Event Highlights

Date: 8 November 2014

Event Type: NSW Australian Cinematographers Society Awards Event

Delegates: 200

Key achievements: Delivery of the third consecutive award event for ACS

Introduction

The Australian Cinematographers Society Awards are held annually in every major state. The NSW Awards were held on 8 November 2014 at the SMC Conference & Function Centre (SMC) Banquet Hall. There were 20 categories and 200 people in attendance including 80 nominee finalists, sponsors and members.

The event provides massive kudos to winners and is an effective way for them to achieve industry recognition and publicity on a national scale.

This was the third time that Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) has held the award event at SMC.

Brief

ACS chose SMC to host this year’s NSW Award event because they believe they are by far the best venue available in Sydney. In fact, ACS’ confidence in SMC to deliver an outstanding event was demonstrated by them booking the 2014 event directly after the 2013 event.

They had already established a strong relationship from two previous successful events held at SMC. During these events they always found the staff to be professional and helpful, the overall presentation exquisite and event execution flawless.

An important factor which contributed to ACS’ decision to hold the event at SMC was the high standard of the catering. ACS loved the new Chef, Paul who held a delectable tasting session prior to the event. This helped ACS to select the menu from the suggested options and assured the team that the dinner would be of impeccable quality.

In essence, the challenge for SMC was to deliver the third consecutive event for ACS, continuing to maintain the high standards expected of them.

Solution

The Banquet Hall was chosen because it was the ideal space in which to host an event of this type, with features including a balcony, stage, separate timber floor and carpeted area.

The Awards gala featured visual imagery throughout the schedule and the Banquet Hall’s large open room ensured visibility of the screen from all angles. ACS also understood the importance of good AV and their AV team knew SMC would do the job exceptionally well. The mezzanine provided room for projectors, screens and other equipment without using up valuable floor space.

The event schedule kicked off by MC Ray Martin, with Dr George Miller AO as Guest of Honour. Guests were treated to a full three course sit down dinner with local premium wines, set to a background of live contemporary jazz played by Spank.

Result

The event cemented SMC’s reputation for delivering the best venue coupled with excellence in event management.

"The whole SMC team cohesively executed all aspects of the event – from AV to catering in a professional manner. The floor staff’s ‘can do’ attitude was particularly exemplary. They made themselves available round the clock and were always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure things ran smoothly."
─ David Wakeley, ACS National Secretary