Event Objectives

THE WEEKENDER is an annual event hosted by Kao Salon Division that unites industry professionals for two immersive days filled with engaging conference sessions, interactive brand activations, and an exclusive evening celebration to highlight Kao’s commitment to innovation and creativity.

Event Specifications

• Conference Venue – glamorous venue with state-of-the-art technology
• Conference Program – showcasing creative and artistic talent and inspirational keynote speakers
• Party Venue – unique and versatile space with customisable food and beverage options
• Bespoke Registration Portal – featuring custom branding and a user-friendly design

Key Deliverables

• Pre-Event Planning: Clear timelines, effective resource allocation, and weekly meetings ensure alignment between The Event Gap and Kao on all deadlines.
• Attendee Communication: A shared email inbox centralised communication, ensuring streamlined and effective interactions with delegates, clients, and suppliers.
• Show Bags: Each attendee received a holographic tote bag branded with the event’s “Time to Shine” theme.
• Name Badges and Lanyards: Branded bamboo name badges provided a sustainable alternative and were well-received by attendees. Each badge displayed essential details, a QR code to the event agenda, and a hashtag to encourage social engagement.
• Conference Show Setup: Held in the Ballroom at QT Gold Coast, the conference featured a T-shaped stage with a catwalk and strategically placed seating for optimised attendee comfort. Visual elements such as an LED wall and large screens enhanced the conference’s professional ambiance. Creative lighting further emphasised the theme, creating a captivating atmosphere.
• Brand Booths and Activations: Kao designed brand booths for each of its lines (Oribe, Goldwell, Kerasilk, and KMS) with unique themes and interactive elements.

Program Highlight

The Party

The highlight of THE WEEKENDER was the exclusive party at Surfers Pavilion. The venue’s versatile layout allowed multiple activations, a robust canape and beverage service, and an engaging entertainment lineup. Roving canapes and platters, featuring dishes like kingfish ceviche and wagyu sliders, received high praise, and a custom “glitter cocktail” added a touch of sparkle to attendee arrival.

Entertainment at the party included a live performance by “Geed Up,” a favourite among attendees, who enjoyed the addition of pyrotechnics to their high-energy set. Champagne Diamond performers in oversized martini glasses further enhanced the glamour, while a 360-spin pod provided an exciting “Glam Bot” moment that kept attendees captivated and sharing their experiences on social media.

Challenges Overcome

We successfully navigated several logistical challenges when key materials for the brand booths were lost in transit by swiftly collaborated with QT to arrange for substitute items, mitigating the impact on the event.

Through strong problem-solving skills, effective negotiation, and cost management, our team worked closely with both the venue and suppliers, ensuring that issues were resolved quickly and efficiently. Our ability to adapt and find solutions under pressure highlights our commitment to delivering a successful event despite logistical setbacks.