Peter Savoff, general manager of the Darwin Convention Centre, offers insights on how the Northern Territory capital is redefining the landscape for global business events
Darwin is a destination where business and leisure naturally converge. The region’s tropical, laid-back atmosphere offers a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced environments of other major capital cities.
Located within the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, the Darwin Convention Centre offers 23,000sqm of meeting space and spectacular views overlooking Darwin Harbour. “Delegates can step outside the Centre and find themselves by the nearby lagoon, enjoying waterfront dining or simply taking in the tropical scenery,” says GM Peter Savoff. “This connection to nature and having more space to think allows attendees to return to their sessions feeling refreshed and focused.”
The Darwin Waterfront is set to undergo major redevelopments and the multi-million-dollar project proposes a world-class surf park, tropical snorkelling lagoon, pools and many additional fine dining options. There are plans to develop the Darwin Convention Centre Hotel directly adjacent to the Centre. It will offer 236 new rooms.
And works on the much-anticipated Larrakia Cultural Centre are underway. It will be built next door to the Convention Centre and will offer many opportunities for business events.
Its construction will strengthen what is one of the most distinctive aspects of Darwin – its deep connection to First Nations culture. “The Darwin Convention Centre is situated on Larrakia land and the venue management is committed to weaving the rich heritage of local First Nations culture into its event offerings to create a deeply authentic conference experience,” Savoff explains.
“Impactful cultural elements that can be added into events include traditional ceremonies and workshops,” he says. “The Centre also offers its signature Seven Seasons dining experience inspired by the Larrakia seasonal calendar. This showcases the diverse flavours of the local region and each course can be paired with audio and visuals that explain the significance of the corresponding season.”
Sustainability
“The Centre’s sustainability commitment has been recognised through auditing and benchmarking programmes, including the achievement of AIPC Quality Standards Certification,” the GM adds, noting the Centre has a CSR Committee drivng initiatives across the business, focussed on ‘Protecting the Environment, Strengthening Our Community, and Investing in People’, in line with the parent company ASM Global Acts programme.
In 2024, the Centre partnered with Winya, a business supporting Indigenous training and employment, to undertake a significant refurbishment project to revitalise the foyer furniture using Larrakia textiles. Central to the project was Winya’s circular economy approach. With a focus on the reuse and redeployment of products, the Centre was able to repurpose its existing furniture to give it another 10+ years of life.
Record year
In FY24, the Centre marked its second consecutive record-breaking year, achieving its highest-recorded delegate contribution to the local economy ($146m) and Savoff anticipates an even stronger result for FY25. The Centre was also named Australia’s Best Business Events Venue at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2024, a year in which it hosted events including the Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) 2024 Conference and the 10th World Melioidosis Congress.
In 2025 it will welcome the 11th World Conference of the Ecosystem Services Partnership and World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses Quadrennial Congress. Connectivity is set to improve further with the introduction of Qantas’s new service on the Darwin-Singapore route starting 30 March 2025. n
