Objective

The World Culture Festival is held to bring people together through a celebration of diverse, global cultures, sharing messages of unity and joy. When the Art of Living Foundation, which sponsors the event, brought the fourth edition to the U.S. for the first time, it decided to host the experience at the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

Creating the large-scale affair on the National Mall presented unique challenges and layers of complexity — specifically to logistics and infrastructure planning. Luckily, the foundation teamed up with Encore and its subsidiary brand Hargrove to bring the vibrant festival of cultures to life.

Solution

Producing  an event of this scale required building out the entire infrastructure from scratch to span the event space’s 3,000,000 square feet, while navigating the National Mall’s rules, regulations and multiple permits. Seeing opportunities in every challenge, Encore and Hargrove flexed the full breadth of their capabilities:

  • Encore supported foundational services such as power and internet needs for in-person attendees and the live streaming broadcast with expansive technical infrastructure
  • Encore enhanced inclusion with remote, simultaneous ASL interpretation
  • Hargrove served as the general services contractor
  • Hargrove provided creative, design, fabrication,graphics, tenting, logistics and labor services, including over five acres of matrix flooring

Outcome

Leveraging its full scope of production services, the Encore umbrella of organizations delivered an unforgettable cultural extravaganza.  

The event featured over 17,000 performers representing more than 180 countries around the world. Their breathtaking performances showcased incredible and diverse voices, talent and creativity on one central stage. It also engaged attendees with hands-on activities like workshops on meditation, culturally inspired crafts for kids and a wide array of cuisine.

Over the three days, the festival welcomed one million attendees with an additional 25 million viewers who watched the live stream, serving as a testament to the power of unity and the magic that Encore can create on a global stage.

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The Ask & Challenge

To set a clear path for the year ahead, the organization would unite 200 of their experts across the Americas. The event would feature a main General Session, split into bilingual mini sessions; educational breakout sessions; and a show-stopping awards dinner.

Eager and ready after her academy training at Encore, a multi-certified technician, supported by in-venue and regional network experts, led the charge in bringing the customer’s vision to life.

The Solution

Encore transformed the venue’s ballroom and its sections with flexible technology solutions and support optimized for its diverse space needs. These included:

  • Illuminating the main stage with lighting and gobos
  • Delivering engaging content with a three-screen projector setup and audio package
  • Providing real-time footage of the presenter onstage with a camera-operated third screen source
  • Supporting PowerPoint presentations, video content and audio
  • Adjusting all solutions accordingly for the concurrent bilingual sessions

The Result

The customer raved about the continuous support and standard of excellence provided by the tech lead and her team’s partnership.

The CEO of the organization told the Encore team: “Months of planning lead to productions like these. It's a lengthy process, and we greatly appreciate both the support we received, and the outstanding results achieved.”

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Objective

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is the largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals. For the AAN’s 76th annual meeting, the goal was to create an immersive experience and activate different areas. The objectives included:​

  • Refresh and invigorate attendees

  • Create a plenary within a non-traditional venue

  • Ensure compliance and avoid regulatory concerns

  • Deliver the “best professional gathering of the year”













Solution

Encore can always leverage the natural strengths of a venue and maximize any experience created within it. AAN engaged Encore as an end-to-end solutions provider, managing everything from creative content development and AV technology to production management and sponsor compliance. As long-time partners, AAN trusts Encore which enables them to function as a single team. After consulting with AAN on their vision and goals, Encore delivered the following

  • Designed an immersive general session in an existing theater, by adding a LED screen that spanned the theater’s proscenium to create dazzling graphics and lighting that increased participants’ depth of experience.​

  • Created memorable experiences through education and hands-on activities at the eight Hubs for attendees to train, engage and learn with AV, creative and production support.

  • Oversaw regulatory concerns to ensure compliance with the sponsor team and CME grant process.

Outcome

AAN's event production process was simplified by having a full-service partner for their event needs. With decades of experience around medical and pharmaceutical meetings, Encore provided fluency in compliance and regulatory concerns few event production providers can match. Management of compliance issues for AAN freed up their time to focus on choices that optimized the guest experience. The Encore depth of event technology, creative design and production knowledge ensured that AAN members had memorable, immersive experiences within the venue’s meeting spaces.

The numbers speak for themselves:

  • 82% of the 14,000 AAN attendees considered the 2024 annual meeting the best neurological professional gathering of the year.

  • 95% of attendees are likely to attend a future AAN Annual Meeting




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From Multi-Vendor Project Coordination to Seamless and Worry-Free.

We See Solutions.

“Our job is to be a solutions architect
and partner”

Imagine coordinating 10+ event providers while hosting the 3-day Latino Tax Fest conference – for nearly a decade. Enter David and team in 2022. Now, imagine having a single partner who can do it all and grow attendance by 44%.

David Eck

Customer Engagement Director
The Challenge

The Latino Tax Pro customer recognized the multi-provider approach was not working for them or providing a quality experience for attendees. There was a real need to holistically understand the event experience and identify the right overall solutions.

While the Encore team was elevating the production experience at the 2022 conference, David shadowed 12 different customer teams to create a thorough event analysis with recommendations.

The Solution

Encore provided a full-service proposal to Latino Tax Pro for their 2023 event that completely satisfied their unique needs – relieving multi-partner management stress and boosting attendance and satisfaction in a big way.

Everything was reimagined from marketing campaigns, digital solutions and bilingual services to the multifunctional general session space, continuing education breakouts, expo hall and the annual pool party takeover.

 

The Result

The marketing campaign boosted attendance a whopping 44% – from 1,800 to 2,600! The attendees complimented the smoother, more inclusive experience. And Teena Lopez, Director of Development at Latino Tax Pro was so happy, she came up to David, gave him a hug and exclaimed, “This is the first time in 10 years I was actually able to network and enjoy the event!”

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From Oversized Sponsor Display to Last-Minute Branding Save.

We See Solutions.

“Where there's a
will, there's a way"

Nicole and team were unexpectedly given four hours to transform a hotel suite into an event hosted annually for women in leadership and VIP customers. Just 45 minutes before guests arrived, they learned an unexpected, framed sign for a major sponsor was too large to move up to the room. But that’s okay. This is what Encore’s people do every day.

Nicole Russell

General Manager
The Challenge

Encore in Sydney, Australia, never hesitates, even when there is a change in plan to the original timeline. This is exactly what happened when an unexpected late checkout left only four hours to set up an annual VIP event for key customers. Plus, an unexpected oversized framed branding sign for a major sponsor didn’t fit in the elevator or stairwell, and it couldn’t be disassembled. Just 45 minutes from doors opening and with two merchandise lines on display, it would have been an incredible missed opportunity to not set the stage.

The Solution

Noticing the sponsor was in a frenzy making calls for an alternative branding solution, Nicole thought fast on her feet with an idea. She engaged her production team to provide the perfect solution. The Encore team obtained sponsor approval and raced into action to deliver a monitor and supporting gear to the suite. The Coach® Australia logo was provided electronically and placed above the purse line display for all to see with 10 minutes to spare. Collaboration, on-site solutions and creative problem solving helped the team overcome unexpected obstacles.

The Result

With years of experience guiding the collaboration, Nicole led her team to seize the opportunity of turning the hotel suite into a special event for all participating. The client was thrilled to have such a successful event, and the sponsor was relieved to have their last-minute problem solved. The invitation-only luxe event was a brilliant success, and everyone got the VIP treatment.

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From Make-A-Wish Dream to Make-A-Wow Extravaganza. 

We See Solutions.

“There is no problem without a solution"

Alberto Castillo

For decades, Encore has helped bring the Annual InterContinental® Miami Make-A-Wish® Ball to life, making it bigger and better each year. The challenge for the 2022 festivities?  Make the event more magical than ever by immersing the participants in an unforgettable experience to increase levels of excitement and inspire greater donations. With Alberto and team on the task, consider the wish granted. 

Alberto Castillo

Director, Event Technology
  • Thousands of events
   
  • National Ambassador for Encore
   
 
  • Developed/runs local workshop for Event Managers
 
 
  • Loves ATVing in the Everglades with his daughters
 
  • Always entertaining guests at home
   
 
  • Family and faith are his guiding forces
 
The Challenge

For the 27th Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, Alberto and team were tasked with making the gala event more magical than ever in unique, immersive and memorable ways — with just three compressed setup days. The creative ask:

  • Stage an engaging opening reception, including a branded publicity “step and repeat” backdrop and reception with silent auction areas.
  • Create a “supernature” themed experience between the reception/silent auction areas and the grand ballroom gala event space. 
  • Bring to life an immersive “NY aquarium” in the grand ballroom for the main dining and open auction event.
  • Delight participants with live performances and an iconic entertainer.
  • Further surprise guests by executing an afterparty featuring a multi-act cabaret show and nightclub experience, requiring a major room flip in just two hours. 
The Solution

Alberto and team worked closely with multiple stakeholders from the hotel, the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida chapter and their third-party designers to make the dream come true.

Solutions included: 

  • Sourcing people and gear from 20+ regional venues, with Encore working 24/7 shifts over three days.
  • Creating a transitional experience between the opening reception/silent auction and grand ballroom that featured a mesmerizing “supernature” LED tunnel depicting the New York subways overtaken by nature.
  • Producing the grand ballroom event, including a 140-foot LED wall to create a “NY aquarium” experience with coral-like décor, beautiful lighting and ambient audio that brought the underwater world to life. 
  • Creating an outfitted performance stage for the live auction and applause-worthy entertainment.
  • Quietly flipping the prior reception/silent auction rooms into a surprise afterparty with a multi-act cabaret show and DJ while guests enjoyed the grand ballroom event. 
  • Perfectly planning and executing everything from staging, video and audio to complex lighting, rigging and power for an astounding start-to-finish event experience, using three highly skilled project managers across rooms and a stage manager for the big show. 

 

   Key Solutions Used in This Story
   ProductionTechnology 
   Staging Services
   Scenic & Décor
   Show Management  
Audiovisual Solutions
     LED Walls
     Audio
     Video

Infrastructure Services
     Rigging
     Power
                                        
The Result

The inspirational event left both the customers and charity ball participants in awe. The guests were so moved by their experience that it was a history-making year with a record-setting $5.4M raised in just one night. This was more than twice as much as the previous charity ball! For the customer’s vision and charitable event goals, it was truly a larger-than-life dream come true.

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From Traditional Dinner to Multi-Sensory Experience.

We See Solutions.

“We are here to support
the client and earn
their trust”

Miguel Sanchez

With a customer’s most important dinner of the year coming up, they wanted to ensure the event would be memorable. Their vision? Elevate a traditional dining experience into a festive year-end celebration gala, integrating storytelling, gastronomic, visual and acoustic elements to wow their important guests 

Enter Miguel and team, ready to help deliver a multi-sensory experience set to impress.

Miguel Sanchez 

Project Manager
The Challenge


Develop the idea that the client envisioned to create a whole experience and not just serve a traditional dinner. Part of the challenge was to achieve synchrony at the time of the service for the 380 guests, thus merging gastronomy with technology, in addition to matching the size of the venue with the hanging points and the space between each table.

The Solution

With the technical experience of Miguel and his team, it was possible to have the same signal that would simultaneously reproduce the content at the 38 tables and individually for the 380 diners. 

With professionalism, it was possible to maintain excellent communication, successfully coordinating all those involved (venue, business partners and our production staff), 

By capturing the different elements in a layout, it was possible to adapt the technical needs to the infrastructure and hanging points of the venue.   

The Result

Thanks to Miguel and team’s technical expertise, collaboration with all parties and innovative mindsets, the gala was a memorable celebration for all attendees. Due to the team’s collaboration and dedication to each detail, the more than 380 guests experienced a truly unique gourmet dinner adventure. The attendees left impressed by the year-end festivities, and the customer was equally pleased, delighted at how Encore had helped plan, synchronize and transform their critical event into a unique sensory experience. 

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From Lusterless View to Dazzling Jewelry Showcase Event.

We See Solutions.

“When better is possible
good is not enough”

Jazz

Eager to attract new distributors, jewelry designer Sara Blaine was planning a special event at Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter to showcase her jewelry collection, eSBe. The event would be crucial for her small business, so she needed each of her current and new custom designs to dazzle. Enter Jazz and team ready to deliver down to every last illuminating detail.

Jazz Thomas

Director, Event Technology
  • Enjoys learning about new event technology and tools
The Challenge
With her jewelry showcase event just one week away, Sara visited the venue for a pre-event walk-through. She mentioned that she wished the ballroom where her custom designs would be displayed featured daylight lighting, which she felt would really make all of her jewelry pieces shine. As a natural troubleshooter, Jazz sprang into action to execute on her vision.
The Solution
With over a thousand events under his belt, Jazz was able to use his lighting expertise and personal research to determine which new LED daylight fixtures would provide the right wattage, brightness and light beam pattern to source them. He then worked with Le Meridien to replace 25 key ballroom lights above the showcase tables with the new bulbs to ensure both Sara and her jewelry would be radiant at the event.
Key Solutions Used in This Story
ProductionTechnology 
Show ManagementAudiovisual Solutions
     Lighting Solutions
                                      
 
Key Solutions Used in This Story
Production  

Show Management

Technology

Audiovisual Solutions

Lighting Solutions 

The Result

Thanks to Jazz’s solution-oriented mindset, Sara’s event was a success. She was incredibly impressed with Jazz’s initiative, technical problem solving and the end result. The venue was equally pleased. The lighting fixtures he installed added such brilliance to the space that the venue itself decided to not only keep them in place but matched all lights in the ballroom to preserve the same ambiance. As for Sara, she continues to utilize Le Meridien and partner with Encore for her events, having seen Jazz go out of his way to elevate each detail, creating the right environment for an excellent experience. 

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From Unexpectedly Ill Cameraman to Celebratory Commencement.

We See Solutions.


“Stay ready so
you don't have to
get ready"

Niko Manigat

Two hours before a college commencement, the cameraman became suddenly ill. No problem. Niko, our local technical supervisor and camera operator extraordinaire, was nearby and ready to rock.

Niko Manigat

Technical Supervisor
The Challenge
Capturing graduations on video is always important, but especially with this one happening in person for the first time since the pandemic. The William James College was two hours away from starting their commencement ceremony. The Encore production team had everything set and in place until their camera operator covering the graduation became unexpectedly ill. No problem.
The Solution
As we know, from time to time unexpected things happen. The production team acted immediately and tapped into Encore’s vast resources to find the best backup camera operator. They called Niko, a technical supervisor and skilled cameraman, who was breaking down meeting rooms at a close by Boston hotel. Niko was ready and jumped into action. He quickly arrived, checked in with the production team leader, set up, white-balanced the camera, and was ready to rock.
Key Solutions Used in This Story
ProductionTechnology 
Event Production ServicesAudiovisual Solutions
     Video
                                      

 

The Result
Niko’s camera expertise, collaboration, and customer service skills helped create a truly special ceremony. His work not only projected the live event onto the large format screens, but it was also recorded to preserve the memories. The families were able to see their graduates up close as they received their diplomas, acknowledging their commitment and hard work. The families, customer, and venue partner were extremely pleased.

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From Open Spaces to Five Papal Events for 200,000 People.

We See Solutions.

“Our team can
accomplish amazing
things together”

Chris Baker

Our team was tasked with creating five events for a Papal visit in five locations over three days for more than 200,000 people – with just 45 days to prepare. Enter Chris Baker and team.

Chris Baker

Regional Director, Alberta Branches
The Challenge
The request came from the Canadian Catholic Council of Bishops for Encore to help produce the Pope’s visit to Canada. Our team was tasked with creating five events in five locations over three days for more than 200,000 people – with just 45 days to prepare.
The Solution
The challenges and requirements for each event location were completely unique. Enter Chris and team. Using Encore’s extensive resources available across Canada and North America, the team designed a plan including hundreds of people, individual crews for each site, lots of infrastructure, tons of gear, large LED walls with delayed audio, plus an eight-hour cargo flight across country to Baffin Island, the last stop.
The Result
While the challenges had short turns and were immense, the people of Encore saw solutions, and enabled the Pope to present his message to more than 200,000 people in five different locations. In short, it was a miraculous success.

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