In 2009, the Australian Society of Anaesthetists held their 68th National Scientific Congress in Darwin. It’s always a huge event and this year the cocktail party presented special challenges, with over 1000 guests including delegates’ children. (Such was the pulling power of the destination.)
Early involvement
Crocosaurus Cove, an AU$32 million development opened in 2008, offered a spectacular venue and was involved in planning right from the start. Its central Darwin location was in easy walking distance of all the major hotels and the entire facility was ultimately required as guest numbers kept climbing through the planning stage.
Coping with the kids
As the number of attendees and accompanying children grew, a special Kids’ Zone was created incorporating entertainers, balloon artists, face painters as well as Crocosaurus Cove wildlife handlers and guides.
Keeping it flowing
Food and beverage stations throughout the venue let guests roam freely and enjoy the exhibits. These included BBQs of ‘Top End’ morsels, a wine bar on the upper deck and staff serving chilled beers, wine and soft drinks with hot platters of crocodile, kangaroo, beef pastries, and Barramundi fish and chips.
Different styles of entertainment were strategically positioned at opposite ends of the venue, helping to spread guests around.
Several 'Cage of Death' dives featuring ASA “volunteers” were undertaken at the commencement of the evening along with almost an hour of 'Fishing for Crocs’ and ‘Big Croc Feeding’.
What they say
“I wish to warmly thank you and the staff at Crocosaurus Cove for the excellent
function on Sunday September 6th. I have heard nothing but positive comments from
those who attended.“
(Dr.) Mark Sinclair
Convenor
“The Crocosaurus Cove event was an outrageous success. The catering was abundant,
beverage service excelled, entertainment fabulous and the staff were absolutely delightful.”
John Lauritz
ASA National Scientific Congress Officer
“The support and ideas we received right from the early stages of planning to the
conclusion of the function, were crucial to its success. The professionalism and
friendliness of the entire team ensured all requests were dealt with promptly and
efficiently...an outstanding evening.”
Renee Jolly
Meetings and Events Consultant, SAPMEA