The brave new world of events is as daunting as it is transformative. It is predicted industry professionals will question how much of it they need to incorporate – including if they need to be an expert in the tech world’s alphabet soup.
AR, VR, gamification and spatial tech create an exceptional lens through which to engage and foster experiential learning – another buzzword for 2025 – while machine learning (AI) looks set to revolutionise back-end logistics, predictive analytics, personalisation and interactivity.
However, one of Sydney’s leading event production companies, Scope Productions, says the technical integration of an event should be designed to complement rather than replace the human element.
“The beating heart of a successful event is the story it is telling,” says Scope Productions’ producer, Abbey Omran. “If this is lost in translation because the venue is wrong, the tech is overwhelming or the narrative doesn’t connect, the event is unlikely to succeed.”
Authenticity, expertise, a compelling vision – with an end point – and an innately human feel are part of this year’s trends forecast, alongside out-of-the-box and local venues, sustainability, social impact and textural immersion.
Despite complex technical and spatial challenges, in June 2024, Scope became the first production company to deliver an immersive dinner event at Art Gallery of NSW’s underground arts space, The Tank. The gala event for The Sapphire Project was a sensory-rich experience brought to life with cutting-edge tech and powerful content, integrating physical and virtual realms, scent activations and soundscapes into an underwater world that coursed around the seven-metre-high space.
Designed to hero not-for-profit The Sapphire Project’s dedication to ocean conservation, this extraordinary sensory playground went far beyond, leaving guests in awe, raising $1.6 million and delivering powerful social impact. It was testament to the curiosity that drives Scope’s exploration into new realms of production, alongside its commitment to human stories.
Also, consider the trends it ticked off. It was mindful and purpose-driven, connecting people as a community; it was sustainable, ethical and viscerally rich in story; and, it was brought to life in a venue that was as challenging as it was beautiful, adding its own story to the rendering.
Increasingly, for events to cut through, qualitative impact is as vital as quantitative measurables. There is a need to focus on experiences that go beyond the event; moments that stand out, give back and connect with audiences in ways that matter.
With experience producing successful events at The Cutaway, Carriageworks, Hordern Pavilion and The Calyx, Omran says Scope Productions has worked with the best, and has the experience, vision and reputation to sail stormy waters without fear.
Photo at top: Scope Productions capitalises on the otherworldly drama of The Tank at Art Gallery of NSW to create an immersive underwater experience for the Sapphire Dinner in 2024.
Digital art: d’strict. Photo: Lucas Jarvis.
