Darwin will be placed firmly on the radar of key event planners this week when they visit for the ‘Meet Darwin’ program, an annual collaboration between the NT Convention Bureau and Darwin Convention Centre designed to showcase Darwin as a leading business event destination.

‘Meet Darwin’ will be held over four action packed days at the Darwin Convention Centre from 19-22 May, where the 13 participants will be introduced to uniquely Darwin experiences and places and hopefully conclude that Darwin is  ideal for their future conference.

The ‘Meet Darwin’ program is the most successful sales activity undertaken for business events in the Top End each year, resulting in bidding opportunities and conference wins.

“The aim of the event is to educate event planners about the unique Darwin experiences on offer for conference delegates as well as the capabilities of the world class Darwin Convention Centre.” said Tourism NT CEO Tony Mayell.

’Meet Darwin’ will be attended by key decision makers from the business events sectors of medical science, health, construction, real estate, finance, science, mining and travel.

The event planners will meet with over 35 local attractions, hotels, event suppliers, tours and sample local restaurants and retail experiences over the four days.

During a half-day business session, they will hear from key speakers such as Michael Tennant, Chief Executive of Department of Business, Hichem Demortier, acting Executive Director of National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre and a representative from Tourism Top End about doing business in the Territory.

Darwin Convention Centre General Manager, Janet Hamilton said that the event planners represent national and Australasian associations and organisations that hold annual conferences of more than 500 people and are considering Darwin as a destination in the coming years.

“Through showcasing Darwin and the capabilities of the Darwin Convention Centre, we hope to encourage these event planners to stage their next major conference in Darwin,” said Ms Hamilton.

“With its strategic access to Asia, unique Top End experiences, stunning waterfront along with a warm and friendly culture and year-round tropical climate, we will position Darwin as an ideal business events destination for Australian and Asian delegates."

The ‘Meet Darwin’ initiative is part of the Government’s plan to drive the development of North Australia and build a $2.2 billion visitor economy by 2020.

ENDS

Media Contact: Melanie Mutch, Corporate Media and Communications Manager +61 401 115 634