Sponsored Content
World Aquaculture Conference 2023 - An ideal match for Australia ’ s Northern Territory
T he World Aquaculture Conference ( WA2023 ) staged at the Darwin Convention Centre in early June showcased the capacity , capability and invaluable proximity of Australia ’ s Northern Territory for an international business event .
The event combined the Annual International Conference & Exposition of World Aquaculture Society , Asian Pacific Aquaculture 2023 and the annual meeting of the Asian Pacific Chapter of the World Aquaculture Society . The World Aquaculture Society was founded in 1969 and now numbers more than 3,000 members .
WA2023 attracted 1,394 attendees from more than 75 countries , with many coming from the Asia Pacific region . Delegates included global aquaculture sector experts , researchers , analysts , academics , government officials , policymakers and over 80 students .
The 2023 conference theme , ‘ Supporting Strength in Aquaculture ’, not only looked at the latest in technical developments but also brought into focus the wellbeing of people involved in aquaculture .
Why Darwin and Australia ’ s Northern Territory ( NT )? Darwin and the NT were considered ideal for WA2023 , due to the region ’ s close proximity to not only an expanding
Darwin Waterfront Precinct . Image credit : Darwin Waterfront Precinct and vibrant Australian industry but also Asia , which represents nearly 89 % of the world ’ s aquaculture production . Attracting the conference to Darwin was a joint bid partnership between Northern Territory Business Events , the official convention bureau for the Northern Territory and Darwin Convention Centre . The bid was also supported by Tourism Australia through its Business Events Bid Fund Program .
What happened at WA2023 ? The WA2023 conference comprised plenary and multiple breakout sessions , workshops , a debate and a trade show . The Darwin Convention Centre ’ s Auditorium , Waterfront Rooms and Meeting Rooms accommodated the multi-stream gatherings whilst the Centre ’ s Exhibition Halls housed the trade show of more than 80 exhibitors , showcasing latest aquaculture technologies from around the world .
Sessions addressed topical issues such as global sustainability , diversity and inclusivity in the aquaculture industry , regenerative aquaculture , aquafeed development , protecting the health and biosecurity of aquatic animals and Indigenous aquaculture .
Activities on and off-site : Off-site technical tours enabled delegates to visit NT aquaculture research and development operations such as the
Right : Melody Vanukon and
Julie-Anne Kerandel at the WA2023 Trade
Show
n For further information on staging a business event in Australia ’ s Northern Territory , visit ntbusinessevents . com . au
Darwin Aquaculture Centre and Barramundi Adventures Darwin . The Opening Ceremony and Welcome was held on the Convention Centre ’ s alfresco Frangipani Plaza whilst The President ’ s Reception was staged on the Centre ’ s Porte-Cochere .
The Verdict : Organisers advised that the Darwin Convention Centre was the perfect venue due to its close proximity to hotels , restaurants , bars and alfresco cafes , many within walking distance .
Very positive feed-back was received from attendees , many who took extra time to experience Darwin and iconic NT locations such as UNESCO World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park , Litchfield National Park and spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge .
“ I had the privilege of attending World Aquaculture 2023 in Darwin . The conference brought together experts and enthusiasts from around the world , fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration in aquaculture . Darwin , with its stunning natural beauty , unique wildlife and warm hospitality , provided the perfect backdrop for this event . My delegate experience was exceptional , with insightful sessions , engaging discussions , and networking opportunities that were truly enriching .” - Melody Sandra Vanukon , Marine Scientist MSc . Intern , Research and Aquaculture Vanuatu Fisheries Department . n
ISSUE 127 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 21