Zapstars Productions’ owner and technical director, Jamie McEwen, and his crew are proud to look back over the past year. We’ve supported some standout events such as Krispy Kreme’s new store grand opening in Henry Deane Plaza, conversations with Naomi Klein at the City Recital Hall and the Sydney Peace Prize held in the Sydney Town. We’re also privileged to have met countless events professionals in the industry, Australia wide.

Zapstars Productions entered the events arena in 2007. With growing expertise, we commenced full-blown operations in 2014, providing production and technical solutions. From corporate events to award shows, we’ve worked hard to find the right solutions for our clients.

It’s always been our goal to make our clients’ lives easier by providing end-to-end management. So beyond production needs, Zapstars also brings together event specialists and suppliers to help meet client demands.

Over the years the Australian events industry has changed beyond recognition, with advances in technology constantly providing new and experiential events to audiences. While demand and innovation may change, our aim at Zapstars remains the same: to keep pace with the events evolution and provide the best possible production solutions.

Above all, Zapstars values its clients dearly. We believe two-way communication is essentially what lies behind a successful event. That’s why we value what our clients have to say. By listening and communicating, we can continue to meet expectations.

We’re excited for the future and the challenges it will surely bring. Blessed with a crew always ready to provide its very best, we’re excited to embrace every new event trend. We’re excited to meet new clients and create memorable events with them.

Zapstars Productions is here to stay, thanks to our wonderful clients who continue to trust us and believe in us.

The international model and TV personality has signed on to promote the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

In the spot, Gale explores the off-road cycle trails showcasing the great sights New Zealand has to offer including the best of the country’s wine, culture, history, nature and scenery. During her journey on the Otago Central Rail Trail and The Timber Trail.

The keynote is the most crucial part that establishes the framework of a programme, event, convention agenda or some other specific happenings involving talking. They are mainly carried out by convention moderators who are also called keynote speaker. The keynote speaker definitely has an important mission that can provide a better understanding about some particular theme or even make changes much broader like in a whole organization. Take a look at 10 things that you should be asking the keynote speaker before hiring him.

• What preparation does a keynote speaker need to undergo to provide a successful service?

On the interview, it should be clear that the potential keynote speaker is familiar with what should be done to capture the essence of any meeting and highlight it to the target audience in a short period of time. The interviewer should ask about concrete techniques the employee would use to achieve that, such as researching of particular industry issues, the audience and others.

• What is your background and attitude towards life?

Asking this question can provide also some shaky ground information that most likely is not mentioned in the CV, for example, prejudices against some nationality and others that can be challenging when dealing with some particular audience.

• Can you give a brief presentation of yourself?

The best way how to see how the theory works in practice is by asking a potential keynote speaker to promote himself. In this manner, it is possible to witness how a person is using gestures, his voice, and other tools.

• Can you summarize the given text?

Giving a task to summarize some text will show what information a person finds important and which words he or she chooses to use to retell the idea.

• What will you do to stay memorable to the target audience? Can you provide an example?

To see how creative a person is with his approaches, it could be important to ask what kind of tools or approach he or she will use to leave a memorable impression. In this case, it can be some anecdote, showing some clips, singing and others.

• Can you name some of the most popular keynote speakers worldwide?

This question will help to determine if a person has some background knowledge in the field and perhaps people from whom he gets inspired, like Steve Jobs, Doug Dvorak.

• What are the differences between inspirational speaker and keynote speaker?

It is important to make a clear distinction between terms. The keynote speaker has more to do with providing a summary of a message.

• What and who inspires you?

To determine personality traits and the possible approach to moderate a keynote event, it is important to see what a person is interested in and from where he gets the ideas to make the best impression to the target audience when spreading the organizations or some other hirers’ message.

• How long is a good speech?

Mainly there are two types of speakers: the ones who tend to talk shorter than expected and the ones who talk too much. There should be some plan also to stay focused on the most important bits of the information that needs to be provided to the target audience.

• Do you think it is important to interact with the audience or not? Justify your opinion.

A keynote speaker can choose either provide one-way conversation or try to interact with the audience. The second choice is better and not that easy to be made successfully. He or she should be careful with connecting references, rhetorical questions and other approaches a keynote speaker uses.

To successfully achieve this mission, this special speaker needs to be selected with a special care. Some of the highlighted questions can help to make a decision that can influence the whole future of a company, an event or some other issue. Questions practical in nature also shouldn’t be forgotten as they can help to see how a person can promote himself and see him in action. The more provoking and non-standard the questions will be, the more possibility will be there to find the most suitable candidature, who won’t let anyone down.

 For more information on how to breathe life into your next event check:

• Website  http://zapstarsproductions.com/
• Email  sayhi@zapstarsproductions.com
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• Google+

Your trusted Audio Visual Production and Solution Provider,

There were about 50 VIP meet & greet guests, plus another 100 or so general admission attendees. Included in the panel were NXT champion Finn Balor, Neville, and Emma. Ring announcer Jo-Jo hosted the event.

– JoJo posed some questions to the panel focusing on their careers up to and upon joining NXT. Not much new stuff in the opening remarks, but all three were very well spoken and their passion for this industry came through.

Read more HERE about the Q&A Session.

By Bella Brennan For Daily Mail Australia

Nicole Richie was given a rock-star reception when she made her much-hyped appearance at Westfield shopping centre in Sydney’s Parramatta on Thursday night.

The diminutive beauty, who has been married to Good Charlotte rocker Joel Madden since 2010, happily posed with fans who had patiently camped out to catch a glimpse of the 33-year-old designer.

Living up to her stylish reputation, the Candidly Nicole star’s outfit didn’t disappoint.

 

We all know Nicole Richie is a bit of a fashion maven.

Long gone are the days of dodgy fake tan, straggly extensions and Juicy Couture tracksuits. Now Nicole is all sleek and chic with still a hint of the bohemian edge she became well known for when she was styled by Rachel Zoe.

And last night in Australia she lived up to her reputation as she attended an event at a Westfield shopping centre, wearing this very cool top by Balmain. We love the sheer jacquard and geometric pattern and styled with wide leg trousers, Nicole has really nailed this new season look.

The mother-of-two showed off her petite frame in a sheer, long-sleeved top, which she teamed with high-waisted, flared black trousers.

Her eye-catching pink pixie cut injected a dash of colour into the look, while she accessorised her ensemble with a simple silver necklace and an array of earrings.

Inside the event, fans were treated to an exclusive fashion workshop held by Nicole, which was focused around autumn racing in conjunction with Myer for the upcoming Golden Slipper event.

 

Hey, there! The mother-of-two gave an enthusiastic wave to the crowd as the took to the microphone to give a fashion masterclass in the lead up to the Golden Slipper event, which will be held in Sydney this Saturday 

 

‘Very much at home here’ Nicole Richie on Australia

 

 

Miss Richie has landed the coveted role of international ambassador for this year’s Golden Slipper Carnival, which will be held in Sydney on March 21. As part of her gig she will judge Myer’s popular Fashions On The Field competition.

As Creative Director for her clothing and accessories line House of Harlow 1960, and with her experience acting as a mentor for aspiring designers on reality show Fashion Star, Nicole is well placed to cast her eye over the best dressed’s efforts. 

While media were strictly forbidden from asking about her former reality show The Simple Life, her stint in rehab, her new sister-in-law Cameron Diaz and family, Nicole was eager to discuss her track-side fashion.

Speaking to News.com.au about her eye for style, Nicole said of her upcoming races appearance: ‘This is my first race day so I would suggest just to “have fun with it” as that’s the fun part about fashion. You can live in the moment.’ 

 

 

Love that look… The 33-year-old displayed her petite frame in a sheer, long-sleeved top, which she teamed with a black bra and high-waisted trousers

 

Expert… The US stunner has landed the coveted role of international ambassador for this year’s Golden Slipper Carnival, which will be held in Sydney on March 21

 

Nicole Richie on forcing her dad to try the cupping craze

 

 

 ‘I don’t have a backup here, but I have my outfit sorted. It’s a surprise.’

She also revealed to The Daily Telegraph that she wouldn’t be placing any bets: ‘I have never won gambling in my life. I am really bad at it.’  

The Richie-Madden’s clan love affair with Australia is a long-running saga after husband Joel, and the father of her two children, daughter Harlow, seven, and son Sparrow, five, began working as a judge on The Voice Australia in 2012. 

During The Voice filming duties the young family are based in both Sydney and LA.

The longtime edition to the singing show will be joined this season by his twin brother, Benji, in the same spinning chair. 

 

The long and the short of it: Nicole’s tiny frame was truly highlighted when she stood next to the very tall host

 

Say cheese! The Candidly Nicole star rubbed shoulder with excited fans 

 

 

 

 Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3002146/Nicole-Richie-rocks-sheer-long-sleeved-high-waisted-trousers-dazzles-crowds-Westfield-appearance.html

As part of the trial, Samsung Gear VR headsets will be available to customers in Sydney and Melbourne International first class lounges from mid-February, and first class cabins on select A380 flights between Australia and Los Angeles from mid-March.

Donning a headset will give Qantas customers 360 degree virtual reality vision of destinations such as Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, new Qantas products, and in-flight movies.

“Qantas will be the only airline to offer a virtual reality entertainment experience in-flight,” Qantas said in a news release.

The trial will run for three months to assess customer feedback on how the VR experience adds to the overall travel experience on long-haul flights.

Qantas spokesman Olivia Wirth said the technology would open up new lounge and in-flight entertainment for customers, as well as give Qantas a powerful way to preview destinations and experiences.

“Whether the user wants a virtual tour of our new Los Angeles First Lounge or experience an A380 landing from the tarmac, this technology gives us a completely new way to connect with our customers,” Mrs Wirth said.

“From an in-flight entertainment perspective, it’s an industry first. Qantas is committed to being at the forefront of innovation to give our passengers the very best and latest in-flight experiences, like accessing the virtual worlds of their favourite Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of their seat 40,000 feet above the ground.

“It’s also a fantastic tool to feature our network’s destinations, inspiring travel and promoting tourism.”

Samsung Electronics Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Arno Lenior, said the use of Samsung Gear VR technology across selected Qantas services would provide an exceptional experience for customers.

“We believe Samsung Gear VR, one of the latest innovations from Samsung, will open new worlds for Qantas customers who experience the technology for themselves,” Mr Lenior said.

Qantas said it was working closely with production company Jaunt to develop and produce the live-action content including destination footage.

Post-war brides to be special guests at Anzac Centenary service

TEN widows of World War One veterans will be flown for free by Qantas to Anzac Cove for the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, subject to medical checks.

The women, who range in age from their 70s to early 90s, married the veterans long after they returned from war. In some cases, there was an age difference of more than 40-years.

A Qantas spokesman said the widows would be accompanied by a carer as well as nurses, Department of Veteran Affairs staff, and an Australian Defence Force doctor.

“We are honoured to be carrying war widows and their carers to Turkey so they can attend commemorative services at Gallipoli,” said Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce.

“Two of Qantas’ founders, Paul McGinness and Hudson Fysh both served with distinction in the First World War and today, their legacies remain strong as do our ties with the services of the Australian Defence Forces.”

Mr Joyce also announced an additional flight for Australians travelling to Turkey for Anzac Day, departing Sydney on April 21.

 

The Boeing 747 seats 364 passengers and will help carry those people who received a ticket in the Federal Government ballot to attend the historic Anzac Day service.

Only those with an attendance pass will be able to attend the official commemorations at Anzac Cove.

Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Michael Ronaldson said those who missed out on a pass would have other opportunities to attend commemorative services.

“Those without attendance passes for Anzac Day 2015 may consider visiting Gallipoli on August 6 for the Battle of Lone Pine commemoration service,” said Senator Ronaldson.

“Australians can also attend a Dawn Service in Australia or watch the televised broadcast of the Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux services.”

He commended Qantas for helping to carry Australians to Turkey for the historic event.

“The Anzac Centenary is a milestone of special significance to all Australians as the First World War played such an important role in defining us as nation and as a people,” Senator Ronaldson said.