Background:

The Australian National Committee on Large Dams Incorporated (ANCOLD) rotates its annual Forum to a different state each year, usually selecting a regional destination to showcase local dams. The Forum is for a specialist group usually attracting around 100 delegates. Arinex has been working with ANCOLD for four years, delivering its annual forum in Brisbane (2015), Wodonga (2016) and Jindabyne (2017).

Challenge:

Far-flung Kununurra was the chosen location for the ANCOLD 2018 Forum, at a distant 3,300km from the state capital of Perth, however the Organising Committee thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visiting dams operators. One of the most remote locations yet, it called for a different approach when it came to designing the conference and social program, in order to cater for what was expected to be an intimate group of delegates.

Arinex’ solution:

Arinex and the Organising Committee collaborated to ensure delegate satisfaction and networking was a core element. Marketing campaigns were built to highlight the unique prospect of the Forum, while the program design focused on the networking and social opportunities such as boat tours across iconic Lake Argyle and a rare chance to visit the Old Hydro Plant at Kununurra river.

Project Manager Alessandra Damant said: “With such a remote destination, we knew this year’s Forum was likely to be smaller than previous ones. As such, we designed our program around this to help delegates to connect not just with one another but with the Forum, in order to drive ultimate gratification.”

Outcome:

The Forum achieved complete delegate satisfaction among its 46 delegates with a post-event survey revealing the Forum “met” or “exceeded” expectations for 100% of respondents. Three-quarters of respondents added they would “definitely” attend next year’s Forum and the remaining 25% indicating they “probably” would. Arinex is excited to be continuing its work with the Organising Committee, to deliver the 2019 Forum in Adelaide.