A Night in Oz: The 2025 REIACT Awards Transforms Canberra into a Wicked Wonderland
- melanie753
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
On a spellbinding evening in 2025, the Exhibition Hall at the National Convention Centre Canberra was utterly transformed into the Land of Oz for the Annual REIACT Awards — a night where real estate excellence met theatrical enchantment. Inspired by the beloved musical Wicked, this immersive experience whisked guests away on a journey down the yellow brick road and into a world of whimsy, wonder, and celebration.
Welcome to Oz: The Grand Entrance
Guests arrived to find the hall unrecognizable — a custom-built Gates to Oz installation marked the threshold between reality and fantasy. Beyond the gates, a golden yellow brick road beckoned attendees forward, guiding them into a Glinda-themed cocktail space that radiated charm and elegance.
Glinda’s Realm: Pretty in Pink
This reception area was a vision in blush tones. Tall cocktail tables dressed in soft pink satin tablecloths stood beneath glowing acrylic candelabras, while pink lighting and patterned gobos cast playful shadows across the room. A custom magazine photo box — complete with Oz-themed headlines and a whimsical backdrop — invited guests to strike a pose and capture the moment in true Glinda style.
Into the Emerald City: A Dramatic Reveal
As guests approached the main event space, clusters of oversized flowers, glowing butterflies, and lush ground florals created a vibrant, textured transition. Then, in a theatrical flourish, a central drape lifted to reveal the Emerald City — a breathtaking Elphaba-inspired space that blended moody magic with sophisticated styling.
Table Styling: Duality of Good and Wicked
Tables were dressed in soft green crushed velvet, setting a luxurious foundation for two distinct centerpiece styles:
Emerald City Glow: Half the tables featured black and gold tubes of varying heights, each flickering with internal candlelight to evoke the mystical skyline of Oz.
Hoop Light Silhouettes: The remaining tables showcased glowing green hoop lights, with alternating silhouettes of Glinda and Elphaba — a visual nod to the duality of the evening’s theme.
The Stage: Sparkling Towers of Oz
The stage design was nothing short of spectacular. A cluster of glowing green towers rose dramatically, representing the Emerald City in all its grandeur. Lighting effects danced across the towers, creating a sparkling illusion that shifted with the mood of the night — from elegant award presentations to high-energy celebration.
Let the Celebration Begin
As the awards concluded and the party began, the AV team dialed up the energy. Changing colours and flashing lights pulsed through the space, transforming the hall into a vibrant dance floor where guests could revel in their achievements and toast to another year of excellence.
From the first step on the yellow brick road to the final dance beneath the emerald glow, the 2025 REIACT Awards was a masterclass in immersive event styling. Wickedly wonderful, visually stunning, and emotionally unforgettable — this night in Oz will be remembered for years to come.
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