NORTHERN TERRITORY MAJOR EVENTS COMPANY – ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21 Since its inception, NTMEC has delivered world-class events in the Territory to attract visitors and help Territorians reap the corresponding economic benefits. We are now exploring a shift in focus, away from the long- We have become a ‘front door’ for the Territory’s events term delivery of events and more towards the attraction, sector, and want to further help this sector prosper through acquisition and development of new events. a renewed focus on growth and development. Events are vital catalysts for tourists coming to the Integral to this plan is an incredible group of passionate Northern Territory where they experience our unique and hard-working people at NTMEC bringing world- culture, tourism attractions and breathtaking scenery while class event experiences to life. With a continued focus contributing greatly to our economy. on creating a remarkable working environment, people and culture are at the very heart of our company and our With this in mind we have created a strategic plan for the new vision. next 12 years, the NTMEC Playbook 2021-2032. We are excited about our future, and what we can achieve Our strategic outlook will see us continue to evolve and with the right funding, focus and function, and by tapping transform as we look for new and innovative ways to grow into existing synergies,such as that between NTMEC, the event pipeline and move towards achieving funding Tourism NT and NT Business Events. certainty. This willhelp expand the Territory’s rich and diverse events calendar beyond the traditionally busy dry season, to see Territorians and our economy benefit from year-round event attendance. It is an exciting initiative after what has been an uncertain time for events, a time that has already seen NTMEC’s role begin to change. Tim Watsford, CEO No longer responsible for simply delivering our portfolio of major events, NTMEC has increasingly taken on an event development role. This is a result of NTMEC not only administering the Northern Territory Government’s Event Funding Program, which helps develop existing events and fund new ones, but also through providing support and advice to the local events industry during tumultuous COVID-19 times. 55