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One of the hottest event trends at the moment is using large-scale projections to create mass visual impact.  Even a recent episode of Australian Celebrity Apprentice tasked the teams with creating an outdoor projection event to sell a product brand! Advanced projection technology enables event managers to be creative with event design and to create an interactive, sensory experience for audiences. At j2, we have long recognised the power of projection as a highly effective visual platform.  Adopting a creative direction that incorporates projection, pushes boundaries and is high in impact.  Visual effects such as projection, enable event managers to take audiences on a sensational and emotive journey and will ensure that your event makes a lasting impression. Our first exposure to large-scale projections (pun intended) was back at the 2001 Goodwill Games Brisbane (see above) when we projected board game imagery onto the iconic Queensland Performing Arts Complex ....

Inspirational Stuff:  Tape, Ties & Toes An event manager knows that no matter what type of event, you always—ALWAYS—turn up with gaffer tape. And cable ties. And comfortable shoes to protect your greatest asset...feet. It’s one thing to consider tape, ties and toes as event essentials. But events held IN HONOUR OF them? Apparently, so! Here’s three experiments from around the world where these humble tools rule.   1.    2013 Duck® Brand Duct Tape “Stuck At Prom®” Scholarship Contest, USA I know, I know! Duct tape should never be confused with gaffer tape. Experienced event planners know gaffer is designed to be cleanly removed—earning it the “event manager’s best friend” title. Duct tape is not! That said, in researching how gaffer is holding the universe together, we stumbled across this  duct tape event idea  that had to be shared. Students across the USA are challenged to create and accessorize their prom outfits (“school formal wear” for Aussi...

I was digging through some old media clippings today and found a piece I did with the Sunshine Coast Daily in 2011.  The journalist sent me a list of questions to answer to go in a regular column in the business section entitled "5 Minutes with ....".  I suppose the idea is to let readers gain a deeper insight into the person behind the business. At the time I had a lot of fun answering the questions and thought this might be a great way for us to introduce the j2 team. So here are my original, unedited answers from two years ago - surprisingly, I don't think I would choose to change my responses if asked the same questions again today. ..and yes, I have never cooked a meal in my life! x Jo Jordan To me business is...   the third child I never had. My first job was...  at the Ekka as Space Maiden of the Ansett Starship Crew, handing out kids' show-bags.  This was followed by a short stint as Benny Banana. My biggest failure was...  staging a New Year...

What do Event Managers wear when they're a guest? “I have nothing to wear!” So we’ve got an invitation to the races. Not just any trackside event, we’re talking THE races, as in the glamorous “ THIS IS THE MOMENT ” catch-crying AAMI Stradbroke Day at Eagle Farm, for group one thoroughbred racing as part of the Brisbane Racing Carnival . Never been so worried about an event, it’s ridiculous. I mean, we’re event managers after all, and darn good event planners at that! But when we’re turning ideas into reality, our place on event day is out of the spotlight. Not surprisingly, we’re used to being behind the scenes, trying to blend in...be unseen. Almost certainly we  NEVER  look glamorous! So this means the steel caps and high-vis vests are out. (Sorry Joanna Jordan.) Even our typical j2 ideas & events ‘stage manager blacks’ won’t do. Forget the horses people, we need to call in some serious fashion tipping. FASHION ADVICE ANYONE? With j2 having recently organised Brisbane CB...

Green Events - 3 Important Event Planning Considerations Going green is definitely a buzz phrase in the events industry at the moment.  But is the concept of green events fab or simply a fad? We definitely feel that sustainability is the way of future – our clients and people in general are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprints and are consciously opting for greener options for their homes, workplaces and events. There are a few things that event planners need to consider, however, before making a green commitment: Ethical obligations It’s one thing to say your event is going green but remember that these days, you have an ethical and legal obligation to deliver.  The ACCC does monitor companies who breach laws through misleading representations and ensuring accurate marketing of environmental claims is on their hit list.  The ACCC has developed a guide to help business avoid making incorrect green or carbon emission claims. It’s lengthy but essential fo...

The j2 team has noticed social media taking on a more prevalent role in events over the past 18 months. Social media, if used correctly, is proving increasingly useful in coordinating, promoting and enhancing events. From conferences and webinars to public, sporting and special events, social media is offering an invaluable and affordable (often free) platform for connection with target audiences, information sharing, promotion and event evaluation. It appears that using social media is becoming many an event organisers’ secret weapon – until now! We’ve outlined some useful ways that you can use social media to enhance your next event: Live stream events Collect RSVPs online Coordinate events and access tools and information onsite using cloud technology Promote an event and encourage audience buy in using Twitter hash tags Market via Facebook using both viral and PPC programs Create event listings on social networks Create promotional videos and podcasts Upload event highlights to...

At j2 ideas & events, event management is our passion! Now, through our blog, we can share our enthusiasm for all things events including interesting trends, event planning innovations and our general thoughts on everything in the Australian events industry. We’ll also be sharing some samples of our events work from time to time and a few snippets of office news. So stay tuned to our blog and social media platforms and be sure to join our conversations and share our posts. Jo Jordan and the j2 team