The team representing Australia was back in person at IMEX America this week for the first time since 2019.

Sandra Lady, director of business development for the Darwin Convention Centre, part of ASM Global, said it was exciting to be back, reporting a lot of buzz and energy on the show floor, as well as a record number of partners at the Australia stand.

“For the Darwin Convention Centre, it is important for us to be here as a regional destination for destination awareness primarily, and also to connect with clients and hopefully gain more business,” Lady said.

She said this year, the team spent more time on advance show prep and reached out to contacts earlier, acknowledging changes in the business landscape and that many people had changed roles.

Although the team was unable to personally attend IMEX America 2021 because of a lockdown in Australia, a company called Arena Destinations was brought in to represent them onsite at the show.

“It is important for us to be here as a regional destination for destination awareness primarily, and also to connect with clients and hopefully gain more business.”

“We had Zoom prep calls. We collaborated on all the appointments prior to the show,” Lady said. “We did a lot of homework sessions prior to the show so that they were feeling like they were adequately prepared to represent Darwin. We felt a little bit nervous going into it, but they did an amazing job for us.”

Lady, who worked in meetings and hospitality in Los Angeles for many years before moving to Australia (read her story), said meeting planners should consider Australia because there is simply nothing like it.

“Australia is such an amazing country. I love living there. I love that they’re such friendly people,” she said. “There are so many unique places in Australia, and in particular the Northern Territory is something really special—I find that even when Australians come there, they come away so inspired by the culture, the special national parks and the landscape. There’s so much that we have to offer in northern Australia that is unique and special, and I hope that people will come to discover that.”

Lady said the Darwin Convention Centre is a world-class facility easily accessible from parts of Asia, including direct flights from Singapore.