Another j2 event experience

North Lakes Carols

Portfolio Classification	Community Engagement
Location	North Lakes, Brisbane
Year	j2 involved annually 2004 - 2012
Client	Lensworth then Stockland – North Lakes
Quick Facts	A true community celebration of Christmas incorporating a visit from Santa Set on the banks of picturesque Lake Eden, the event attracts up to 7,000 visitors Performances from local schools, churches, dance groups Fireworks finale sponsored by local company Fundraising BBQ food, cold drinks, ice creams, espresso coffee Santa's Grotto with amusement rides, Christmas craft activities, face painting, opportunity to speak to Santa

Background

Leading land developer Stockland, has long used community engagement or community activation to develop a sense of community within their new land developments and to help connect the public with those sites. Events such as the North Lakes Carols are one of many events Stockland puts on annually to highlight the 'liveability' of North Lakes as a great place to reside, work and play.

j2 has worked with Lensworth then Stockland – North Lakes for 10 years (2004 - 2013) as their first choice event industry provider in this area, having delivered scores of community engagement events over the last decade: the annual North Lakes Carols (2004 - 2012), land release openings including black tie land release events and anniversary celebrations.

J2 Services and Solutions

Creative direction

Event management

Sponsorship procurement and servicing

Liaison with stakeholders, including maximising opportunities for commercial partners (sponsors and supporters)

Programming and scheduling

Entertainment selection and management

In conjunction with Stockland, design of promotional material and signage

Lighting and audiovisual design and management of contractors

Temporary infrastructure coordination and management of contractors

Production and stage management and oversight of event from bump in through bump out

Application for permits and approvals

Budget management and cost control

Risk mitigation and management

Level of Complexity

The two-hour program features back to back performances by schools and performance groups drawn mainly from local community. There is no time to rehearse and sound check most performers, therefore it has been imperative that the j2 stage management team and appointed technical providers work seamlessly together to ensure the show is presented with the utmost professionalism.

Patron safety is paramount in planning for this event, which is situated waterside at Lake Eden. As the event has grown and the North Lakes development has evolved, j2 have adjusted planning accordingly to cater to larger crowds and reduced areas for parking.

The event involves the installation and removal of temporary infrastructure, staging, performer dressing rooms, catering facilities, and public amenities. The finale features pyrotechnics, which brings risks and therefore planning challenges.

Key Achievements

North Lakes Carols has become a much anticipated evening every year.

Up to 7,000 attend the event annually.

All schools at North Lakes are represented at the event in both a performance and fundraising capacity.

j2 has completed work with Stockland and the North Lakes Chamber of Commerce to devise a strategy for continuing the event following Stockland's completion of the development.