Northern Territory major events shine on global stage

The international spotlight is shining on the Northern Territory after Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC) won 10 awards at the prestigious global Eventex Awards 2023.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light 2022 received six awards, while BASSINTHEGRASS Music Festival 2022 and the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round 2022 both received two awards each.

Parrtjima was recognised as best overall Australian/Oceanian Event (Platinum), best Outdoor Event (Gold), best Public Event (Gold), best Local Solution Event (Gold), best Positive Change Event (Gold) and best Cultural Event (Silver). BASSINTHEGRASS was awarded best Festival (Bronze) and best Australian/Oceanian Event (Bronze). Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round received best Cultural Event (Bronze) and best Positive Change Event (Bronze).

The awards follow NTMEC events receiving seven accolades at last year’s Eventex Awards, and three at the 2022 Australian Event Awards.

NTMEC CEO Suzanna Bishop said winning awards alongside events from almost 50 other countries was incredible.

“It’s fantastic to see Territory events receiving well-deserved international recognition. The awards are also testament to the hard work put in by the NTMEC team, and the businesses who help them deliver these events.”

“We are constantly striving to increase value to the Northern Territory through the events we deliver, not only by providing amazing experiences to attract more visitors and maximise economic benefits, but by helping to promote change, inclusivity and community cohesion,” she said.

The events are huge economic drivers for the Northern Territory, with Parrtjima 2022 having generated a total expenditure stimulus of $14.7 million, $11.9 million of which was new money to the region. BASSINTHEGRASS 2022 generated $15.8 million, $11.1 million of which was new money. Last year’s festival also attracted a record crowd of nearly 16,000. The 2022 Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round attracted 40,448 attendances, and generated a total expenditure stimulus of $28.4 million, 75 per cent ($21.3 million) of which was new money to the Territory.

NTMEC events play an important role in boosting the Territory in a social sense as much as an economic, and this was recognised by judges this year with the Positive Change Event and Local Solution Event wins.

“We’re especially proud of our wins in the Positive Change, Cultural and Local Solution Event categories, knowing how events can be an important vehicle for change,” Mrs Bishop said.

Eventex Awards 2023 judge Stacy Wyatt said the decision to involve the Parrtjima Festival Reference Group (PFRG) was paramount to Parrtjima’s success. The PFRG is made up of local Arrernte Traditional Owners and Elders, who advise on all aspects of the festival.

“It ensured cultural authenticity and sensitivity in every aspect of the event, from the artwork to the creative direction. The high levels of visitor satisfaction and advocacy were truly impressive, making Parrtjima a success in every way,” she said.

Judge Laura Schwartz expanded on Parrtjima, “You wrote ‘more than a light show’ and you are right. This was outstanding how you mixed culture with delivery. Thank you for your attention to detail and history while looking towards the future. I loved it and was impressed!”

When it came to BASSINTHEGRASS, Ms Schwartz was equally impressed.

“Thank you for including information about your work in making this event ‘work’ for all, especially with your focus on inclusiveness with the Carpentaria Disability Services community and increased engagement with the Larrakia people. You showed me through this entry that it was not just creating a festival alone,” she said.

The Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round also received accolades, including from Eventex Awards judge Ines Antti-Poika.

“What a wonderful way to showcase and appreciate the Indigenous culture and heritage. Clear objectives and excellent results,” she said.

Founded in 2009 to celebrate creativity, innovation and effectiveness in the events industry, the Eventex Awards are highly prized across the international world of events, and recognise the best agencies, events and technology. This year there were a record number of 761 entries from 49 countries.