About 

Facing North is a collaborative arrangement between the Darwin Major Business Group Incorporated (DMBG) and the
Northern Territory Government. The event, held in Canberra at Australian Parliament House,
showcases Darwin and the Territory as a sophisticated, professional, modern and diverse economy with real opportunities whilst providing a unique occasion to connect with key government and business decision-makers. 

The main objectives of Facing North are to: 

  • demonstrate the business, economic and social credentials and objectives of the Territory to Federal Parliamentarians, Australian Government decision makers and peak industry bodies. 

  • forge key relationships and new business contacts for the future business and economic benefit of the Territory.  

  • demonstrate how Territory business, industry and the NT Government work together to accelerate the development of the Territory.  

  • showcase the capacity and breadth of Territory businesses and the enormous potential the Territory has to offer. 

The inaugural event was held in September 2017 and following its success, Facing North was held annually from 2017 to 2019 prior to the global pandemic. The collaboration demonstrates how Territory business, industry and government work together to accelerate the development of the Northern Territory. Attendees of Facing North include:

  • Federal Senator and Members of Parliament

  • NT Government Ministers

  • Australian Government decision makers

  • National industry associations and peak bodies

  • Key NT businesses and industry representatives and influencers

  • National and local media 

Following a three year hiatus, Facing North will be held in Canberra on Wednesday 2 August 2023. 

Program

Facing North Forum

Theatrette, 9.00am - 3.00pm

Plenary program with facilitated panel discussions and presentations to provide an overview of the Territory's strategic, economic, commercial and cultural capabilities. The four plenary presentations will run for approximately 45 minutes and topics include:

  • Facing North for a cleaner energy future
  • Facing North to the forefront of Australia's national resilience
  • Facing North for commercial prosperity
  • Facing North to Australia's cultural heart

Download the flyer to read the session overviews and for more information about the delegate and exhibitor opportunities.


Great Hall Reception and Showcase

Great Hall, 6.00pm - 8.30pm

 hosted by Northern Territory Federal Parliamentarians together with
Hon Natasha Fyles MLA, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory  |  Avril Baynes, Chair, Darwin Major Business Group

An evening showcase of the very best of the Northern Territory, featuring Territory industry, produce and talent, with a unique Territory inspired menu. Over 450 guests included Federal and NT Parliamentarians, senior members of the Federal and NT governments and senior business and industry leaders will be in attendance


Post event networking function

Ostani Bar, 9.00pm - 11.00pm

Following the Great Hall Reception and Showcase, attendees can continue to connect and network with delegates.


Attend

Business and industry delegates interested in attending Facing North 2023 in Canberra, are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Acceptance of delegate EOIs will be based on the business and industry partner’s ability to meet the following criteria: 

  • Business / industry activity supports the aim of Facing North to showcase the Territory’s sophisticated, professional, modern and diverse economy.

  • Business / industry partner is relevant to the economic growth or advancement of the Territory.

Accepted EOIs will be notified via email and provided with a link to complete the registration process. Delegate participation is not confirmed until full payment is made. 

TypeInclusionsCost (inc GST)
Full delegate
  • Entry to the Facing North Forum
  • Entry to the Great Hall Reception and Showcase
  • Entry to the post event networking function
$1000
Additional Great Hall Reception
and Showcase delegate
Full delegates have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets to the Great Hall Reception and Showcase to extend an invitation to relevant key stakeholders or business associates (on application and subject to approval, limited tickets available)$500

Visit the website to submit a full delegate EOI. 

Exhibit

Facing North presents an opportunity to showcase your business/industry in unique environment in Canberra, the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia in the capital of Australia. Opportunities are available to attend and exhibit your business or products at the Facing North 2023 event.  

Exhibitors are encouraged to display a Territory look and feel to align with the event theming. The cost to exhibit and additional add-on’s are: 

TypeInclusionsCost (inc GST)
Showcase exhibitor
  • Entry to the Great Hall Reception and Showcase event only for one (1) person
  • Exhibitor stand with your company / organisation name displayed
  • Design and production of the exhibitor stand backdrop
  • Table and chair
$750
Add on - Additional exhibitor ticket
  • Entry to the Great Hall Reception and Showcase event only for one (1) additional person to support the exhibitor stand
$250
Add on - Facing North Forum
  • Access to the Facing North Forum only for one (1) person
$500
Add on - Post event networking function
  • Entry to the post event networking function only for one (1) person
$80

Find out more about exhibiting at Facing North and submit an exhibitor EOI.

Destination

Location

Facing North is held in Australian Parliament House located on Parliament Drive, Canberra ACT 2600. 

For more information about Canberra, visit www.visitcanberra.com.au  

Flights

At the time of publication, QantasLink operates direct flights from Darwin to Canberra and return on select days. Qantas and Virgin also offer flights to Canberra via Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. 

Visit the airline websites for up-to-date flight times and to book your travel.  

Accommodation

There are a range of accommodation options in Canberra. Most delegates choose to stay at one of the below hotels which are within walking distance of
Parliament House.  

FAQs

Got a question? Read the FAQs or get in contact with us via the details below.

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Contact us

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