Event details
Event Name: ICEF ANZA
Destination: Darwin, Northern Territory
Venue: Darwin Convention Centre
Pax: 448 participants from 48 different countries
About the event
ICEF ANZA is a ‘business to business’ annual trade fair for the education sector, connecting Australia and New Zealand education providers with international student recruitment agents, work and travel professionals and service providers. The three-day event included seminars, a number of networking events and an extensive trade show comprising exhibition booths and table-top set-ups.
Why the NT?
Organisers advised that it was the first time the event had ever been to the NT and only the second time that a regional destination had been the host location. Darwin presented a compelling bid, due to availability of affordable accommodation. In fact, the city provided the most cost-effective destination option in the history of the event, due to being staged in April.
The accessibility of the nearby Darwin Waterfront Precinct also provided a convenient and attractive location for lunches, receptions and other hosting. The Waterfront’s Adina Apartment and Vibe Hotels, along with the Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites enabled many delegates to be accommodated in close proximity to the convention centre.
Triumphs
Darwin was not only a new destination for international participants, but many sellers from Australia and New Zealand had never previously been to the NT. This helped to boost participation by agents who might not otherwise have attended the event.
Special NT Touches
A contemporary cultural dance presentation was provided at the Welcome Reception by Aboriginal artist, Sylvia Nulpinditj, from North-Eastern Arnhem Land in the NT. The gala dinner at the Darwin Convention Centre also included a traditional ‘Welcome to Country’ and didgeridoo performance.
On the final night, Study Northern Territory hosted a farewell party at CBD attraction and venue, Crocosaurus Cove, which is home to some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia and the world’s largest display of Australian reptiles.
A number of agents undertook post-event multi-day familiarisation visits to educational organisations and key tourist attractions across the NT including Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru. These tours were organised by Study NT and Tourism NT.
Comment
The organisers indicated that the convention centre and the Waterfront Precinct provided a great location for their event.
You can stage your whole event there. Accommodation, offsite venues, all conveniently located. We find our delegates feel more comfortable in smaller regional destinations, where it’s so much easier to get around and less stressful than in big, busy capital cities. The taxi drivers are aware that your event is on in town and it therefore makes an impact and receives good support – it really made our participants feel special.
Rod Hearps Vice President, ICEF-Asia Pacific