Spice News and a select group of Australian and New Zealand event planners have returned to reality after spending four days in Alice Springs for the region’s annual business events famil.

Organised by the Northern Territory Convention Bureau (NTCB), Alice Stampede gives planners the opportunity to experience first-hand the region’s capability to stage memorable business events.

“NTCB and their industry partners recognise the immense value in showcasing business event infrastructure to qualified planners in situ, which allows us to provide a deeper and more tangible experience of the destination,” says NTCB director Rebecca McCaig.

“We deliver this experience by connecting planners with our industry partners to learn how to successfully stage their events and we introduce our local business and government leaders who can assist planners to build a compelling business case for choosing Alice Springs for their next business event.”

From day one, delegates were immersed in the local community and took part in a range of inspiring cultural experiences.

Highlights included a visit to The Purple House to learn how local Arrerente people use native bush plants to make healing balms, a Living Desert Experience at the Alice Springs Desert Park, an Aboriginal art workshop, cultural discussions at Simpsons Gap and a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

Delegates also visited a range of venues and accommodation.

“Planners viewed key business event infrastructure including Alice Springs Convention Centre, accommodation providers, meeting venues, offsite venues and also had the opportunity to meet specialist local business event suppliers during a dedicated ‘Meet the Market’ networking session,” says McCaig.

“Planners were provided with valuable reasons to stage business events in Alice Springs during a Business session opened by the Northern Territory Government’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, the Hon Lauren Moss MLA.”

Off-site dinners were held at three equally impressive venues: Nocturnal House at Alice Springs Desert Park, Earth Sanctuary and The Old Quarry.

Delegates returned home feeling inspired by the region, with a new-found knowledge and appreciation of Alice Springs.

“Alice Springs’ entrepreneurial spirit, iconic landscapes and cultural experiences present compelling reasons to consider the region for business events,” says McCaig.