An experience for everyone...

Here's a guest blog from ex-DG'er Brad Cocks who now works as Functions Manager for the Australian Open

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Where does one start when asked about Australian Open 2012. It’s a massive event, the largest in the country actually, so its impossible to describe the entire two weeks as it will take the next twelve months to hear only some of the stories and experiences the four and half thousand strong staff had working on the event.

What I do know, is that each and everyone of those team members dedicated themselves to “event life” for at least two weeks, most longer, to deliver in number terms the most successful Australian Open in history.

680,000 plus punters through the gates, the longest grand slam men’s final in history and the same match delivering the longest Australian Open match in history.

This was my second Australian Open (AO) from the inside. Year one was a learning experience, watch and oversee it roll out, take as many notes as possible. End year one and the list is long – but one of the biggest learning’s I have had in the last twelve months is you cannot change the world overnight, but you can make a difference where it counts and where it is welcomed.

Our process was simple on all accounts – what is the best offering we can give our guests - Assess their needs and wants, develop the offering to be primarily about the guest, align the AO brand, and get the best people to deliver the result.

AO2012 launched in October 2011 we were fortunate enough for the event to receive coverage across the globe and from here we were up and away; there was no turning back…..

I have been lucky enough in the past working with DG global to meet and work with some extraordinarily talented people around the world, hence as we instigated so much change for AO 2012, there was no question to engage these people (including the current DG team) who live “event life” 24/7 to deliver. And deliver they did, by the bucket load. A day at the Australian Open is not standard, it is generally a minimum of 15 hours and you need to tie them together, back to back, for weeks on end. The team needs to be dedicated day in day out, which I believe is something you cannot learn, it’s a passion and dedication inside you that makes you want to be involved and make a difference, particular when the results come.

It’s the tens to hundreds of people involved in producing each event that should be commended. Most of all, it is always a fun time and great laugh working with each of them – particularly when Johnno (Austin) starts telling stories of past tours on the road - I’m sure some of our team are now scarred for life!

For me, AO 2012, will be remembered for all of the above, but there is one experience I will never forget…

2012 provided the opportunity to develop new pre-final entertainment. 100 years of Men’s singles champions gave us the perfect reason to bring to Australia all nine living Australian, Australian Open champions. These are the greats – Rosewall, Laver, Emerson, Newcombe, just to name a few. I love the theatre and this was AO’s moment to provide an emotional theatrical experience. And so a ceremonial show was developed with all nine men. Something I am sure will never be seen again.

The moment I knew what this little show meant was when Frank Sedgman walked off centre court post show in tears and shook my hand followed by Ken Rosewall who gave me a pat on the back and said a simple “thankyou”.

We are in the business of producing shows and experiences and for that small moment and experience in MY life, I am thankful to all who were part of and made Australian Open 2012.