Client: Qantas
Venue: Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf
Guests: 100 Qantas VIP Platinum Members
Occasion: Ancient Soils. Ancient Culture. Celebrating 55 Years of Doltone House
Overview
As part of their 55-year anniversary, Doltone House hosted a VIP event for 100 Qantas Platinum Members. The evening was a celebration of Australian Indigenous culture, cuisine, and outback, brought to life through Encore’s full-service creative technical production. Held at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, the event was a masterclass in narrated storytelling, personalisation and precision immersive dining.
As part of their 55-year anniversary, Doltone House hosted a VIP event for 100 Qantas Platinum Members. The evening was a celebration of Australian Indigenous culture, cuisine, and outback, brought to life through Encore’s full-service creative production. Held at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, the event was a masterclass in narrated storytelling, personalisation and precision immersive dining.
Pre-Function Experience
Guests were welcomed into a pre-function space where a solo violinist performed beneath a undulating kinetic LED ring. The lighting haloed the performer in a soft, ethereal glow, setting a tone of elegance, anticipation and a symbolism of unity, connectiveness and community. As the final notes faded, the voice of nature’s voice filled the room, introducing the evening’s symbolism of land, culture and connectiveness and inviting guests to journey through Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage.
Dramatic Reveal
With music and lighting sequences building suspense and drawing the guest’s eye to a focal point, a Kabuki drop of drape dramatically unveiled the main experience area. The reveal was met with excitement as guests entered a visually stunning space featuring:
- Two parallel 50-pax king tables with stunning table projection on top of each table
- Tables flanked by two wave-formation LED walls creating a stunning frame either side
- 5 podium stages beautifully lit stages
- Immersive lighting, audio and content that narrated the evenings proceedings
Personalised Seating
Encore elevated the guest experience with personalised table projections. Instead of traditional floor plans or place cards, each guest’s name was projected onto their seat location, creating a moment of surprise and delight as guests were seated and served.
Culinary Journey
The evening featured a five-course menu curated by renowned Indigenous Chef Mark Olive, Midden Restaurant and Doltone Group Executive Chef John Edmonds. Each course was paired with wines from Munda Wines, the Australian Indigenous Wine Company.
From the beginning of service of each course the experience was curated and crafted. Starting with the formation roll out of the wine service while the storyline continued from the voice of Nature, revealing the scene and the elements that was being showcased through food, wine paring, content room sound and scent.
This included a fish course which was paired with beautiful Australian inspired water content projection with flowing marine visuals, the sounds scape of thunder and waves rumbling and lighting states that flashed at random just like the raw of Nature during a storm.
Chef Mark Olive and Munda Wines representatives introduced each course once the sound, visual and theatrical scapes played, weaving cultural and the element and storyline into the culinary journey and flavours.
Cultural Celebration
The event culminated in a powerful performance of the Qantas anthem, I Still Call Australia Home, by an opera singer also illuminated in dramatic lighting. The emotional finale reinforced the evening’s celebration of Australian identity and heritage.
Outcome
The event was hailed as a triumph of personalisation, technical artistry and creativity turning the technology into and emotive immersive storyline.
At the end of the event, Creative Director Julz took stage, sharing her insights into curating collaborating and creating journeys and experiences like this with audiences like the Qantas Platinum members. She shared that the guest experience was shared and brought to them from five star hospitality service from Doltone and encores creative team and specialised technologists who wish to share their passion and love for immersive experience with them guests.
Guests left with a deep appreciation for Australia’s Indigenous heritage and a memorable experience that reflected the prestige of Qantas and the legacy of Doltone House.
Guest comments,
“Our Platinum Members were treated to an unforgettable evening. From the moment guests arrived, the experience was immersive, elegant and deeply personal. They were truly delighted by the storytelling and table projection designs that created a seamless journey through Australian Indigenous culture, cuisine and countryside.
It was a celebration of heritage and hospitality, delivered with creativity and precision. We couldn’t have asked for a more fitting tribute to our most loyal members.”
Ashley Bayer, Senior Manager Elite Programs, Qantas
“It is hard to put into words how simply incredible the night was – from Mark’s curated menu, Jess’s passion when speaking to Munda Wines and the truly immersive AV, to the smallest of details and the grand finale of “I Still Call Australia Home”. It is clear why Doltone House are leaders in the events and hospitality space. The Platinum One guests were very well taken care of and left with very big smiles on their faces.”
Jessica Mason from Qantas’ Agency, Medium Rare
“Encore are true masters of immersive storytelling and personalisation. The production of the Qantas VIP Member event was flawless – the incredible room set-up elevated the experience, and the personalised table projections amazed and delighted every guest.
You truly transformed our venue into a living narrative of Australian Indigenous culture, food and countryside. It was one of the most memorable events we’ve ever hosted, and Encore’s creativity and precision made it unforgettable.”
Nina Milazzo, Chief Operating Officer, Doltone House
