Our Key Achievements Developed a Strategy and Acquisition Department to secure and attract more top line events and position the Territory as a world-class destination for event organisers, and boost visitation. Events acquired include MXGP in a landmark five-year agreement, world-famous Harlem Globetrotters and the return of the Australia Cup Playoffs. Evolved the Event Funding Program to better serve and support the local events sector and attract new events to the Territory, with the focus to help drive and enhance tourism and the liveability of Territorians and instil a positive social impact on the community. Applications were simplified to three categories, streamlining the process for access to greater funding. Progressed the case for a Territory NBL team with the introduction of a working group focused on stakeholder engagement around upgrading existing facilities to accommodate NBL games, to working on the significant and meaningful community benefits it will offer. The progression to a working group follows the successful 2022 NBL Blitz. Created and curated unique and unforgettable events that celebrate and display the Territory’s connection with Aboriginal culture. The third Indigenous Round of the Darwin Supercars saw partnerships strengthen with Clontarf and Racing Together. Parrtjima 2024 featured more than 80 First Nations artists and the first festival marketplace by Desart and Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network’s Buy Blak Market featuring 20 Indigenous businesses. A renewed approach to customer experience with a focus on event quality led to the introduction of new programming initiatives. An Australian first at the betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round saw race cars head into Darwin city for the Track to Town, a new 360-degree stage BASSment was added to BASSINTHEGRASS; and a new creative director, Grumpy Sailor, brought a fresh approach to Parrtjima installations with a visually spectacular six-metre tall, theatrical puppet Arelhe Urrperle and a three-night marketplace. Enhanced the profile of the Territory’s unique events with high profile ambassadors including UFC champion Alex Volkanovski, Supercars driver Will Davison and former AFL great Nathan Buckley. Million Dollar Fish Season 9 received local, national and international coverage after young Katherine local, Keegan Payne, reeled in the million-dollar barra. The readership and media reach recorded was nearly 80 million total potential audience. 6 Northern Territory Major Events Company – ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24 25