Behind the scenes of MEA’s first-ever virtual awards

Behind the scenes of MEA’s first-ever virtual awards

Meetings & Events Australia’s annual awards evening will be broadcast live from ICC Sydney Studios next week on Friday 29 May.

The broadcast marks a special occasion, being the first official event for the Australian event industry since the federal government’s announcement about restrictions on gatherings.

In preparation for the industry’s gala evening, MEA and major awards sponsor ICC Sydney conducted a technical walk-through of the event and captured some behind the scenes content of the first test.

 

MEA chief executive said Robyn Johnson said: “This will be the first time the MEA Awards has gone virtual, and it will also be the first time that the state and national awards will be presented together.

“The event will bring our industry together to recognise and celebrate our extraordinary talent and creativity at a time when we need to stay connected.

“It has been a huge undertaking to bring all of the elements together in an online format in a short period of time. However, it will be a brilliant and memorable night of nights.”

The reimagined format will set a benchmark for live online events, with the full event production being broadcast live from ICC Sydney Studios, including a virtual red carpet, glamorous stage set and in-studio MC with guests.

ICC Sydney will be mustering finalists in virtual rooms, so that all viewers can see responses and winners’ speeches live and interstitial messages from event professionals from around the country will be presented as part of the fast-paced, two-hour program.

Geoff Donaghy, chief executive of ICC Sydney, said: “Delivering an awards ceremony as a virtual event is a first for both ICC Sydney and our industry. It not only poses huge technical challenges, but has also put our experienced team’s creativity to the test.

“I am confident that ICC Sydney will rise to the challenge. Using our world class in-house facilities and skilled team, the event will be seamlessly delivered and create the same special experience attendees have come to expect from the MEA Awards.

“In doing so, we are excited to be setting an industry benchmark”.

In advance of the event, MEA is hosting a best-dressed competition, encouraging guests to dress up, take a selfie at home and post it to the MEA Facebook event page using the hashtag #MEABestDressed.

The best-dressed attendees will feature on the virtual red carpet half an hour prior to the broadcast, from 5:30pm AEST.

There will be prizes for most debonair, most sparkly and most outrageous outfit, to be announced on the night by the MC.

Live entertainment will follow the broadcast between 8pm and 8:30pm AEST.

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