Reef to rainforest gala dinner ‘wows’ judges
A STUNNING gala dinner that turned a Caravonica military museum into a reef and rainforest wonderland has won national acclaim.
The spectacular event wowed more than 6000 Chinese sales delegates who flew into Cairns for the Amway China Leadership Seminar in July 2019.
Encore Event Technologies, which masterminded the bespoke experience at the Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, has taken out the prestigious Incentive Event of the Year award at the Meetings and Events Australia Industry Awards.
Encore teamed up with Ochre Restaurant and Catering to transform a new extension at the museum, with business sessions by day and a gala dinner by night.
The 6000 guests, who arrived in Cairns in seven waves of 900 for a four-day seminar and incentive program, dined on fresh local produce, including 6500 mudcrabs, and were entertained with cutting-edge magic and performances from leading Chinese artists.
Business Events Cairns and Great Barrier Reef general manager Rosie Douglas said Encore delivered an outstanding event that wowed the Chinese delegates.
“The gala dinner, which was repeated for each of the seven waves of delegates, was a resounding success,” she said.
“The spectacular experience featured a special blended reality sequence incorporating a multimedia, holographic and choreographed robotics show with a live performer and an enormous 270-degree screen that wrapped around the inside of the venue.
“The award acknowledges that despite Cairns being a small city, it can compete on a global stage as an innovative conference and incentive destination,” Ms Douglas said.
“As we move through these uncertain times, one thing for certain is that our region, due to its small population base, can deliver events in a COVID-safe manner ensuring the safety and security of all delegates,” she said.
The 6000-plus delegates arrived in Cairns in an operation of military precision, which included more than 100 flights on six airlines, 210 tour buses, 16,000 hotel room nights and 400 support workers.
They enjoyed 12 attractions, 14 private dinners at Cairns Aquarium and imbibed on Amway beer created for the event by a local brewery.
Tourism Australia’s events executive general manager Penny Lion said it was not the first time Amway China had visited Australia.
“But, importantly, it was the first to a regional Australian destination,” she said.
“Cairns has demonstrated it can deliver a flawless event to the important Chinese leadership seminar audience and we are thrilled that Amway sales agents enjoyed yet another inspiring trip in Australia,” Ms Lion said.