Territory boom: More than 50 conferences scheduled for 2025

20 April 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is championing the Northern Territory as a top destination for business events, with 52 domestic and five international conferences scheduled across the NT for 2025.

The 57 conferences will be held in Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru and are expected to contribute a total economic boost of $85 million to the Territory economy.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said the Territory continued to demonstrate strong performance as a competitive and strategic destination for conferences.

“Our growing appeal as a world-class conference location showcases the Territory on the global stage and aligns with broader tourism goals, such as driving visitation and economic growth across our regions,” said Ms Boothby.

“The financial boost these conferences bring to the Territory supports our commitment to rebuilding our economy, with business events delegates delivering increasing economic benefit, generating stronger expenditure than previous years.

“Our government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security.”

Darwin has already secured hosting rights for several global business events over the next seven years against highly competitive bids from other global destinations, including Rwanda, South Africa, Canada, Brazil and Malaysia.

This includes the international 25^th Commonwealth Law Conference in 2027, which will bring more than 800 delegates to the Top End, expected to inject more than $5 million into the economy.

This bid was secured by NT Business Events in partnership with Darwin Convention Centre and Charles Darwin University, with support from Ms Boothby, who is also the Attorney-General of the Northern Territory, and NT Chief Justice Michael Grant.

Additional upcoming international conferences include:

• 2025: World Archaeological congress: 1200 delegates; World Federation of Neuroscience Nurses Quadrennial Congress, 200 delegates.
• 2026: International Symposium on Fish Nutrition and Feeding, 400 delegates. 
• 2032: International Radiation Protection Congress: 1000+ delegates.

“Darwin is Australia’s northernmost capital, it is as close to Asia as it is to the rest of the country, which makes it a strategic, accessible hub for global delegates,” said Ms Boothby.

Darwin Convention Centre General Manager Peter Savoff said the prestigious international conferences recently secured for Darwin and the Centre highlighted Darwin’s status as a desirable and competitive destination for international business events.

“We look forward to welcoming these conferences to our award winning, world-class venue, where its stunning tropical waterfront setting provides the perfect space for delegates to connect, exchange knowledge and be inspired,” said Mr Savoff.

Ms Boothby added the planned Darwin Convention Centre Hotel will provide important additional room capacity for Darwin’s business events market.

“This 236-room development will attract more major national and international business events to Darwin, as many have previously bypassed the city due to lack of suitable accommodation,” she said.

The attraction of international association conferences is supported by the NT Business Events Support Fund.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ebony Raymond - 0476 938 478