Global Teacher Prize 2019

The Brief

The Global Teacher Prize is a one-million-dollar award that is given to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession. The Varkey Foundation established the Prize in 2014 to raise the stature of the teaching profession, celebrating the best teachers — those who inspire their students and community around them. George & Burnell Events has handled event management annually for the Global Teacher Prize ceremony as part of the Global Education & Skills Forum since the inception of the prize.

The 2019 edition of the Global Teacher Prize ceremony would uniquely feature Hugh Jackman. In a multi-faceted approach over the course of several months, George & Burnell would work with the Varkey Foundation to engage with Hugh Jackman, a man who would not only deliver an unparalleled performance as the Greatest Showman but who generously gave his voice in advocacy of the teaching profession.

Venue Atlantis The Palm
Year 2019
Client Varkey Foundation

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The Approach

Each year, the Top 10 finalists for the prize are announced ahead of the ceremony in recognition and acknowledgement of the incredible work of each teacher. As part of the campaign for the 2019 prize, George & Burnell would work alongside the Varkey Foundation on the scripting, filming and production of this video, filmed in New York, to feature Hugh Jackman in an authentic and memorable announcement of the finalists:

With Hugh Jackman set to perform in a one-of-a-kind show for the Global Teacher Prize ceremony, the next five months would see George & Burnell work with the Varkey Foundation and Hugh Jackman’s team to bring the vision of the Greatest Show to life. This meant taking the show from concept to stage, a feat that would entail bringing together the technical, audio-visual and build requirements of the highest caliber to produce an immersive and unforgettable production. Furthermore George & Burnell would enlist a local school choir to feature as part of Hugh Jackman’s performance, involving several detailed production meetings and rehearsal schedules over the course of the preparation period.

With the GTP ceremony day dawning, a custom-built rehearsal space was created within Atlantis The Palm to include a replica of the unique 360 stage. The space was utilized specifically for Hugh Jackman and his dancers for rehearsal schedules in the build up to the show that were coordinated by the event team. Additionally, George & Burnell were responsible for the end-to-end VIP guest management for Hugh Jackman, his team and dancers – to include seamless execution of flights, luxury accommodation and logistics over the event period. This would also comprise the management of an appearance by Hugh Jackman at The Assembly, a concert designed as part of the Global Teacher Prize experience to celebrate the work of teachers.

On March 24th 2019, the Global Teacher Prize ceremony came to life at Atlantis the Palm in an extraordinary show. The ceremony was further attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, who presented the revered award along with Mr. Sunny Varkey, Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, to Peter Tabichi, a man whose contribution to teaching goes above all expectations.

Further event management handled by George & Burnell for the Global Teacher Prize ceremony included:

  • Concept Development
  • Stage Design and Production
  • Video Content for 360 Screens, Sphere, and LED floor screens
  • Audio-Visual and Lighting Management
  • Photography and Videography
  • Venue Branding; Design, Artwork, Production & Installation
  • Security Management
  • Protocol Management; Royal Attendance
  • Event Collateral
  • Post-Ceremony Cocktail Reception