Northern Territory Major Events Company celebrates 25 years

Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) is celebrating a quarter of a century of bringing extraordinary events and experiences to Territorians.

Established in 1999, NTMEC evolved from Hidden Valley Promotions Pty Ltd, which was created in 1998 to deliver the first Supercars event in the Territory.  The company has grown to deliver eight major events and support more than 70 others, from the Top End down to the Red Centre.

In 1999 it was a big year for the young company. Territorians may remember Cats the Musical and Australian Safari joining the V8 Supercars on the Territory events calendar.

Four years later, in 2003, the Territory’s biggest music festival, BASSINTHEGRASS, was born. The line-up featured none other than Russell Crowe as the front man of 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, and Sophie Monk. That same year saw revenue grow to $3.35 million, with five staff employed and seven events held.

The next decade saw a range of other events temporarily join Supercars and BASSINTHEGRASS, including the Central Australian Bike Challenge, Hottest 7s in the World Rugby and Australian Superbikes Championship.

Fast forward to 2015-16, and Red CentreNATS, Million Dollar Fish, Territory Day celebrations and Parrtjima – A Festival in Light were all added to the calendar. The new additions helped revenue rise to $15.36 million, and the NTMEC team grew to 16.

Another big change came in 2019, when BASSINTHEGRASS moved from its original home in The Amphitheatre in the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens to the iconic Mindil Beach, allowing for huge growth and attracting 10,000 revellers. In 2024 that crowd grew to more than 16,000 people – its biggest yet.

Over the years NTMEC has also grown to support hundreds of events through the Event Funding Program, helping them grow and evolve while extending the Territory’s events calendar.

There are now more than 35 staff on board from eight countries, delivering eight of the Territory’s biggest events. Six of those events generated a gross expenditure stimulus of $134 million for the Territory in 2022-23, and attracted 97,119 unique individuals. Independent research also showed that 26 events supported by NTMEC generated 167,195 visitor nights in the Territory. Combined, all 32 events generated $189 million in gross expenditure stimulus, which is around $4.90 in economic stimulus created in the NT. NTMEC experiences have won several awards in not only the Australian Event Awards but also the global Eventex Awards.

Suzana Bishop, who became CEO in January 2023, said combined, all 32 events generated $189 million in gross expenditure stimulus, which is around $4.90 in economic stimulus created in the NT.

“That is great news for Territory businesses across a range of sectors,” she said.

With a focus on attracting new events to the Territory while continuing to lead the team responsible for delivering some of the NT’s biggest events, Mrs Bishop said it had been an incredible 25 years for NTMEC.

“Congratulations to all former and current members of the team who have, through innovation and perseverance, delivered events that build upon the liveability of the Territory, showcase this beautiful place we call home and generate millions of dollars for our economy,” she said.

“We’re a small, passionate team working across a portfolio of events that cover a wide range of interests and generate millions of dollars. They also enrich the lives of Territorians through delivering a variety of other benefits, such as community pride, increasing the liveability of the Territory and growing the capacity of the local events industry.”

Through NTMEC’s delivered events and funded events we support a diverse range of events from Aboriginal culture and art fairs to film festivals and cultural festivals. Many major events are evolving with 2024 bringing exciting new partnerships, opportunities and direction for Parrtjima – A Festival in Light and the Territory’s largest music festival BASSINTHEGRASS.

NTMEC is committed to offering unparalleled experiences for all visitors as it attracts vibrant new events and steps into new partnerships. In addition, Mrs Bishop is building a strong legacy, attracting top-flight sporting events including, the Australia Cup 2023 Playoffs, The Original Harlem Globetrotters in June 2024 and international event FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) in 2025.

“We’re not slowing down any time soon and with the recent announcement of Darwin hosting the MXGP exclusively in Australia until 2029, we can’t wait to showcase the Territory to audiences across the world,” Mrs Bishop said.

To find out more about NTMEC head to www.ntmajorevents.com.au