Event Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES)
Destination Alice Springs, Northern Territory (NT), Australia
Organiser Northern Territory government
Group size 60
Date March 21-23



The brief
The NT government organised a three-day programme in Alice Springs for a VIP contingent of Chinese delegates who were attending the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES). This event is one of Australia’s premier exploration and mining events, attracting more than 280 national and international delegates.

The programme was designed to showcase opportunities for Chinese investment in mineral exploration projects and introduce delegates to local exploration companies.

Challenges
A cattle station was selected for an informal dinner on the first day, to give guests a quintessential Northern Territory experience.

The station usually serves country-style Australian cuisine, but on this occasion they needed to accommodate guests with a Chinese palate.

As this group included VIPs from both government and business, assistance was provided by the host organisation to facilitate smooth and seamless processing of all visa and immigration requirements.

Interpreters were on hand throughout the visit to minimise any communication issues.

Execution
On the first day the group enjoyed a guided tour of Simpson’s Gap in the MacDonnell Ranges, followed by a visit to Ooraminna Homestead at Deep Well Cattle Station, the location for the iconic movie Australia.

Dinner was served outdoors followed by a 'Sky talk' about the spectacular night sky visible from the Outback. The following evening, a formal welcome dinner was held at Sukra, an Asian restaurant at Lasseters Hotel Casino.

A full-day seminar and one-on-one meeting sessions were held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre and provided an opportunity for participants to identify investment opportunities and meet potential business partners.

Comment
The al fresco meal at Ooraminna was singled out for praise. Li Bin, director of Mineral Resources Department, TBEA Shenyang Transformer Group, says: “The Territory is the best place for people who want to explore the real Australia.”