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Background
In 1988, World Expo catapulted Brisbane, Queensland onto the international events scene. It left a legacy far beyond infrastructure changes and a facelift for Brisbane's south bank precinct. Expo 88 instilled a new found confidence and self-belief in Brisbane as a world-class city, offering skills, business opportunities and an enviable lifestyle with international appeal. 2008 marked 20 years since World Expo 88 and the legacy would continue through a 20th Anniversary World Expo 88 Celebrations Charity Dinner, proceeds of which would benefit the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation's Working Wonders Program.
J2 Services and Solutions
 Creative direction
Event management
Production management
Stage management and oversight of event from bump in through bump out
Provide charity partners with maximum fundraising opportunities
Menu design and selection, incorporating Queensland regional produce and wines
Entertainment program creation, including entertainers from original Expo 88 event, popular entertainers from present and future faces of the Australian entertainment industry
Theming strategy, incorporating original World Expo 88 brand colours (blue, red, yellow, green)
Budget management and cost control
Risk mitigation and management
Level of Complexity
The venue could only offer a six hour bump in prior to the commencement of rehearsals, calling for a well-planned, tight schedule to ensure theming and production elements were in place for rehearsals.
As the event was primarily to benefit Royal Children's Hospital Foundation, it was important room theming and creative elements did not appear frivolous. Among visual impact solutions, large format PIGI projection imagery on the underside of the venue's raised stadium seating literally enveloped the audience with memories of World Expo 88 creating a feeling of intimacy within the expansive room.
The event equated to over 80 show cues and PIGI Projection transitions – all seamlessly delivered by the production team. The production team, directed by Joanna Jordan, included a creative director, event producer, technical director, show caller, two stage managers, two assistant stage managers, choreographer, food and beverage and fundraising manager, lighting designer, lighting and follow spot operators, PIGI designer and operator, Onlyview (PIGI software) designer and operator, AV switcher, audio operators and stage hands.
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Key Achievements
Over $40,000 was pledged on the night to be distributed to the Royal Brisbane Hospital Foundation's Working Wonders program via the Courier Mail Children's Fund.
The charity was particularly pleased with the opportunity to gain exposure within the corporate and government groups that were present on the evening.
One show cue involved directing a horse and rider through the seating arrangement. A fondly-remembered performer at World Expo 88, the equine duo stunned guests and contributed to journeying them back through warm memories of Expo 88.
For the 20th Anniversary World Expo 88 Celebrations Charity Dinner, 2008 (beneficiary Royal Children's Hospital Foundation), j2 won the BT Publishing e-awards 2008 for excellence in events, Charity Event of the Year. This Award showcases individuals involved in the creation and implementation of an event for a Registered Charity, or where money raised from the event is donated to a Registered Charity. In particular, the Award recognises the success of the event in terms of meeting objectives set prior to the event. Contenders must outline what those objectives were and how they have been measured post-event.
Stakeholder Feedback
"If you're looking for the 'special' in events in Brisbane – that astonishing 'something' – then j2 is your only choice in town. I trust them and will continue to rely on them because they've always delivered what we need: relevant, creative ideas and seamlessly presented events."
David Contarini – (former) Events Manager, South Bank Corporation
"The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation was honoured by the invitation to participate in the 20th Anniversary World Expo 88 Celebrations Charity Dinner… The team from j2 ideas & events were amazing to work with and ensured our participation was relevant and effective… importantly, our exposure within the venue to the many corporate partners and government departments that were present was invaluable."
Katherine Moore – (former) Senior Fundraising Manager, The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation
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