Cocktails with crocodiles in Darwin

The brief
Crocosaurus Cove was asked to provide a large-scale, informal cocktail-style networking event and family social function for the 68th National Scientific Congress of the ASA, with the key focus being to provide a true Northern Territory Outback experience.

Crocosaurus Cove is a Darwin venue featuring saltwater crocodiles. It has some of the largest live “salties” in captivity and the largest display of Australian reptiles in the world.

Challenges
The cocktail party was originally booked for 700 guests but the conference had a larger than expected attendance, many bringing partners and children. Due to the increased numbers and the inclusion of so many children, it was decided to use the entire three-storey facility for the event.

A special ‘Kids Zone’ was set-up on the ground floor where child entertainers, balloon artists and face painters were kept busy with more than 90 children. Crocosaurus Cove wildlife handlers and guides also kept children amused by providing close-up viewings of smaller reptiles and baby crocodiles, providing some excellent photo opportunities.

Execution
Food and beverage stations throughout the venue enabled guests to roam freely and enjoy the exhibits. Staff also circulated throughout the venue serving drinks from mobile carts as well as hot platters of crocodile, kangaroo and beef pastries, Barramundi fish and chips and many other specialities unique to the Northern Territory. 

Several ‘Cage of Death’ dives featuring ASA ‘volunteers’ were conducted, along with activities for the children.

Comment
“The wildlife experience was amazing, the staff friendly and knowledgeable, and the food delicious. With a group of 1,000 people it is difficult to please everybody, but Crocosaurus Cove achieved this feat,” says Dr Mark Sinclair, convenor of the 68^th Annual National Scientific Congress Australian Society of Anaesthetists.