The awards programme fully utilised the space, starting with a ‘photo moment’ in the entranceway for guests. A gallery of screens and displays of the prospective award entries was staged in Waiheke 2, along with a bar and media wall. Waiheke 1 was the optimal space to host the seated dinner and awards, and later a band and DJ set. Its open, pillarless space afforded all guests with a good view of the stage, and four large screens enabled organisers to hero the content of the show – the work winning the awards.
Lendrum notes: “One of the advantages at VEC is you don’t have to worry too much about the rest of the venue; it’s already fit for purpose. It would cost dramatically more to have to dress the whole space. We could focus our efforts on the stage and production components.”
This event used a third party production provider, but Lendrum says the VEC team ensures every need is well catered for: “Everything runs very smoothly in terms of production. VEC has pretty good sound dynamics, too.
“One of the big challenges in hosting a large crowd of excitable creative types is you have to hold their attention for 2-3 hours and they can grow distracted and loud, so sound quality is very important!”
VEC’s new outdoor smoking area also helped with guest retention, ensuring the attendees stayed within the venue to enjoy the show.
Catering providers Urban Gourmet delivered a delicious two-course seated meal featuring chicken, duck, vegetarian and dietary options, without the need to bring in additional kitchen supplies.
The venue’s beautiful waterfront location, central to CBD transport hubs and within easy walking distance of bars and hotels post-event, was an additional factor in choosing the VEC.
Lendrum concludes: "There’s more space and freedom for guests outside, and great photo opportunities in the Viaduct. It just feels like a special occasion event space."
