Australia’s Northern Territory played host to more than 700 dermatologists and medical practitioners from Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, USA and Europe at the 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting of The Australasian College of Dermatologists. It was the perfect opportunity for them to experience the art, culture and landscape of the Top End.
Venue advantage
The Darwin Convention Centre showed why it is regarded as one of Australia’s leading venues. It hosted five days of plenary sessions, concurrent symposia, meetings and a trade exhibition of more than 84 booths without skipping a beat.
Territory flavour
The Territory influence was evident throughout, from the conference theme (Dermatology at the Frontier) to indigenous-style artwork on the registration brochure and program materials. The awards ceremony featured Ted Egan, a former Government Administrator and Territory legend.
Optional tours to stunning Litchfield National Park and the Territory Wildlife Park gave visitors a genuine taste of local scenery, flora and fauna.
A cultural focus included a walking tour of Darwin escorted by a local indigenous guide, a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and an evening at Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Artistic touch
The Territory’s reputation for art - particularly indigenous art - inspired the group to hold their inaugural Annual Scientific Meeting Art Exhibition. Entries were invited from College Fellows and immediate family, and were judged by the Art Gallery Curator from Charles Darwin University.
Dinner al fresco
The College Dinner was held in the tropical waterfront gardens of the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, making the most of Darwin’s balmy evenings.
What they say
Organisers advised that Darwin’s purpose-built, state-of-the-art convention centre provided the perfect opportunity to bring the ASM to a fresh, new destination, away from the usual capital city venues.