Media Release: AVPartners promotes Ben Davis to Technical Event Manager at Crown Perth

Leading audiovisual service provider AVPartners has appointed Ben Davis to a sales role at Crown Perth.

With over 12 years experience in the industry, Ben brings his unique skill set and passion for events into his new role.

Ben previously worked as a Technical Director at the venue. Ben has extensive experience in the day to day running of audio, visual and lighting, along with coordinating staff, event set up and pack down, and liaising with clients.

His new role will see Ben nurture and build on client relationships while creating event concepts to suit their AV needs.

Commenting on his new role, Ben said, “I’m excited to work with our loyal clients on creative and innovative events in this new capacity. Of course, I’m also eager to welcome new clients to our venue where I know we will exceed their expectations.”

AVPartners’ Partner at Crown Perth, Daniel Watters, said, “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of Ben’s evolution here with AVPartners. He is great at what he does and brings a lot of creativity to his work. I have no doubt that he will continue to impress in his new role too.”

AVPartners and Crown Perth have enjoyed a partnership for several years. AVPartners provides AV support for conferences and events at the location and professional technical assistance for delegates.

Media Release – AVPartners appoints Matt Taylor as Partner at the new Westin Perth

Leading audiovisual company AVPartners has appointed Matt Taylor as Partner at The Westin Perth.

Matt brings over 19 years of experience delivering world-class integrated event experiences using state-of-the-art audiovisual technology to his new role.

Starting in the audiovisual industry as a technician in 1999, when 35mm slide projectors and VHS tapes were still used, Matt has been able to explore every aspect of the industry. He quickly moved up the ranks and joined AVPartners in 2009, bringing an impressive amount of passion and dedication to his work that has never faltered. His most recent role was Partner at AVPartners’ venue Crown Perth.

Regarding his new appointment, Matt said, “I love working with dynamic and creative people each and every day, nothing makes me happier than exceeding the client’s expectations. I’m really excited to offer Perth some amazing events at a new venue, and I’m honoured to be given this opportunity from AVPartners.”

AVPartners’ Managing Partner Andrew Hackett said, “Matt has been an asset to us since joining AVPartners in 2009. I can safely say that The Westin Perth is in very good hands under his watch.”

This role recognises the commitment that AVPartners has to promoting from within and rewarding their hardworking and creative talent.

AVPartners was successfully awarded the audiovisual contract at The Westin Perth in early 2018. AVPartners provides AV support for conferences and events at the location and professional technical assistance for delegates.

How long does it take to plan a gala dinner?

The perfect gala dinner requires a lot of planning and preparation to ensure that each element comes together seamlessly on the night. From building your guest list and setting your budget to choosing the right sponsors and fundraising activities, you’ll want everything to align to make sure the night goes to plan and that it’s everything you had visualised at the beginning of the planning process.

It can take several months and even upwards of a year to plan a gala dinner. The best way to keep the planning process on track is to put in place an event plan and timeline. Each gala dinner is different, but here is a general timeline of tasks that can help to keep the event planning process on track.

8-12 months before the event

Establish the what and why of your gala dinner and complete the groundwork.

  • Define the event’s purpose
  • Set your budget
  • Identify your fundraising methods e.g. ticketing, silent auction, raffle
  • Select a date and choose a venue
  • Look for sponsors or partners for the night
  • Plan activities, select speakers and book entertainment
  • Choose a theme

3-6 months before the event

Get the wheels in motion and spread the word.

  • Arrange your audiovisual plan and equipment for the night
  • Promote the event, for example via social media, radio or newspapers
  • Confirm speaker arrangements and finalise your entertainment
  • Check for any special venue provisions e.g. wheelchair access, parking arrangements and transport information
  • Start building an attendee list
  • Organise fundraising activities for the night
  • Book catering
  • Send invitations

2-3 months before the event

Establish on-the-night requirements, ramp up event promotion.

  • Organise decorations and table settings
  • Select food
  • Continue to promote the event, for example release special announcements to the press for media coverage
  • Arrange seat planning

1 week before the event

Finalise everything.

  • Finalise guest list and send an event reminder
  • Brief the team for duties on the night
  • Finalise seating plan and create place cards
  • Finalise guest numbers and send to caterers and partners.

1 day before the event

Get ready.

  • Conduct an audiovisual test
  • Make sure auction items, prizes or gifts are on site
  • Make sure everything is prepared for the night
  • Finalise run sheet

The day of the event

Manage the night and enjoy your hard work!

  • Decorate event space and tables
  • Hand out seating charts, the guest list and run sheet to your team
  • Make sure guests arrive
  • Keep the event running to time and deal with any issues as/if they arise
  • Enjoy the night!

After the event

Thank your guests and share the night with the world.

  • Send thank you cards to your guests
  • Finalise fundraiser and make sure participants received gifts or prizes
  • Share event photos
  • Develop an event evaluation outlining your successes and what you can improve on next time

Need to get your AV or staging prepared for your next gala event? We can help. Contact us today.

Media Release: AVPartners promotes Daniel Watters to Partner at Crown Perth

Daniel Watters has been promoted to Partner at Crown Perth.

The role will see Daniel managing a team delivering creative audiovisual (AV) solutions for meetings, conferences, gala dinners and other events at the popular Perth venue.

Daniel previously worked as an Associate at the venue. Daniel has extensive experience in delivering world class event experiences, with strong technical knowledge and client management skills. This, combined with an innovative outlook and passion for his work, has given him a unique skill set at AVPartners.

Prior to joining AVPartners in 2014, Daniel gained over a decade of experience in the AV industry working as an AV technician and event manager.

Commenting on his new role, Daniel said, “I’m extremely proud of this opportunity. I look forward to leading the AVPartners team at Crown Perth and building on our already successful reputation.”

AVPartners’ Managing Partner Andrew Hackett said, “Daniel’s passion for this industry, and dedication to his venue, meant he was the ideal choice for this promotion. He is very deserving of this new role.”

AVPartners is committed to promoting from within and bringing young and creative talent into the management fold. Daniel’s promotion demonstrates this commitment and also recognises his extensive experience and fresh ideas.

AVPartners and Crown Perth have enjoyed a partnership for several years. AVPartners provides AV support for conferences and events at the location and professional technical assistance for delegates.

What are multisensory events and are they a good idea for your business?

Have you ever thought about how engaging the senses – for example through a certain scent or tactile experience – might enhance your events?

A multisensory event is an event that actively stimulates multiple senses. The five senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch – are each components of the human experience. Our senses stimulate our brain to make us more aware of our surroundings.

By creating stimulation for all five senses at your next event, you can encourage your guests to be more mentally present, alert and engaged. A multisensory experience can also make your event more memorable for attendees.

While sight and sound are common components used at events, taste, smell and touch are largely unexplored by event professionals. According to a study conducted by London & Partners, just 27 per cent of event professionals think that all five sense are used effectively by the industry, while 78 per cent think that multisensory events are more memorable for event attendees.

So how can you make your next event multisensory?

Provide memorable food

Choose your food selection not only according to how it tastes, but also by how it looks and smells, to maximise its impact on your guests. Create a positive sensory experience with your catering by including food that looks impressive and unique, and tastes and smells delicious.

Employ audiovisual creatively

Whether it be the use of a colorful and vibrant light show, the inclusion of a mesmerising sound and light installation or the incorporation of a virtual reality station, AV can help make your event impressive and memorable. As long as it’s executed creatively and professionally, AV can really give your event the wow factor that will leave your guests charmed and entertained.

Use scents strategically

Smells trigger memories. It’s not largely understood why, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that scents, more so than other senses like sight and sound, activate our brains in a way that help us remember certain memories. In addition to making your event more memorable, scents can also help to make event attendees more alert and aware. Scents like lemon, rosemary, cinnamon and peppermint can help with concentration and focus. Consider using air fresheners or oil diffusers to activate your guests’ smell receptors.

Incorporate life size games

Games like life size chess and jenga can help activate the tactile experience for your guests. Touch is a sense that isn’t widely used by event professionals, but it can help to improve the engagement of your event attendees and make your event more memorable.

Talk to us today to learn how you can activate all five senses at your next event.

Media release: AVPartners appointed as in-house audiovisual provider at The Westin Perth

AVPartners has been awarded the in-house audiovisual contract for The Westin Perth, following a competitive tender process. AVPartners will provide on-site audiovisual support for meetings, incentives, conferences and events at the brand new five-star venue, opening 27 April 2018.

Offering more than 2,300 square metres of versatile event and pre-function space, The Westin Perth has the flexibility to host a range of a events from executive board meetings, product launches and intimate weddings. The sophisticated 800 square metre Grand Ballroom is one of nine function rooms all equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology.

Matt Taylor, the AVPartners designated Partner at The Westin Perth, said, “With its enviable Perth CBD location and luxury facilities, the hotel is an exceptional addition to the Perth events scene. We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Westin Perth team to offer our audiovisual expertise on-site and host some truly incredible events.”

The Westin Perth General Manager, Peter Brampton, said, “AVPartners’ innovative and creative approach combined with their state-of-the-art audiovisual technology will be a big asset when it comes to staging world-class events at The Westin Perth.”

The Westin Perth will open on 27 April 2018.

Media release: AVPartners appoints Andrew Hackett as Managing Partner

Leading audiovisual service provider AVPartners has appointed Andrew Hackett as Managing Partner.

The role will see Andrew lead the business (which places Partners and their teams at state-of-the-art venues across the country) building upon the company’s unmatched reputation for service and event delivery.

Andrew previously worked as Business Development Manager and Partner at AVPartners. His promotion to Managing Partner recognises his unique skill set and passion for the company.

Prior to working at AVPartners, Andrew gained seven years experience in the real estate industry. Andrew has extensive experience in business management, business development, marketing, sales, negotiation and client relationship management. This, combined with a fresh perspective and innovative thinking, allows Andrew to bring a dynamic approach to managing a close-knit team, and deliver industry-leading service to clients.

Commenting on his new role, Andrew said, “My vision for AVPartners is to see the business continue to invest in leading audiovisual technology, to remain deeply committed to delivering five-star customer service, and to always strive for a team culture that attracts and retains skilled, motivated and entrepreneurial team members.

“Leading a team is more than just overseeing tasks and direction. Beyond my day-to-day role, I’ve immersed myself in the business which has given me unique insight into AVPartners and the audiovisual industry.

“One of my key priorities is ensuring the wellbeing of my team, and rewarding those who demonstrate outstanding commitment and deliver incredible customer service. Our reward programs, escape weekends and recharge events all work towards this goal.

“I love the fast pace of the industry, the developments in technology and the commitment of the people who work within it.”

New 12m LED screen gives Four Seasons Hotel Sydney a competitive edge, thanks to AVPartners

A new state-of-the-art 12-metre-wide by 3.5-metre-high (40 x 11.5 foot) LED screen now sits proudly in the recently renovated Grand Ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, thanks to AVPartners.

Taking centre stage in the ballroom, the screen is four times larger than a traditional projector screen – and runs impressively sharp 4K video and high resolution imagery with spectacular sound to match. It provides endless, cost effective visual, theming and transformative opportunities for events in the new Grand Ballroom.

The addition demonstrates AVPartners’ commitment to adding value through cutting edge AV technology which enhances events and increases revenue for partner venues.

The screen gives the prestigious events venue a major competitive advantage, with the ability to now offer a ‘window to the world’ to guests, showing them spectacular views from anywhere in the world. The possibilities really are endless, and the feedback has been outstanding!

To complement the technology, the ballroom and pre-function foyer have been transformed with elegant interiors by award-winning Australian architects Bates Smart, featuring Art Deco-inspired chandeliers, fluted glass, polished stone and brass, and cream tones.

A grand and timeless space hosting unforgettable events in Sydney for more than 30 years, the Grand Ballroom at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is the first choice venue for celebrations, social gatherings, gala dinner, conferences and corporate events. It seats up to 520 guests banquet-style, and may be divided into two smaller ballrooms. The screen can also be divided into different sections and dimensions, perfect for those requiring a smaller venue space.

Want to find out how we can create a competitive edge at your venue? Contact us to set up a meeting.

Media Release: AVPartners wins audiovisual contract at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort

Following a competitive tender process, AVPartners has been appointed as the in-house audiovisual provider for the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort; providing audiovisual support for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events at the five star venue.

Based in Queensland’s beautiful Noosa, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort is a premier 176-suite resort.

A world class MICE destination, the venue boasts over 720 square metres of event space, seven meeting rooms, and the Noosa Ballroom with capacity for 350 delegates theatre style and 180 guests banquet style. The outdoor terrace also provides a perfect setting for exhibitions and launches.

Wireless connectivity and state-of-the-art technology contribute to Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort’s reputation as a smart meeting venue with a modern luxurious feel.

The AVPartners designated Partner at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Andrew Delangen said, “Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort provides an impressive event experience combining a spectacular location, a commitment to luxury and modern event facilities. We’re thrilled by the opportunity to make our mark on events at this great venue.”

Mark Wilkinson, General Manager at Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort said, “Having worked with AVPartners previously at Novotel Twin Waters Resort and Sofitel Gold Coast, I know first hand how AVPartners consistently adds value through truly creative and smart audiovisual solutions. I look forward to partnering with them once again to deliver unique and successful events.”

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort further builds on AVPartners’ AccorHotels presence in Queensland, joining leading venues in the state including Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach, Sofitel Brisbane Central and Novotel Twin Waters Resort.

How long does it take to plan an event?

Planning events takes a lot of organisation, effort and time. It’s best to start as early as possible and give yourself a checklist so you don’t miss important elements. Lists and spreadsheets will become your best friends. Always make sure you have contingency plans in place for things like unexpected weather or a speaker not being able to present.

Below is a general timeline of some common event tasks that may help you plan your next event. Remember that every event is different, even those held at the same venue, so it’s important to work out a plan that suits your needs.

6-12 months before the event

  • Establish the event goals and objectives
  • Select a date and choose a venue
  • Get cost estimates and create a budget
  • Identify speakers and/or entertainers
  • Seek out and contact sponsors or partners for the event

3-6 months before the event

  • Promote the event through the appropriate channels; for e.g. social media, radio, TV, newspapers
  • Establish the audiovisual plan and equipment needed with your AV provider
  • Finalise arrangements for speakers and/or entertainers
  • Confirm if the venue requires any permits and confirm access for guests such as parking

2 months before the event

  • Send reminders to the attendee list
  • Follow up with sponsors or event partners
  • Release announcements about VIPs or keynote speakers to the media

1 week before the event

  • Do a final registration check of names
  • Brief your team and volunteers about their event duties
  • Finalise the seating plan
  • Inform the caterer of final numbers
  • Make copies of any speeches, videos or presentations
  • Identify where photo opps and interview opportunities will be

1 day before the event

  • Ensure all signage is in place
  • Do an audiovisual test
  • Ensure registration and guest tables are prepared or decorated
  • Ensure all promotional items or gifts are on site

The day of the event

  • Have copies of all important documents, phone numbers, information and seating charts for the event team
  • Ensure the event is running to plan and manage any issues as they arise
  • Enjoy the event and the work you have put into it!

After the event

  • Send thank you notes or emails to attendees and sponsors
  • Post event photos on social media
  • Conduct a post event evaluation to assess the event’s success against your initial goals and objectives

Your event will be much more complex than this snapshot alone. We recommend creating a project plan to ensure transparency on all tasks and to ensure they are completed on time.

Need advice on the timing of AV or staging tasks for your event? Contact us.