Flipping the Script: How Encore Reinvented the Gala Experience for Master Builders’ Centenary

November 17, 2025
Large banquet hall set up for an event, with round tables covered in white cloths, dramatic blue and pink stage lighting, and abstract stage decorations in the center. Rows of empty seats face the tables and stage.

Venue: National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC)
Date: November 2025

Master Builders Association ACT marked its centenary with a gala dinner at the Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC). This event focused on recognising and celebrating veteran members for their years of service.

The Brief

The client requested a gala dinner for 450 guests, with minimal entertainment and a focus on simple, elegant styling and a DJ playing music from the various genres being celebrated at the centenary, with music from the roaring 1920s, 1950s and modern times.

The Royal Theatre of the NCCC was chosen for its capacity and atmosphere. However, the room orientation presented specific challenges and required an innovative approach – flipping the room 180°, closing the house drapes on the main stage and with guests facing the beautifully lit, tiered seating. This unique setup maximised space and created a fresh perspective, impressing both the client and venue staff, who noted that such an arrangement had never been done before at NCCC.

The Creative Solution

By repurposing the dance floor area for the stage, the team maintained a seated dinner capacity of 470, ensuring comfort and clear sightlines for all guests. Encore crafted a striking 3D installation of the Master Builders logo using triangular LED panels, with the centre section flown and lower sections raised on stage decks.

Encore’s multimedia team created a bespoke highlight reel for the Master Builders Centenary Gala by animating archival photos from both the National Archives and Master Builders’ own collection using advanced AI and multimedia technology; this engaging content, which brought Canberra’s construction history to life, was showcased on pixel totems at the entrance, large projector screens and the centre stage LED feature screen, elevating the centenary branding and drawing positive reactions from guests.

Moving lights lined the walkway behind the tiered seating and the edge of the stage, creating depth and atmosphere with beams and effects through haze. Animated glitter and geometric shapes on the screens also reflected the centenary theme.

Centrepieces were kept simple, utilising reflective mirrors, tea light holders to reflect light, and small floral arrangements to complement. A yellow carpet at the entrance referenced centenary gold, complementing the association’s orange and blue brand colours.

Challenges & Highlights

Innovation: Flipping the room’s orientation was a bold move, requiring detailed planning and buy-in from the venue. The result was universally praised and may influence future events.

Technology: The use of AI to animate historical photos set a new standard for event content, with guests and the CEO expressing enthusiasm.

Collaboration: Close partnership with the client, venue, and creative team ensured a seamless experience.

Stephen Wood, General Manager, National Convention Centre Canberra commented on the clever use of space to maximise the experience,

“Encore’s approach was nothing short of ingenious. Their decision to flip the room orientation – closing the main stage and having guests face the beautifully lit tiered seating was a bold move that completely transformed the atmosphere of our Royal Theatre. In over thirty years of hosting events, we’ve never seen a setup quite like it. The team’s attention to detail, creative vision, and seamless collaboration made the entire experience exceptional. The feedback from our staff and guests was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to see how this innovative thinking will inspire future events at our venue.”

Simon Elgie, Events Specialist, Master Builders Association of the ACT was similarly impressed commenting,

“We were absolutely thrilled with Encore’s delivery of our Centenary Gala. The flipped room orientation was a stroke of genius – our guests were amazed by the fresh perspective and the dynamic atmosphere it created. From the stunning LED logo installation to the animated historical content and elegant styling, every detail reflected our brand and the significance of the occasion. Encore’s team went above and beyond to bring our vision to life, and the feedback from our members has been nothing but glowing. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for this milestone celebration.”

Image Credits:
Archival images courtesy of the National Archives of Australia.
Modern images courtesy of the Master Builders Association ACT.

A large banquet hall with round tables set for an event, illuminated by blue and purple stage lighting, with spotlights and decorative light patterns on the ceiling and floor.
A dark indoor stage with colorful blue and orange spotlights, geometric LED lights, and a large truss structure. A podium is on the left and illuminated stairs lead up to the stage. The ceiling has exposed beams.
Large banquet hall set up for an event, with round tables covered in white cloths, dramatic blue and pink stage lighting, and abstract stage decorations in the center. Rows of empty seats face the tables and stage.
A large banquet hall with round tables set for dinner, dramatic stage lighting in blue and orange, and screens displaying abstract visuals on the walls, creating a vibrant, event-like atmosphere.
A dimly lit event hall with round tables set for a formal gathering, featuring a large stage with colorful vertical LED screens and dramatic blue and orange lighting.
A large event hall set up for a formal dinner, with round tables and chairs arranged for guests. Blue stage lights illuminate the stage and ceiling, and two large screens display graphics on either side of the stage.
Large digital screens showing aerial maps and 2020 frame a yellow carpet entrance to the Royal Theatre, with a welcoming sign in the background and warm orange lighting.
A large banquet hall with round tables set for an event, illuminated by blue and purple stage lighting, with spotlights and decorative light patterns on the ceiling and floor.
A dark indoor stage with colorful blue and orange spotlights, geometric LED lights, and a large truss structure. A podium is on the left and illuminated stairs lead up to the stage. The ceiling has exposed beams.
Large banquet hall set up for an event, with round tables covered in white cloths, dramatic blue and pink stage lighting, and abstract stage decorations in the center. Rows of empty seats face the tables and stage.
A large banquet hall with round tables set for dinner, dramatic stage lighting in blue and orange, and screens displaying abstract visuals on the walls, creating a vibrant, event-like atmosphere.
A dimly lit event hall with round tables set for a formal gathering, featuring a large stage with colorful vertical LED screens and dramatic blue and orange lighting.
A large event hall set up for a formal dinner, with round tables and chairs arranged for guests. Blue stage lights illuminate the stage and ceiling, and two large screens display graphics on either side of the stage.
Large digital screens showing aerial maps and 2020 frame a yellow carpet entrance to the Royal Theatre, with a welcoming sign in the background and warm orange lighting.

Encore’s multimedia team created a bespoke highlight reel for the Master Builders Centenary Gala by animating archival photos from both the National Archives and Master Builders’ own collection using advanced AI and multimedia technology: