About us
We believe in changing the game
No-one wants ordinary. Our customers are looking for standout experiences, new and exciting possibilities, the stuff with wow factor they can share with friends and family. So that’s just what we do. Always have, always will.
$1Bn
Annual turnover
~$2Bn
Property Portfolio
~9000
people
The EVT Way – WHAT and HOW we do business
At EVT we are more than just our brands, we put our customers at the centre of everything. Our vision is to be leaders in creating experiences that escape the ordinary.
In line with our three strategic goals, that means making a positive impact on our customers, our people, our communities and our environment.
Our History
1910 – Where it all began
The foundation of EVT began with seven pioneers forming a business dedicated to the future of Entertainment. Becoming Australia’s biggest film company of the era, Union Theatres and Australasian Films.
Time of need
During the war years our group helped shape the national identity of the time through producing films and connecting audiences with the experience of cinema.
1920s
As the golden age of Hollywood emerged top quality American films entered the Australian market. We gained exclusive distribution deals with US studios and supplied 75% of the film product to Australian cinemas.
Monuments to movies
In 1929, a time when monuments to movies were built, we opened The State Theatre as ‘the empire’s greatest theatre’.
Early innovation
One of our biggest innovations during this tough era was the creation of Cinesound. Focused on capturing and producing news and major events on the world stage for over 4 decades. Alongside Cinesound, we also had interests in production and radio, creating the foundations for what would become the ABC.
The Rydge legacy
In 1936, our board appointed Sir Norman Rydge as Managing Director. He went on to become a legend in our company and the wider Entertainment industry. The Rydge's Business Journal would later became the inspiration for Rydges Hotels.
1960s
A new partnership with Village Cinemas emerged, first launching a series of drive-in cinemas and expanding further.
1970s
Our group launched the award winning technical innovation Cine-Fi sound system, giving customers the ability to hear movies through their car radios. A first for Drive-In theatres.
New festival home
From 1974 the prestigious Sydney Film Festival found a new home at the State Theatre.
1980s
In 1980 Alan Rydge was appointed Chairman of our group, at the time making him Australia's youngest Chairman of a public company. A position Mr Rydge still passionately holds to this day.
The start of something special
Our 1980 acquisition of ACE Cinemas included control of the Noah's and Hospitality Inn hotel chain, immediately entering our group into the Hotel business in Australia and New Zealand.
New ventures
In 1987 Thredbo joined the group, adding a diversified business with property development opportunities and a new recreation revenue stream.
Things get serious
The first Rydges branded hotel launched at the Pavilion Hotel in Canberra in 1988.
Making it snow
In 1988 the largest snowmaking system in the southern hemisphere is installed in Thredbo, extending our winter seasons from an average of 10 days to over 80 days.
Bigger is better
Our first 'Senstadium' seating cinema opened at Pacific Fair in 1996, at the same time as the largest complex in Australia, Marion, featuring 30-cinema screens.
Going for gold
In 1998 our first Gold Class premium cinemas opened in Queensland, giving customers their first luxury cinema experience.
2000s
Our hotel division expanded from corporate into the leisure segment in tropical North Queensland with the Rydges Plaza Cairns.
European opportunities
Our group acquired majority interest in German cinema chain, Cinestar.
A new age
In 2004 we became one of the first hotel groups to launch direct online bookings.
Going digital
In 2006 our cinemas installed their first digital 3D projectors.
Reimagining the experience
The first Event Cinemas location opened at Robina in 2007. Featuring a new self service candy bar and the first V-Max large screen format cinema.
2010s
2010 marked our company's 100 year anniversary.
Across the ditch
In 2010, our group acquired Skycity and Rialto Cinemas New Zealand, entering the New Zealand cinema market.
Movies and fresh air
In 2011, our cinema division expanded to include an additional outdoor cinema offering with the acquisition of Moonlight Cinemas.
It's QT time
In 2011 after 25 years as a mono-brand hotel business, the QT brand launched on the Gold Coast. This put our hotel division at the forefront of the lifestyle hotel revolution.
Covering all bases
Our first mid-market lifestyle hotel, Atura, was launched at Blacktown in 2013. A hotel brand dedicated to regional centres and business hubs.
Cinema of the future
In 2018, Your Cinema Your Way launched at Event Cinemas Coomera. Giving our customers 3 different seat choices and multiple cinema experiences under one roof.
Instagrammable cinema
June 2018 – Event Boutique, Australia's most instagrammable cinema launched at George St.
Designed by kids for kids
In the same year, Event Junior launched at Shellharbour and Macquarie. An experience dedicated to kids 8 years and younger, including a playground inside the cinema.
A new adventure begins
To cover the budget and micro-accommodation market, our group acquired Jucy Snooze in 2020.
2020s
The installation of The Merritts Gondola in 2020, Australia’s first alpine gondola, revolutionised the way our customers move around Thredbo and provides opportunities for expanded experiences.
Opportunities to grow
Independent Collection by EVT launched with 6 hotels. Providing a new growth area, through individually branded hotels, and new opportunities for owners to utilise our hotel solutions.
