The Mandala Social

The Hidden Cost of Connection: Rethinking ‘User Pays’ Fees in the Australian Live Events Sector Behind every vibrant festival, cultural gathering, or community celebration lies a complex network of planning, compliance—and increasingly, rising costs. One of the most pressing financial pressures facing live event organisers across Australia today is the ‘user pays’ model—where event producers must cover costs for essential public services such as police, medical, and traffic management. While each state and territory provides broad guidance, fees often operate on a sliding scale that can vary dramatically depending on event size, location, perceived risk, and agency discretion. In many cases, these costs go well beyond the averages listed below: • NSW: $1,000–$3,000 avg. | +5% annual rise • VIC: $800–$2,000 avg. | Relatively stable • QLD: $1,500–$5,000 avg. | +10% annual rise • WA: $2,000–$7,000 avg. | +15% annual rise • SA: $1,000–$2,500 avg. | Relatively stable • TAS: $500–$1,500 avg. | +3% annual rise • ACT: $1,200–$2,500 avg. | +7% annual rise • NT: $1,800–$4,000 avg. | +8% annual rise Yet in reality, actual charges can far exceed these averages—especially for larger, regional, or late-notified events—creating a barrier not only for independent producers, but for community and not-for-profit organisers as well. At The Mandala Social, we believe it’s time to ask the hard questions: • How can we create more transparency and consistency across jurisdictions? • Should there be a national framework to support equitable access to essential services for events of cultural and social value? • And how do we ensure that innovation, inclusion, and community-building are not stifled by unpredictable or prohibitive costs? We’d love to hear from you. If you’ve navigated the user pays system—successfully or otherwise—we invite your perspectives on what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. Let’s work together to build a more sustainable, accessible future for live events in Australia. #UserPays #LiveEvents #EventCosts #CulturalPolicy #CreativeEconomy #EventAccess #FestivalFunding #TheMandalaSocial #CommunityEvents #EventReform #LiveEventIndustry #EventProducers #PolicyChange #EventInnovation

We are thrilled to witness the Sydney Opera House's commitment to inclusivity and innovation with the integration of Auracast™ broadcast audio technology in its Drama Theatre. This advancement not only enhances accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments but also enriches the experience for all attendees. Key Benefits of Auracast™: Enhanced Audio Clarity: Auracast™ delivers high-quality sound directly to personal Bluetooth® devices, ensuring every audience member enjoys clear and immersive audio, even in challenging acoustic environments. Multi-Language Support: The technology's ability to broadcast multiple audio streams allows venues to offer simultaneous translations, enabling guests to select their preferred language and fully engage with the performance. Personalised Listening Experience: Attendees can adjust volume levels and audio settings on their own devices, tailoring the sound to their individual preferences for a more customised experience. Seamless Connectivity: Connecting to the theatre's audio is as simple as selecting the desired broadcast on your device, eliminating the need for additional equipment and streamlining the listening process. Unmuting Silent Screens: In venues like airports, gymnasiums, and waiting rooms, Auracast™ enables visitors to listen to muted televisions through their personal Bluetooth® earbuds or hearing devices, providing a more satisfying viewing experience. Enhanced Tour Experiences: Museums, convention centers, and tourist attractions can offer more engaging tours by allowing visitors to use their own Bluetooth® devices to receive audio commentary, eliminating the need for specialised equipment. The Sydney Opera House's adoption of Auracast™ technology exemplifies leadership in creating accessible cultural experiences for all. We look forward to witnessing how this advancement transforms audience engagement in the performing arts. #Innovation #Accessibility #Auracast #SydneyOperaHouse #InclusiveDesign #PerformingArts #TechInTheatre #AudioInnovation #CulturalInclusion #CriticalThinking #Creativity #TheMandalaSocial

Biodiversity needs more than awareness—it needs immersive action. Discover how The Mandala Social is revolutionising conservation through experience-led storytelling. Read the full article and join the movement to protect our planet. #Biodiversity #ImmersiveExperiences #Sustainability

Not all festivals are created equal, and one of the most spectacular is about to take place in Canberra! Following on form the Enlighten Festival from 15th to 23rd March 2025, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular will fill our skies with over 40 vibrant hot air balloons, including special guests Simba the Lion and Axel the Tiger. Enjoy the sky show each morning from 6:00 AM at John Dunmore Lang Place to witness this breathtaking display and enjoy delicious breakfast offerings from on-site food trucks and coffee carts. Daily flight updates will be available on the official website and Events ACT Facebook page. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly event that showcases the beauty of Canberra’s autumn mornings.

Currently down in Canberra, is the luminous spectacle of the Enlighten Festival, which runs from 28th February to 10th March 2025. The cityscape is transformed as iconic buildings become canvases for stunning architectural projections, showcasing the vibrant intersection of culture and creativity. Festival Highlights: • Illuminations & Installations: Each evening from 8:00pm, landmarks such as the National Portrait Gallery come alive with dynamic light displays. Notably, Ryan Presley’s commissioned animation work, Inferno, extends the narratives of his mural Paradise Won, depicting acts of resilience and strength. • Festival Hub: Situated in the Parliamentary Triangle, the hub offers live performances from local and interstate artists, roving street acts, and a diverse selection of culinary delights at the Enlighten Food Park. • Symphony in the Park: On 9 March, Commonwealth Park will host Melbourne soul and funk band The Bamboos alongside the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, promising an unforgettable evening of live music under the stars. • Lights! Canberra! Action!: Scheduled for 7 March in the Senate Rose Garden, this short film festival highlights the talents of local filmmakers, presenting their interpretations of the theme ‘Looking back, looking forward’. The Enlighten Festival exemplifies the power of creative experiences to foster authentic connections and celebrate community. It’s inspiring to witness how art, light, and storytelling come together to reflect our shared narratives and aspirations. #EnlightenCanberra #ImmersiveExperiences #CulturalCelebration #TheMandalaSocial #lightart #projectionart

In the dynamic realm of live events, spatial audio is revolutionising audience experiences by crafting immersive, three-dimensional soundscapes. Leading systems like L-ISA by L-Acoustics and Soundscape by d&b audiotechnik are at the forefront, enhancing auditory engagement across concerts, theatre, and classical music. Transforming Live Sound L-ISA technology allows precise spatial positioning of audio sources, creating a natural and enveloping listening environment. Artists such as Bon Iver have utilised L-ISA to deliver immersive concert experiences, with fans noting significant improvements in sound quality and immersion. The Hans Otto Theatre in Potsdam and the AFAS Theatre in Leusden have integrated L-ISA, enriching their performances with clear and natural sound. In classical music, the Orchestre National de Lille employed L-ISA during Verdi's Requiem, immersing audiences in a profound auditory experience. Redefining Acoustic Spaces d&b audiotechnik's Soundscape system combines object-based audio processing with advanced room emulation, enabling precise sound placement and movement. Sony Hall in New York City has transformed its concert experiences with Soundscape, offering audiences an immersive auditory environment that enhances the connection between performers and listeners. The Østre Gasværk Theatre in Copenhagen has embraced Soundscape to elevate its productions, creating soundscapes that draw audiences deeper into the narrative. Similarly, the Malmö Opera in Sweden utilises Soundscape to enrich operatic performances, providing a more authentic and immersive listening experience. Other Notable Spatial Audio Systems Beyond L-ISA and Soundscape, several systems enhance live experiences: Dolby Atmos Live: Adapted from cinema, Dolby Atmos offers immersive audio in venues like London's Ministry of Sound. HOLOPLOT X1 Matrix Array: Employed in venues such as the Sphere in Las Vegas, HOLOPLOT X1 uses beam forming technology to deliver consistent, high-quality audio to every seat. TiMax SoundHub and TiMax Tracker: These systems provide sophisticated spatial audio solutions suitable for diverse performance applications. Sonic Sphere: A multi-sensory spherical concert hall combining 3D light and sound, offering immersive performances worldwide. Enhancing Live Performances Integrating spatial audio systems in live events offers several benefits: Immersive Experience: Audiences are enveloped in sound, creating a sense of being within the performance. Enhanced Clarity: Precise sound placement allows listeners to discern individual instruments and vocals more clearly. Creative Freedom: Artists and sound engineers can craft unique soundscapes, adding dynamic movement and depth to the audio experience. Embracing these advancements, the live event industry is set to deliver increasingly immersive and engaging auditory experiences, captivating audiences and setting new benchmarks for performance excellence.

In today's interconnected world, fostering robust community engagement is pivotal for organisations aiming to create meaningful impacts and cultivate lasting relationships. Effective community engagement not only enhances trust and collaboration but also drives innovation and collective growth. Strategies for Effective Community Engagement: Identify and Include Underrepresented Groups: Begin by recognising which segments of your community are underrepresented in your initiatives. Actively reach out to these groups to ensure diverse perspectives are included, fostering a more inclusive environment.  GROUNDWORK USA Utilise Digital Platforms: Leverage online tools and social media to reach a broader audience. Digital platforms can facilitate continuous interaction, provide real-time updates, and gather feedback efficiently.  SUPTASK Host Regular Community Events: Organise events such as town hall meetings, workshops, or focus groups to encourage face-to-face interactions. These gatherings provide opportunities for stakeholders to voice their opinions, ask questions, and build relationships.  SUPTASK Encourage Storytelling: Invite community members to share their experiences and success stories. This practice not only humanises your organisation but also fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among participants.  MIGHTY NETWORKS Provide Clear Communication Channels: Establish and maintain open lines of communication. Ensure that community members know how to reach out with questions or concerns and that they receive timely, transparent responses. Solicit and Act on Feedback: Regularly seek input from your community and demonstrate that their feedback informs your decisions. This approach builds trust and shows that you value their contributions. The Role of Events in Community Engagement: Events serve as a cornerstone for building and nurturing community relationships. They offer platforms for collaboration, education, and celebration, reinforcing a collective identity. Whether virtual or in-person, well-executed events can energise your community and inspire continued engagement. Implementing Best Practices: Set Clear Objectives: Define what you aim to achieve with your community engagement efforts to align activities with your organisation's mission and the community's needs. Be Transparent: Share your goals, processes, and decision-making criteria openly to build credibility and trust. Measure Impact: Utilise both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess the effectiveness of your engagement strategies and identify areas for improvement. By embracing these strategies and prioritising authentic interactions, organisations can cultivate vibrant communities that are resilient, innovative, and mutually supportive.

Have your Say! This 3min survey on the Australian Events Industry will be really information, please contribute; https://lnkd.in/gEKiuZrj

✨ Cities Around the World Are Lighting Up This Weekend! 🔥🌎 Looking for something magical to do this weekend? Across the globe, light art festivals are transforming cityscapes into mesmerizing displays of creativity, technology, and storytelling. If you're nearby, don’t miss these must-visit events happening this weekend (Feb 14–16, 2025): 🌟 Umbra Light Festival – Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain 📍 21 breathtaking installations by global artists, turning the city into an open-air gallery. 🎭 This year’s theme, Art is Peace, explores harmony, climate change, and global reflections. ⏰ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM 💡 Napa Lighted Art Festival – Napa, California, USA 🏙️ A free, walkable experience with illuminated sculptures and large-scale projection art on downtown buildings. ⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Fri & Sat), until 9:00 PM (Sun–Thurs) ❄ World of Winter Festival – Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA 🌲 One of the largest winter art festivals in the U.S., featuring 20+ large-scale light installations by international and local artists. ✨ Best experienced after dark! ⏰ 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily 🌈 Portland Winter Light Festival – Portland, Oregon, USA 🚀 A citywide celebration of interactive light installations, performances, and immersive digital art. 🆓 Free admission – bringing light, creativity, and innovation to Portland! 🔥 Bend WinterFest – Bend, Oregon, USA 🎶 More than just a light festival—live music, art, entertainment, and winter vibes make this weekend truly unforgettable! 🎟️ Tickets cover the entire weekend. ✨ If you love light art, immersive experiences, and creative storytelling, these festivals are not to be missed! Which one would you love to visit? Let me know in the comments! 💡👇 #LightArt #FestivalOfLights #CreativeCities #WeekendPlans #WinterMagic #TheMandalaSocial #InnovationThroughArt

Creative Alchemy: Designing Experiences, Not Just Events Great events aren’t just assembled—they’re crafted through a seamless fusion of creativity and technical mastery. This is creative alchemy—where lighting, sound, automation, and stagecraft come together as a unified artistic force, not just separate elements placed according to a site plan. At Anystage, we believe that true engagement comes from design unity—where every technical decision enhances the creative vision, drawing audiences into an unforgettable experience. It’s not just about setting up equipment; it’s about crafting moments that captivate, inspire, and push the boundaries of event presentation. If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and be part of a team that transforms technical skills into true artistry, join us. Let’s redefine live events together.