Australian Defence Industry Awards (ADIA) 2025
ADIA 2025: A Celebration of Excellence, Elevated by World-Class Production
The Australian Defence Industry Awards returned in 2025 as the most anticipated event on the Defence calendar, once again recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses and professionals across the sector. Held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra for the fourth consecutive year, the black-tie gala brought together industry leaders from across the country for a night of celebration, innovation and national pride.
Encore was once again entrusted by Captivate Events to deliver the production for this prestigious event. With a brief from the client to replicate the successful delivery by Encore in the previous four years and elevate the experience even further, the team set out to create an immersive, elegant environment that matched the calibre of the awards.
From the moment the 700+ guests entered the room, the transformation of the venue was evident. The space was styled with sophistication and technical precision, combining architectural structure with atmospheric lighting and seamless audio-visual integration. Every detail was considered to ensure the evening flowed effortlessly from start to finish.
A Stage Designed to Impress
The custom-built stage, designed to be both functional and visually commanding, was framed by a robust truss structure that supported a giant LED screen suspended above, featuring a mix of flat and curved panels. This screen became a dynamic storytelling surface, displaying sponsor reels, award content and visual transitions that guided the evening’s narrative.
Flanking the stage were two towering portrait-oriented projection screens, used for IMAG (Image Magnification) to ensure every guest had a clear view of the action. The truss system also supported lighting fixtures, Speaker Systems and Draping and was integrated cleanly into the overall design, adding structure without distraction.
Creating Space Through Design
To enhance the sense of scale, floor to ceiling draping was installed down the length of the room to reduce the overall width to remove any “dead space” while still proving ample room for the attendees to move around during networking. These softened the venue’s edges and created a clean, elegant backdrop that unified the space. The drapes also served as a canvas for a carefully designed room wash and Diamondback fixtures, which cast a tall, even glow across the walls and into the ceiling. The result was a room that felt expansive and immersive, wrapped in warmth and sophistication.
Elevating Sponsorship with Light
Sponsorship visibility was seamlessly integrated into the design through the use of custom GOBO projections. These were strategically placed to cast sponsor logos onto the draped walls, creating elegant moments of brand presence that felt organic and elevated. The GOBOs added a dynamic visual layer, reinforcing partnerships without overwhelming the aesthetic.
Precision in Sound and Execution
The audio experience was delivered with clarity and balance using a full L-Acoustics system, including Kara line arrays for the main and delay PA systems, Kiva line arrays for front fill and KS28 and SB18 subwoofers for bass reinforcement. X8 speakers were used for band foldback, ensuring performers had the sound quality needed for a polished performance during meal breaks and transitions. An additional L’Acoustics Syva system was deployed in the foyer for pre-function entertainment.
Every element of the production, from lighting cues to transitions between award categories, was executed with precision. The result was a cohesive, elevated experience that ran like clockwork.
A Lasting Impression
The feedback from both the client and attendees was overwhelmingly positive. The room looked stunning, the atmosphere was electric, and the production delivered on every front. This wasn’t just an awards night – it was a moment of pride, recognition and inspiration that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
