Million Dollar Lunch 2025 – A Masterclass in Creative Design and Seamless Production
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.
