Top PCO's find out how special it really is in the 'Top End'

While most of us in the eastern states were still waiting patiently for the warmer weather to arrive, a group of ten professional conference organisers (PCO's) from Sydney & Melbourne were greeted by their host at Darwin's international airport where it was a comfy 30 degrees.

Intercontinental Hotel Group's (IHG) David Pearson, as charming as his is, was acting rather sheepish when the eager group asked what was in store for the next few days. David had a plan to drip feed the itinerary on a 'need to know' basis not to spoil the many surprises he had organised. Little did he know that 'Boots' (soon to be the groups coach captain) would unknowingly let the cat out of the bag!

After a short 15 minute drive from the airport the group enjoyed a refreshing 'cocktail check-in' upon arrival at the Crowne Plaza Darwin, the city's only five star hotel, conveniently located just a short stroll from the Darwin Convention Centre. 

Having only been in the top end for less than an hour, the group would soon be surrounded with what's 'top of mind' for many visitors to the region... crocodiles ! Michael Scott, Group Manager at Crocosaurus Cove, led the PCO's on a tour of the facility, adding commentary as they meandered through the vast range of sea creatures and reptiles. The amazing displays offered point blank visuals of some of the largest fish you will ever find on display and crocodiles of all sizes. It wasn't long before the group were touching, feeding and eating the angry beasts which 'rule' over the rivers and billabongs in the Top End. 

Once everyone had a turn of dangling strips of meat with a small fishing rod to feed the hundred or so jumping crocs, it was time to take refuge in one of the facilities function rooms featuring two large 6 inch thick windows showcasing the crocodile's deceptively graceful movements. The room was dressed in a delightful contrast to the mood of these great reptiles with soft lighting, fresh flowers and silk by Rebekah O'Connor, Event Manager with Allabout Party Hire.

After samples of 'tempura crocodile' and a delicious banquet it was just a short stroll back to the Crowne Plaza Darwin. Most of the group were ready to choose from the pillow menu and indulge in a good night's sleep, while others explored some of Darwin city's nightlife.

Off to Kakadu...

An early morning breakfast was promptly followed by a tour of the Crowne Plaza Darwin's 7 meeting rooms, suitable for a 20 pax boardroom meeting to a fully themed function in the ballroom for 200. Having concluded the site inspection David was very excited to reveal that there were two light planes warming their engines to take the group on a one hour birds eye journey deep into Kakadu National Park.  Here they would meet 'Boots' from Coach Charters Australia (arguably the territories most informative coach captain). 

Upon arrival at Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn (which when viewed from above appears like a giant crocodile that would make a meal out of King Kong) the group met some of the properties management team including their new Hotel Manager Paul Flett who's already on a mission to make himself redundant (more on that later). The property has more than adequate meeting and function rooms of which there are three.  The largest is suitable for up to 250 delegates theatre style.

After a tour of the hotel and beautifully appointed accommodation rooms (beckoning those that chose to explore Darwin's pub scene the night prior), a sensational 'sharing platter' lunch was served by the pool.  Next stop Nourlangie...  once Boots had the group settled in on board the luxury coach he provided an excellent commentary of local culture, history and stories of his personal experiences.  He also spoke of his respect for the traditional owners of the land, affectionately referred to as 'countrymen'.

Boots continued to impart his in depth knowledge as he took the group through walking tracks that weaved in and out of the immense landscape while pointing out some of the important features the countrymen use to survive in the bush, including thousand year old galleries of rock art that have been used to tell important stories for generations. 

A black wallaby and her joey paused for the group to take happy snaps just before it was time to head to Gagudju Lodge Cooinda also managed by IHG.  Here the group met local guides Nilus and Louisa, who provided a 'hands on' session to experience the painstaking art of basket weaving. Others headed to the beautiful Yellow Waters to fish for Barramundi and spot crocs in the wild. Nilus and Louisa also provided a tour of the Warradjan Cultural Centre which has an excellent display of materials and tools used by the local clans which have been passed on from generation to generation. We reached a display of the kinship system which is a feature of Aboriginal social organisation and family relationships, here Nilus and Louisa displayed extreme patience as the group fired off 'twenty questions' in an attempt to understand the sophisticated system used to manage the different relationships within family groups and clans.

Kakadu is not famous for its nightlife, however, it just so happened to be the Mahbilil Festival which provided a perfect ending to the day and chance for the group to mix it up a bit with the locals.  

Time to reflect...

Before leaving Kakadu the group were provided with the perfect environment to reflect on their recent experience as they gathered around a campfire and watched Nilus and Louisa cook a wild magpie goose and salt water barramundi on the hot coals.  Just mouthwatering!

Hotel Manager, Paul Flett, talked to the group and touched on IHG's serious commitment to support the traditional owners of the land and referred to IHG's Indigenous Employment Program (IEP) where they have set a target to have a minimum 2% of their workforce made up of Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islanders by 2013. Paul said "Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn is owned by the traditional owners of the land and we share the vision that one day I will make myself redundant and see the role of Hotel Manager filled by one of the team coming up through the IEP". While Nilus suggested he was more than happy to be the 'best tour guide in Australia', Louisa said she already has the top job well within her sights... watch this space!

One of Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn's traditional owners and active leaders in the community, Mandy Muir, was invited to drop in and visit the PCO's.  She was less than impressed to see that they had devoured the prize goose and succulent fish, only leaving a few bones which her 6 month old grand-daughter was happy to massage her gums with.

Back to the big smoke...

Three hours of coach travel provided the opportunity for Boots to show a couple of videos, one showcasing the wonderful Kakadu and another telling the story of 'Australia's war' when the Japanese bombing of Darwin created chaos in the Top End during world war two.     

As the coach approached its final destination, there was just enough time for one last trip around the main hub of Darwin city to point out some alternative venue options including the convention centre, the deckchair cinema and Government House. Then is was back to business, host David had a couple more site inspections to get through with the recently refurbished Holiday Inn Darwin and the soon to be refurbished, Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin, both boasting fantastic views of the water and each with sufficient meeting facilities for groups up to 400.

David had to keep a tight schedule not to miss the spectacular 'verve sunset' he had planned for the group at Mindil beach followed by a stint at the Mindil beach night markets filled with local craft including crocodile skulls, leather goods and didgeridoos to name a few.  

After a jam packed few days the now inspired PCO's enjoyed some quiet time with a few cocktails back at Crowne Plaza, Darwin, and exchanged stories about some of the amazing things they experienced. So obviously 'touched' by the top end, some of the comments made by the group included:

"I already have a good idea which of my clients would be the perfect fit", "It's the connection with the people and the land that help make this destination so unique" and "its Australia's answer to the Serengeti".

If you still need to be convinced that this is a truly magnificent region of Australia for a conference or incentive, contact David Pearson and the team at IHG who will make it a breeze to stage your event in the Top End.