The Northern Territory Convention Bureau (NTCB), in conjunction with venue managers Ogden IFC, will launch the new Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre (DCEC) at EITBM in Barcelona, Spain on Wednesday 30th November 2005.

The Northern Territory, roughly the combined size of Spain, France and Italy, is divided into two regions. The lush and tropical "Top End" is located at the northernmost tip of Australia, while Central Australia is the red heart of the nation showcasing some of the world's most fascinating desert country and finest outback hospitality.

Situated only two hours from Bali and a mere four hours from Singapore, Darwin is Australia's closest international gateway and therefore the closest Australian conference and incentive destination for the European market. Darwin is also the gateway to the unspoilt wilderness of the Top End, including the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.

"The construction of the new Darwin Convention and Exhibition Centre marks an exciting time for the Northern Territory. Our aim is to increase the profile of Northern Territory both domestically and internationally. The knowledge that the NT will soon have two purpose built facilities, one in the Top End and one in Central Australia, makes us a very attractive option for planners as well as very competitive destination." said NTCB manager Lynn Fairbrass.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Clare Martin believes that the new convention and exhibition centre will result in great growth for Darwin and the Top End. "This development is going to allow Darwin to finally take full economic advantage of large conferences and meetings, concerts and exhibitions that we are currently missing out on," she said.

Ogden IFC is the largest venue management company in the Asia Pacific region. Venues it operates include the Brisbane, Cairns and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centres as well as entertainment centres, sports arenas and theatres. Ogden IFC is excited to be adding the new DCEC to their extensive portfolio.

The NTCB has already played a significant role in securing the first conference for the DCEC, successfully bidding for the International Association of Women's Police (IAWP) Conference, in conjunction with the NT Police. The IAWP Conference will be held at the DCEC in September 2008.

The DCEC will complement the existing Alice Springs Convention Centre, not only establishing the NT as a quality destination for large national and international business events, but also allowing the NT to compete more aggressively in these markets.

The purpose built Alice Springs Spring Convention Centre, which can cater for up to 1,200 delegates, continues to attract lucrative conferences thanks to its central location - just three hours flying time from every Australian mainland capital city.

The Northern Territory also features an exciting array of activities and team-building options providing an opportunity to learn, bond, refresh or just have fun. Delegates can choose from camel rides, barramundi fishing, learning to play the didgeridoo, hot air ballooning, sunset harbour cruising, dinners in the desert, golf and 4WD safaris.

With access to indigenous Aboriginal culture and natural icons such as world heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), the Northern Territory is an distinctive, desirable and achievable destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.