Case Studies

JTB Australia Leads ENEOS/Sojitz Solar Power Facility Opening Ceremony to Success

Client :ENEOS Australia Pty Ltd (hereafter ENEOS), Sojitz Australia Ltd (Sojitz)

Industry :Energy Trading Solutions

Participants :Around 70

Destination :Chinchilla, Australia

Period :September 28, 2023

# Case Studies
# Event Solution
# Oceania

JTB Australia Leads ENEOS/Sojitz Solar Power Facility Opening Ceremony to Success

Summary

Proposing design of opening ceremony and reception for large solar power facility
Overcoming transportation and supply difficulties unique to a first-time host region
Using extensive network to streamline preparations up to the day of the event
Receiving high praise from VIPs of both companies and state officials

Objectives

The client for this project is ENEOS, a major Japanese company involved in developing gas stations nationwide and renewable energy projects, such as solar power generation. Sojitz, their business partner, is a major Japanese trading company that, in addition to the energy business, operates in various fields including automobiles, aircraft, infrastructure, metal resources, chemicals, and retail. These two companies have collaborated in the renewable energy business for some time, and have recently established a solar power facility, Edenvale Solar Park, in Queensland, Australia. Construction began in June 2021 and the opening ceremony was held on September 28, 2023.

This is the first large-scale solar power facility project undertaken in Australia for both companies and, to date, the largest solar power facility in the country led by a Japanese company. To mark this major milestone, the Consul General of Japan in Brisbane, Queensland State Government officials, and executives from ENEOS and Sojitz planned to attend the opening ceremony and reception.

ENEOS selected JTB from several potential candidates because of our experience in bringing attention to detail to a degree that only a Japanese company could provide, and because of our handling of VIPs including state government officials and consul generals.

Challenges

After several revisions and proposals, a plan was formalized about four months before the opening ceremony. With such a short time frame, JTB Australia had to confirm the availability of guests, procure and store equipment and supplies, and secure transportation to and from the site. Edenvale Solar Park, where the opening ceremony was to be held, was a four-hour drive from Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland. Unlike urban areas, the remote location meant a lack of nearby facilities.

Procuring equipment and supplies for the opening ceremony was a particularly challenging hurdle. The inaccessible location from the city and unsuitable delivery and local purchasing options meant there was uncertainty whether the necessary equipment and supplies, from tents down to ribbon cutting sets, could be arranged and set up by the deadline.

We were also requested to organize an opening ceremony and reception that “creates a sense of connection between Japan and Australia.” Therefore, it was important that we delivered a uniquely Japanese event within the limited time and supplies available.

Key Points

Arranging travel arrangements for guests, including VIPs
Purchasing, delivering, and storing necessary equipment and supplies
Planning events offering Japanese cultural experiences

Solutions

Prompt contact and response to suppliers

Since we had not previously worked with most suppliers essential to the opening ceremony and reception in the region, every effort was made to report and communicate frequently with them. This resulted in prompt on-site delivery of building materials, equipment, and supplies required for decoration and catering.

When specific equipment or supplies were needed, our team promptly responded by personally delivering and storing them before the event.

Adding Japanese elements to the reception

To fulfill the request by the client to incorporate Japanese elements into the reception, we added Japanese dishes such as nori maki (seaweed rolls) and tempura to the menu. We also invited a Japanese taiko drumming team based in Australia who gave a thunderous performance on the day of the events.

Conclusion

Thanks to our extensive resources and level of communication, the opening ceremony and reception were a great success. Officials from ENEOS and Sojitz, and state government officials, expressed their appreciation for the attention paid to the details in the proceedings. The highest compliment we received was along the lines of “as expected from JTB.”

The event was also highly praised for highlighting to guests the strong relationship between Japan and Australia. We at JTB will continue to provide flexible solutions for all situations, with the help of our network of offices worldwide and our understanding of local cultures.

Project Lead

Kota Toda

He has gained extensive experience working for the JTB Group in Tokyo and Australia, where he has specialized in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry as well as promotion business.