CASE STUDY
From the heart
About the event Triumphs
IMSANZ & SOMANZ combined for the very
first time for their Annual Scientific Meeting
held in Alice Springs in September 2016.
This inaugural joint meeting showcased
the latest research and knowledge in both
Internal Medicine and Obstetrics. The conference social functions showcased
the uniqueness of Alice Springs – a casual
Aussie BBQ was held under the stars at the
off-site venue known as The Old Quarry.
Located at the foot of the spectacular
MacDonnell Ranges, its rocky escarpments
provided a dramatic outback setting.
Dinner entertainment included Indigenous
children’s drumming group Drum Atweme
and Indigenous artist and didgeridoo
performer, Tommy Crowe. Artwork he
created “live” onsite was auctioned, raising
$1300 for Alice Springs dialysis clinic, The
Purple House.
Attendees included physicians, nurses,
advanced trainees, specialist obstetricians
and research scientists and the conference
was organised by Auckland-based PCO,
Workz4U Conference Management.
Why the NT?
The joint conference focussed on renal, rural
and remote health issues, many of which
were specifically relevant to the Northern
Territory. As a result, a number of NT medical
specialist speakers made a major contribution
to the conference programme. It was also
felt that Alice Springs was a “bucket list”
destination for many delegates, the majority
of whom had never previously experienced a
remote Australian location.
Special NT touches
Optional pre-conference workshops and field
trips included a presentation and tour of
the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice
Springs base and museum. A visit was also
undertaken to The Purple House dialysis
clinic, which also functions as a social
enterprise and community centre.
18 Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 3, 2017 www.cimmagazine.com
A special Indigenous ‘Welcome to
Country’ presentation was delivered at the
conference opening by traditional owner
Kumalie (Rosalie) Riley, an Arrernte Elder
and artist.
Outcome
Organisers indicated that Alice Springs, its
convention centre and the creative social
program venues made a huge contribution
to creating a unique experience for the
delegates.
“Our event went off without a hitch – Alice
Springs proved to be an excellent place
to hold our meeting. Venue staff were
engaging, helpful and efficient and off-site
accommodation was also readily accessible.
The cultural extras including the Welcome
to Country and dinner at The Quarry were
highlights. I would recommend Alice
Springs as a conference destination and the
venue without hesitation,” says Melbourne
immediate past president IMSANZ, Monash
Health, professor Don Campbell.