Business View Oceania - April 2024

center has been a cornerstone of Canberra’s event landscape and a leader in shaping the country’s business events scene. In a conversation with Stephen Wood, the General Manager of NCCC, we delved into its historical archives and its journey through the pandemic’s challenging times. Managed by the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) on behalf of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government, NCCC is a successful public-private collaboration. NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC’S IMPACT Reflecting on the challenges posed by the pandemic, Wood elucidates how the industry weathered the storm and emerged resilient. “The pandemic raised questions about the value of in-person events, but we witnessed a swift rebound,” he remarks. Despite the adversities, NCCC swiftly reinstated itself to pre- pandemic levels by 2022, attributing its success to a strong team and strategic adaptability. “Over the past two years, our focus has been on revitalizing the team and meeting the escalating demand,” Wood explains. Highlighted by its strategic location at the epicenter of political and defense activities, the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) holds a unique advantage, serving as the Convention Centre for the nation’s capital. With federal government and defense sector headquarters in proximity, NCCC emerges as a pivotal hub for decision-making and industry influence, solidifying its role as a focal point in Canberra’s landscape. INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPACITY NCCC prides itself on its boutique stature, offering client ownership and a collaborative environment. “Most of our events get the opportunity to take over the whole venue, fostering a dynamic of peer collaboration,” Wood explains. This personalized approach is not just a service but a commitment to cater to each client’s unique needs, making them feel valued and important. In terms of capacity, NCCC has a versatile setup catering to diverse events.“For a full conference, we approach about 2000 attendees, with the auditorium accommodating up to 2,500 for concerts and live performances,” Wood elaborates. 41 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 NAT IONAL CONVENT ION CENTRE CANBERRA