Conference & Meetings World Issue 128 | Page 22

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Northern Territory conferences highlight sector and expert links

COMING CONFERENCES FOR AUSTRALIA ’ S NORTHERN TERRITORY ( NT ) INDICATE HOW ITS STRATEGY TO ATTRACT CONFERENCES OF INDUSTRY RELEVANCE ARE PRODUCING THE DESIRED OUTCOMES

W hether it is factors as diverse as the NT ’ s global reputation as a specialist in crocodile conservation or being home to an internationallyrenowned medical research institute – the diverse sectors in which the NT excels or has expertise provide these conferences with scope for technical touring , access to locally-based expert speakers and invaluable on-the-ground support .

Conservation of species conference a powerful fit The International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission ( IUCN-SSC ) will be staging the 27th Meeting of its Crocodile Specialist Group ( CSG ) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin in April 2024 . The NT is home to the world ’ s largest crocodile population , with more than 100,000 in the wild , making this conference not only highly relevant but also culturally significant . The crocodile sector provides employment for Traditional Landowners and their communities , who also share information regarding sustainable practices in crocodile management .
The Chair of the CSG is Darwin-based professor Grahame Webb , regarded as a world leading authority on crocodilian research and management , with a long history as an invited expert and keynote speaker at conferences and symposia .
Another highly respected NT crocodile expert , associate professor Sally Isberg from the Centre for Crocodile Research , will be the local host for the International Union for Conservation of Nature Crocodile Specialist Working Group , with the Darwin meeting expected to attract approximately 300 delegates .
The programme will include a full day field trip to Corroboree Billabong approximately 100km from Darwin and also the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Company operations on the Adelaide River .
Left : Corroboree Billabong – the NT ’ s wetlands are home to the world ’ s largest crocodile population
Cutting edge medical research attracts international congress Another example of how the NT ’ s connections can contribute to the attraction of international business events is the 10th World Melioidosis Congress , to be staged at the Darwin Convention Centre in October 2024 .
Attracting this prestigious medical congress was a collaboration between the Menzies School of Health Research which is headquartered in Darwin ; Northern Territory Business Events , the official convention bureau for the Northern Territory ; and the Darwin Convention Centre .
Menzies School of Health Research is an international centre of excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of melioidosis . It is a leader in tropical health , as well as improving the well-being of Indigenous Australians . Menzies experts will be keen to share their wealth of knowledge with approximately 350 of their industry colleagues from around the world in late 2024 .
Post-congress workshops will be held onsite at the Menzies Research facility .
Rebecca McCaig , director of NT Business Events , spoke about the Territory ’ s valuable connections and strengths :
“ The Northern Territory has established an international reputation for excellence and innovation across a number of sectors ,” she said .
“ We know that the NT strengths in these sectors have contributed to the attraction of a range of impressive international conferences , and in combination with our significant support via the Northern Territory Business Events Support Fund , we ’ re confident this will continue for 2024 and beyond .” n
n For further information on business events in the NT , visit www . ntbusinessevents . com . au
22 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 128