red and white floral-embellished throne set in front of an illuminated backdrop. The Queen sat on an all-white throne greeting guests in character.
Guests had a photo opportunity at the Queen’s Court before finding their allocated seats on the digital display kiosk before walking into the main room and the adventures within.
Following the red-lit, heart shaped themed Queen’s Court, guests entered into a lush green scenery – a wonderland garden complete with giant plants, forest ferns, décor mushrooms and wildlife; including an ornate, oversized candelabra – flanking a Neon arch entrance drawing guests into a spinning world of a ‘Topsy turvy tea party’.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
The main room was themed as a whimsical and lush garden tea party and featured a central main stage for formalities and a satellite stage hosting the live band. Encore paid special attention to radial sound dispersion from a centralised audio cluster given its flown location and guests being seated around the central stage.
Lighting was precisely designed to perfectly complement the event theme with both intelligent beam fixtures, custom designed GOBO’s and a series of colour wash across the venue. The lighting effects were stunning as the light shimmered and sparkled against the silver sequin drapes that lined the perimeter of the room.
Encore utilised the latest in LED display technology constructing six giant LED cubes suspended from the ceiling, running customised content. These innovative displays were used to create hype moments with custom animations produced by Encore featuring live tally of funds raised as record donations poured in.
Pocket watches hung from the ceiling with themed animations showcasing each auction item and show the formalities, while also showing live to camera shots of the entertainment, MC and speeches.
“Their creativity and technology solutions are just simply mind blowing. They are the best in the business when it comes to creating immersive themed events”
Tables draped in green velvet overlays and custom printed doily bases created a unique tea party style including enchanted florals, teacups, glass candlesticks, butterflies, and tall candelabras.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Once the formalities were complete, VIP guests were surprised to find the seamless sequin drapes peel open up to reveal a speakeasy afterparty!
The creative for this room was inspired by the key and the bronze and checker elements. The magic continued with an infinity, LED checkered dance floor and ‘Key hole’ DJ stage. The attention to detail extended to an enchanted floating desert table offering yummy treats.
The Million Dollar Lunch event raised more than $2.9 million in much needed funds for the Children’s Cancer Council.
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Photo credits: Jonathan DiMaggio; Graham Denholm
Long-term client of over 20 year, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation approach Encore to again deliver their annual Balmoral Burn Sponsors Dinner. This year was to be particularly special as it was the 20th anniversary of the event. The Balmoral Burn is a gruelling 420m run up Awaba Steet in Mosman, one of the steepest hills in Sydney, where corporates, schools and individuals taking part to raise money for the Foundation.
The Sponsors’ event was attended by patrons including Ray Martin, Jane Fleming and Rugby legend Phil Kearns who came up with the concept 20 years ago.
For this year’s event the brief was to transform a unique space like a marquee on the beach into a gala atmosphere, bringing in warmth and light through every aspect. Working with Humpty partners Ted and Co, the enchanting atmosphere began outside, where the technical team created lighting effects to illuminate the pathways toward the marquee and into the main room. On entering the room main the marquee roof was illuminated by decorative gobos. Event branding was showcased with high impact using Encore’s Pixel Totems displaying imagery from previous events. To further enhance branding behind the main stage, a large 3.6m wide by 3m high digital banner was erected between the Scenic Panels to display Humpty’s Balmoral Burn graphics. Warm amber strip lighting was used to cast a beautiful glow over the beachfront, which was visible through the clear marquee wall. A nice effect to add depth to the event design.
Screens were set up all around the room and displayed video showcases of Humpty’s great which raises funds for much needed medical equipment for sick children in hospitals across Australia. Beautiful lighting again illuminated the space creating a gala atmosphere. Beautiful Scenic Panels frame the stage, while tables were decorated by stunning centrepieces by Ted and Co which complemented the event design perfectly.
Encore’s National Sales Director, Michael Magafa commented on the event,
“Each year the team strives to come up with a new, creative for this worthwhile event and this was no exception. The result was an inspiring, emotional and rewarding celebration for this fantastic cause. The team always approach this event with excitement and strive to do something new and creative each year. We excel with our experience. We know the event intimately and it is the small details that ensure everything goes to plan,” said Michael.
Claire Reaney, from the Humpty Dumpty Foundation was delighted with this year’s event,
“We always look forward to our annual Sponsor Dinner as it’s our opportunity to acknowledge our supporters. The Encore team always come up with new and creative ways to make the event memorable.”
Encore Event Technologies delivered an out of this world theme for The Million Dollar Lunch 2018. The ‘Galaxies’ inspired theme was brought to life via complete event staging solution. We created a ‘spaceship’ look using 14 Hex Panels with custom 3D-effect projection to reflect the windows of a spaceship. Internally lit sci-fi inspired spheres became the hero of the centrepieces as guests wined and dined beneath a glittering galaxy created using a bespoke draping installation. It was a record breaking event for The Children’s Cancer Foundation and we were proud to be the partner behind delivering this coveted event at our venue partner, Crown Melbourne.
Mark Holmes, Executive General Manager – Food & Beverage, Crown Melbourne, spoke about the event’s success,
“Encore Event Technologies were once again able to deliver and ensure the event was a success! As a valued partner they contribute in terms of every aspect of the event from the initial concept, to design, to flow and of course the content – once again a memorable event was delivered – thank you. The entire luncheon was seamless and remained true to our objectives, while contributing to a very worthy cause.”
This year’s The Million Dollar Lunch set new benchmarks for event design, raising over $2.1 million for The Children’s Cancer Foundation at Crown Melbourne. The fundraising event was a visual splendour with Encore’s in-house team transforming The Palladium under the playful theme In Full Bloom. Encore delivered a fully immersive experience by treating every surface in the room with a mixed media approach, seamlessly blending large paper flowers with projection mapping, with scale and colour at its core.