A million reasons to head to Darwin Convention Centre

The Darwin Convention Centre, which is managed by leading venue management company ASM Global, will soon welcome its millionth delegate through the doors. A million anything is always a celebration. But what makes this milestone so important is that delegate will soon become the millionth advocate for the multi-award winning Centre that is increasingly being recognised for delivering way beyond expectations.

Since opening in 2008, the Centre will have delivered more than $600 million in total delegate contribution to the local economy by 2024 thanks in no small part to a record-breaking year in 2023.

Delegate contribution is estimated to be over $60 million for FY23, setting a new record for the Centre, while next year is looking even better. Based on forecasted events, the Centre expects to welcome close to 20,000 national and international delegates in FY24.

And all of those delegates will undoubtedly discover why the Centre has accumulated such an impressive trophy cabinet over the last few years.

At the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards, the Centre won Gold for ‘Best Business Event Venue in Australia’ followed by the Business Excellence Award for Large Business (Territory Wide) at the NT Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 2022.

The Centre also secured a top 10 placing in the latest AIPC Apex Awards, taking sixth spot against over 350 venues across more than 40 countries. What makes this all the more remarkable is that the awards are based entirely upon client ratings.

Which brings us back to the million delegate milestone and the ethos that underpins the Centre’s success – it puts people at the core of its operating model.

“We are immensely proud of our achievements and the growing global recognition that the Darwin Convention Centre has received in recent years for excellence within the events industry,” says Peter Savoff, General Manager at Darwin Convention Centre.

“Every award win serves as a testament to the hard-work and dedication of our talented team and the outstanding support we receive from our local industry partners and stakeholders.”

That commitment to people extends beyond the delegates to the local Darwin community and ensuring that business events hosted at the venue will leave a lasting positive impact on the destination.

Darwin Convention Centre works closely with organisations, such as Larrakia Nation and The Youth Mill – not just to provide enriching cultural experiences for delegates but also supporting opportunities for local Larrakia artists and youth within the community.

“Our commitment to the local community is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that we are not just a venue, but we are an integral part of the fabric of Darwin,” says Savoff.

“It is important to us that we actively collaborate with local businesses, employ local talent, and contribute to the region’s economic growth – ensuring that our impact on the community remains one that is positive and lasting.”

The region’s industry strengths are also reflected in the range of conferences held at Darwin Convention Centre including agribusiness, international education, health, mining, renewable energy, and tourism.

Some of this year’s domestic conferences include the 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation (MODSIM2023), PULiiMA (Indigenous Language and Technology) Conference; and Neurodevelopmental and Behavioural Paediatric Society of Australasia (NBPSA) Annual Conference.

The Centre has also hosted some major international conferences this year including World Aquaculture 2023, which attracted over 1,300 participants, the World Community Development Conference and the 21^st International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology.

But we cannot talk about the appeal of Darwin Convention Centre without zooming out to the wider Waterfront Precinct, which is set to undergo a spectacular transformation including a new hotel connected to the Centre.

Located on Stokes Hill Road directly adjacent to the Convention Centre, the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel is expected to offer between 200 to 250 rooms, with spectacular views across Darwin Harbour and the Waterfront.

Darwin Waterfront Corporation Board Chair Richard Fejo says the hotel “is the critical first step in the delivery of the Waterfront Masterplan”.

“Having a hotel integrated with the Convention Centre will be a game changer for the Darwin Waterfront,” says Fejo.

The Darwin Convention Centre Hotel is part of the first stage in the redesigned Darwin Waterfront Masterplan, which includes a surf park, snorkelling lagoon, new temperature controlled pools and countless additional food and beverage offerings.

“The expansion of our spectacular Waterfront Precinct and the addition of a HQ Hotel in such close proximity to the Centre will only add to our destination’s appeal for both business and leisure,” says Savoff.

“It also makes extending your stay in Darwin on either side of a conference easy and convenient, or having your family travel with you while attending a conference.”