MEA AWARDS IN THE CLOUD
THE Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) 2019 National Awards have been re-imagined as an online virtual event, to be broadcast live from Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Fri 29 May.
The new format will utilise ICC Sydney’s in-house facilities, and will combine the state and national awards into a single event with a ticket price of $45 for members and $55 for nonmembers including GST.
“Given the challenging year we have had to date, it is fantastic to take a moment to celebrate the innovation, creativity and passion our industry members are renowned for in creating outstanding events,” said MEA Chair, Kate Smith.
“It is time to celebrate these attributes that will assist in the recovery of our industry sector too,” she added.
The online event will feature live entertainment, an in-studio MC, red carpet including a best dressed competition and even a dedicated MEALIVE 2019 Awards Spotify playlist.
The ICC broadcasting centre includes multiple complete custom-built studios with 10m x 3.5m LED screen backdrops, 4K cameras, overhead PTZ cameras for aerial views and broadcast quality lighting.
Interfaces are available for multiple platforms, including web streaming such as Vimeo and Facebook Live as well as video conferencing via Zoom and Cisco’s Webex.
MEA CEO Robyn Johnson said the organisation would have been hosting its Evolve 2020 event at the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley this week, along with the awards ceremony.
However COVID-19 has necessitated the alternative plan which she said would “deliver a much-needed boost of positivity for the industry”.
The broadcast will take place 6pm-8pm on 29 May, with any payments already made for tickets for the state or national awards able to be credited towards the awards ceremony broadcast.
Additional balances remaining can be used for extra tickets or credited against MEA’s other professional development events, including Evolve, over the next three years.
Tickets can be purchased online now via the website at meetingsevents.com.au.