1-2 Seafood on the menu at Pee Wee ’ s at the Point . 3 Artwork at Aboriginal Bush Traders . 4 Arriving in style at Mindil Beach .
1 histories of any Australian capital city and there are myriad opportunities to weave a historical narrative into a conference program . The Royal Flying Doctor Tourist Facility is a versatile off-site space that covers two important chapters : the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service ( launched in the Territory in 1939 ) and the deadly Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942 , which resulted in the destruction of nine ships in the harbour and the loss of 235 lives . The facility offers a gripping virtual reality presentation , hologram presentations and interpretive displays . The space is flexible and can be easily adapted to suit the needs of event organisers .
Of all the surprises Darwin has in store for event organisers , the city ’ s dymanic culinary scene is likely to be one of the biggest . There are endless ways to spoil delegates with top notch Top End cuisine , much of which reflects a growing emphasis on bushfood inspired tucker . Located just a threeminute walk from the Darwin Convention Centre , Wharf One Food and Wine is one of the city ’ s premier dining destinations . With its wood grill , and emphasis on seasonal local produce , this stylish eatery can cater for sit-down dinners for up to 300 guests , or 600 guests for a cocktail-style event . Barramundi cooking classes are a specialty – ideal for partner programs .
Just a short drive past the aforementioned Mindil Beach , Pee Wee ’ s at the Point at East Point Reserve pushes the boat out with fabulous a la carte cuisine , served up with stunning water views and effortless sophistication . Start with champagne cocktails on the rolling lawn in the warm glow of a Top End sunset , before moving on to a mouth-watering sit-down dinner , featuring menu highlights such as wild caught saltwater Barramundi or plump banana prawns .
The group got even closer to the water with Darwin Harbour Cruises , which provides a range of cruise options . The 25-m tri-level catamaran can accommodate up to 270 guests , and a buffet lunch or dinner cruise is bound to be a highlight of any conference itinerary .
For event planners looking to provide delegates with a taste of local Indigenous culture , connect with the team at Aboriginal Bush Traders . Run by the Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation , this amazing community facility sells a wide range of Aboriginal arts and crafts with proceeds invested back into Indigenous social programs . The centre is housed in historic Lyon ’ s Cottage on the Esplanade and can provide a bespoke cultural program or presentation for groups . The centre ’ s on-site café offers a range of bushfood-inspired catering options .
One of the greatest advantages of holding a business event in the Top End is the availability of expert guest speakers from a diversity of fields , including mining , Indigenous health , agriculture , and several areas of tropical knowledge . One of the absolute highlights of the famil program was the chance to learn about the work of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre ’ s Australian Medical Assistance Teams – multi-disciplinary and completely self-sufficient teams of doctors , nurses , paramedics and other health professionals , that are deployed to emergency and disaster zones across the Asia Pacific region . It ’ s seriously inspiring and likely to foster a renewed spirit of collaboration amongst delegates at any event fortunate enough to secure this organisation for a keynote presentation .
The extraordinary four days wrap with drinks on Speaker ’ s Green at Darwin ’ s Postmodern Parliament House and a gala dinner at the Darwin Convention Centre – which includes a captivating display of Indigenous contemporary dance by the Gary Lang NT Dance Company . It ’ s a busy night at the Waterfront , with a free performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra . The evening is capped off by a spectacular round of fireworks , an appropriate finale for four days that completely redefined possibility .
12 Convention & Incentive Marketing , Issue 4 , 2017 www . cimmagazine . com