This year has been a rollercoaster! Prince Harry's book 'Spare’ had us flipping pages faster than we can switch seating arrangements; UFOs got the 'real' stamp, making us question everything; we furiously compared notes on Kourtney vs Kim; cheered every goal at Tillie’s games; and wore pink for a week to celebrate the release of Barbie.
Amidst the whirlwind of 2023, the Usual Suspects held down the fort, throwing epic events that could rival a Hollywood blockbuster (maybe Warner Bros should hire us for Barbie 2?!). From grand celebrations to intimate gatherings, it's been a year of growth and excitement, and each moment has been a testament to our commitment to creating momentous experiences. Join us as we take you through this wild ride of events.
EMPOWERING CHANGE FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE
We have been hosting the Australian International Women’s Day for a few years, and our team pours passion and dedication into making this event a sensational experience. Together, we celebrate global achievements, agitate for change, and raise life-changing funds for the world’s women and girls. It was our first event for 2023 nationwide, bringing international speakers to our shores, getting inspired and supporting one another.
SYDNEY – LONDON CONNECTION: GIDGETS CAUSE
We went to London (well, almost) with the Gidget Foundation in March. At the ICC Sydney, we united for a heartfelt cause: gathering funds to aid new parents grappling with Post Natal Depression, a struggle that affects nearly 100,000 Australians annually.
THE YEAR OF AUSSIE SPORT
Way before Sam Kerr scored her opening goal at the World Cup, we were diving headfirst into the sports fever. We had a wild time up in Brisbane for Magic Round in May, showcasing the best of the NRL with 16 NRL teams going head-to-head over three days.
SYDNEYS DOUBLE DELIGHT
We wrapped up May in style, hitting two incredible bashes – Val Morgan’s 20th Birthday Blowout and Mediaweek's Next of the Best, right here in Sydney. Think live performances, a truckload of awards, and networking that sparked connections like fireworks.
CONNECTING INNOVATORS AND INVESTORS
In June was our Agritech Awards & Investor Showcase, in collaboration with the Australian Agritech Association. An absolute game-changer. It connected local innovators with global investors, spotlighting their tech contributions and catalysing Agritech's acceleration in Australia and worldwide.
REVOLUTIONISING AUSTRALIAN FINANCE
We were thrilled to join Pepper Money at Insights Live 2023 in July, their eighth annual thought leadership event. Our goal: equip asset finance and mortgage brokers with crucial insights for the financial landscape. There were 13 speakers, two stages at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney, and a nationwide livestream—it was all about empowering the industry.
ELEVATING MARKETING: SHORT-FORM VIDEOS & INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTES
August was a big month for the Usual Suspects! We had some of our team whisked up to Noosa for the fabulous TikTok Incubator Retreat, whilst the rest of us worked together to elevate Australia’s Marketing Game at ADMA Global Forum.
A RAINFOREST CONFERENCE IN BYRON AND A GRAND FINAL IN SYDNEY
Spring sprung, as did we in September – taking our team to Byron Bay for The Fresh Life 2023. Transforming a rainforest haven into an aesthetic conference paradise was a dreamy experience, topped off with a party with attendees buzzing for weeks. Swinging back to Sydney, we rocked the NRL Fan Fest on the scenic Harbour, celebrating NRL and NRLW teams. Big and small, fans decked out in their finest gear, cheering on their champions.
A TRIPLE THREAT & A $1.3 MILLION DOLLAR EVENING
October was a whirlwind! We blazed through an action-packed weekend hosting three colossal events across Sydney and Melbourne. Our team tirelessly hustled to ensure UnLtd, Guzman y Gomez, and Mediaweek's annual gatherings hit new heights. In a single night, we rallied and raised over $1.3 million for disadvantaged youth, propelling our 2023 total close to $2 million. Amidst it all, we toasted alongside some of Australia's most influential figures in media.
We’ve expanded with fresh faces joining our team, bringing in new talents to fuel our creativity and passion; Emma Kukarin, a seasoned Event Producer; Elesha Santos, an incredibly detail-oriented Project Manager; Rosie Fay, our vibrant Marketing Manager; and we welcomed back Lynn Jiang, bringing her infectious energy as our Event Coordinator.
The upcoming year holds thrilling prospects, and we're gearing up to kickstart 2024 with a bang. But for now, here's to a joyful holiday season and a chance to raise a glass to a well-deserved break!
Warm Holiday Wishes and a Happy New Year to All.
Love US x