MEALIVE 2019 Awards: Behind the Scenes PLAY VIDEO
The Australian event industry’s first, most loved and respected awards evening will be broadcast live from ICC Sydney Studios in just 10 days’ time, on Friday 29 May 2020.
The broadcast marks a special occasion, being the first official event for the Australian event industry since the Federal Government’s announcement about restrictions on gatherings.
Chairperson of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), Vanessa Findlay commented, “I applaud MEA for leading the way with this innovative approach in presenting the MEA Awards in a virtual format. During a time of huge upheaval in the events industry the awards will be a welcome respite and will put the spotlight on something positive for the industry to celebrate.”
In preparation for the industry’s gala evening, Meetings & Events Australia and major sponsor of the 2019 NSW and National Awards, ICC Sydney, joined for a technical walk-through of the event and captured some behind the scenes content of the first test.
Robyn Johnson, CEO, Meetings & Events Australia, commented “This will be the first time the MEA Awards has gone virtual, and it will also be the first time that the State and National Awards will be presented together. The event will bring our industry together to recognise and celebrate our extraordinary talent and creativity at a time when we need to stay connected. It has been a huge undertaking to bring all of the elements together in an online format in a short period of time, however it will be a brilliant and memorable night of nights”.
The reimagined format will set a benchmark for live online events, with the full event production being broadcast live from ICC Sydney Studios, including a virtual red carpet, glamorous stage set and in-studio MC with guests. ICC Sydney will be mustering finalists in virtual rooms, so that all viewers can see responses and winners’ speeches live and interstitial messages from event professionals from around the country will be presented as part of the fast-paced, 2 hour program.
Geoff Donaghy, CEO of ICC Sydney, says, “Delivering an awards ceremony as a virtual event is a first for both ICC Sydney and our industry. It not only poses huge technical challenges but has also put our experienced team’s creativity to the test. I am confident that ICC Sydney will rise to the challenge. Using our world class in-house facilities and skilled team, the event will be seamlessly delivered and create the same special experience attendees have come to expect from the MEA Awards. In doing so, we are excited to be setting an industry benchmark”.
In advance of the event, MEA is hosting a best dressed competition; encouraging guests to dress up, take a selfie at home and post it to the MEA Facebook event page using the hashtag #MEABestDressed. The best dressed will feature on the virtual red carpet half an hour prior to the broadcast, from 5.30pm AEST. There will be prizes for most debonair, most sparkly and most outrageous outfit, to be announced on the night by the MC. Live entertainment will follow the broadcast between 8:00pm - 8:30pm AEST.
Event timing (AEST)
5:30pm - 6:00pm Virtual red carpet featuring best dressed
6:00pm - 8:00pm MEALIVE 2019 AWARDS - live broadcast
8:00pm - 8:30pm Entertainment - live broadcast
MEA would especially like to thank its major sponsors ICC Sydney, Destination NSW and AON as well as Awards Category sponsors Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and StageKings.
Tickets are $45 for members and $55 for non-members, per person (inc GST) including state and national award winners, representing great value.
Tickets available through the MEA website: https://www.meetingsevents.com.au/events/mealive-2019-awards.