Technology Leads the Way

Lisa Perkovic talks trends to uncover how Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns and Encore Event Technologies are combining to produce events with the best of today’s audio-visual equipment.

ENCORE’S Far North Queensland Event Technology Venue Director Chris Targett has to walk a fine line when planning the audio-visual equipment for an event at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns.

“There’s nothing worse than coming all the way to Far North Queensland, booking an event in a beautiful room with natural light, and then saying sorry, we have to close the blinds because we have to put the projector on,” Chris says.

“Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns’ event spaces have great natural light, and views overlooking Marlin Marina, and Encore has the equipment to complement that so guests can still appreciate the natural surroundings while enjoying the presentation.

“And during this post-pandemic phase, with people excited to rediscover and reconnect with locations, events need to be about more than the message on the screen.”

For the Encore team, working with clients to ensure the vision for the entire experience is vital.

“People have been cooped up inside, locked in their houses for so long, they’re much more open-minded to an event space, they want an overall experience, with live events offering unique solutions,” Chris says.

“We are experienced in matching technology solutions to client needs, but more than that, we focus on enhancing their vision and exploring new areas people might not know about.

“Event organisers don’t need to be tech gurus, that’s our job, and we’re here to listen, understand what’s important, what message the client wants to communicate and then draw on the technology to make that possible.”

This might be new technology like hybrid event solutions, but it’s also elements that allow the incorporation of natural light for the entire duration of a session.

Flexibility to offer everything from simple out-of-thebox solutions through to complex, customised sets is easier than ever for Encore.

The team used the quiet periods of the pandemic to establish closer ties to the wider Encore network, which included streamlining access to resources and technology solutions.

Whether it’s high-end LED wall infrastructure and holographic products, or a range of scenic stage sets and stage looks, event organisers visiting Tropical North Queensland will have access to the same technology experiences available in any capital city.

There is no doubt hybrid events will continue to be popular this year, and the technology is just as important.

Exclusive to Encore’s virtual event platform offering is Chime Go, providing optimised streaming solutions emphasising seamless incorporation.

“Video conferencing within events is so much more common than it was pre-pandemic,” Chris says.

“It’s important to us to offer clients a great experience in that space, and we have access to the global network of Encore’s experts ensuring there’s a huge depth of knowledge to draw upon.”

BARBECUE IN THE BACKYARD

The Backyard’s marina-side garden is one of the best plots in Tropical North Queensland for casual gatherings with strings of festoon lights, balmy tropical nights, a sky full of stars, and the Container Bar enhancing the delicious after-dark atmosphere.

Make Meetings More Than Work

GETTING the team together need not just be about work, with a business event the perfect excuse to schedule an awards dinner that recognises success or a garden party to reconnect after months of meeting on monitors.

The events team at Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns is expert at putting together parties that elevate any MICE moment from meeting to memorable.

TIME FOR TRINITY

An elevated position above the Coral Sea, facing the sunset to perfectly frame the colours of a Far North evening, is essential for an occasion that starts with late-afternoon drinks before dinner at a baronial king’s table.

CHAMPAGNE & CAVIAR DREAMS

Inject signature Shangri-La style into the celebration by arranging for Executive Chef Aaron Habgood to open his pop-up caviar and champagne bar in the Royal Suite or Forest Garden.

GALA DINNER IN THE BALLROOM

A glitzy and glamorous ballroom demands the fancy attire and formal dining that boosts something that’s simply sociable into a magical moment spoiling those that deserve to be celebrated.