The SMACC 2019 Opening Ceremony was an integral part of the conference.
Inspiration for SMACC Sydney included the inverted triangle: the alchemical symbol for water. This represents the City of Sydney and a celebration of diversity and resilience. Moreover, retrofuturism influences the design and theming of SMACC Sydney.
Using music as a storytelling medium the show presents a mesmerising and unique soundscape. This was deftly created by Composer and Music Director Jake Meadows.
Evidently, SMACC 2019 opening ceremony echoed the program through four stems and performances. Each performance illustrated the unique and essential role we play as critical care professionals. That is, Learning and Culture, People and Planet, Bedside Critical Care and Science and Innovation.
First, the show started with a spoken word performance by Nardi Simpson, an Indigenous performer telling an electrifying story of the land and the importance of Country to Indigenous culture.
Then, a vocal ensemble performing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. A cheeky throwback to an iconic piece of music and an homage to the importance of humour and levity in our line of work.
Furthermore, a change of scene brought a dramatic dance performance performed by ICU Registrar Khairil Musa and his dance partner Sarah King. This reflected on the tragic final moments leading to a cardiac arrest.
Finally, a blended classic 80’s pop with the iconic sound of the synthesiser with a toe tapping performance of Van Halen’s Jump. This was led by vocalist Maya Weiss as an uplifting tribute to creativity and innovation.
Performed in the Sydney International Convention Centre Theatre to over 3000 delegates. Tune in to our best and most memorable opening ceremony yet.
Roger Harris
Roger Harris is a senior staff specialist in the intensive care unit at the Royal North Shore hospital and the Sydney Adventist hospital (SAN). He is dual qualified in Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care. Roger is one of the co-founders of SMACC and Coda. He is passionate about education, his five children and especially his beautiful wife Georgie.
Oliver Flower
Oliver Flower is a staff specialist in Intensive Care Medicine at Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney. He, along with Roger Harris & Chris Nickson started SMACC and Coda; he came up with the name & logo, finding inspiration in a chewing gum packet, and is the driver behind the design, graphics, branding and marketing of SMACC and Coda. He is a believer in the power of the big crit care community and is a believer in Cadogan’s FOAMed ethos. He runs the educational and networking crit care website Intensive Care Network.
