Another j2 event experience

Airportlink Community Open Days

Portfolio Classification	Major Infrastructure Community Engagement
Location	Toombul/Hendra, Kedron, Windsor work sites – Brisbane
Year	2009 - 2011
Client	Thiess John Holland
Quick Facts	Two open days held in 2010 – a Community Open Day and a Staff Family Day 2,000 free tickets were released to the public for the Community Open Day Attendees were treated to site tours of the underground worksite to glimpse the massive Tunnel Boring Machines being assembled Up to 1,500 people from Airport Link project staff and their families were granted similar access at a separately held event j2 also organised additional staff family days in 2009 and 2011 held at Eagle Farm Racecourse and Chermside Aquatic Centre

Background

In July 2010, the Thiess John Holland project team celebrated a significant milestone by reaching the half-way point of the projects' construction program. With 6km of tunnelling completed, the project was on schedule for completion in mid-2012. Airport Link Community Open Day was a significant event initiative by Thiess John Holland to keep local residents, community groups and the wider public informed about progress on the Airport Link, Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron) and Airport Roundabout Upgrade projects.

J2 Services and Solutions

Event management

Venue selection and coordination

Interface with construction team to determine design of tours, on-site parameters, restrictions, access, etc

Design of an online registration system allowing participants to select a bus departure time for the construction site tours

Management of the online registration process and on-site registration on day of event, including wrist-banding participants accurately for timed tour departures

Bus/coach hire coordination, scheduling, traffic management planning and coordination during event

Coordination and management of entertainment, including children's activities and amusement rides

In partnership with Thiess John Holland, plan sufficient quantity of showbags and distribute to participants

Venue pageantry and theming

Temporary infrastructure coordination and management of contractors

Briefing of all personnel and volunteers

Production and stage management and oversight of event from bump in through bump out

Budget management and cost control

Risk mitigation and management

Level of Complexity

Safety of participants was of paramount importance given that access was granted to a working underground construction site. Lead-up public communications needed to emphasise strict footwear and personal protective equipment requirements, which was enforced on the day requiring subtlety and discretion from event supervision staff.

The transportation of guests to a working construction site from the event 'festivities' site, required planning of very finely-timed bus departures.

Key Achievements

j2 facilitated safe and engaging public access to the Airport Link underground construction work sites without incident.

Stakeholder Feedback

"The Thiess John Holland Airport Link 2009 Staff Family Day and 2010 Community Open Day would not have been possible without the assistance of j2 Ideas and Events. Jo and her team ensured both events were well planned, coordinated and executed and above all, extremely successful. The positive feedback we continue to receive about the Community Open Day in particular is testament to the professionalism and dedication of the j2 team. We look forward to many more successful partnerships in the years to come."

Ruth Moody – (former) Communication Coordinator, Thiess John Holland