Harvey Norman Biennial Conference 2026 Case Study

­­­Harvey Norman Biennial Conference 2026 

Event Overview

Harvey Norman is a major Australian retail company specialising in electrical goods, computers, furniture and bedding and operates 189 stores across Australia. Its Mobile and Computer Technology Division stages a conference every two years which brings together proprietors, supplier partners and head office representatives from Harvey Norman, Joyce Mayne and Domayne stores across Australia.

The five-day conference enables attendees to explore products, undertake training, engage in networking and connect with the latest technology products and industry trends - from AI-driven solutions to sustainable tech practices. 

The Darwin conference theme of “Further Together” acknowledged the value of collaboration and the visit to Darwin, Australia’s northernmost capital. 

The planning journey to the Darwin conference

Preliminary discussions regarding the conference commenced on the Northern Territory Stand at the AIME trade show in 2019, with the Darwin event originally scheduled for 2022. However, the pandemic meant the Darwin conference was deferred to 2026.

The conference PCO, Lateral Events, then joined a Northern Territory Business Events (NTBE) familiarisation program to Darwin in 2023, which showcased the destination and its capacity and capability for staging successful business events.

Following strong endorsement for Darwin from Lateral Events, NTBE hosted executives from Harvey Norman to Darwin in 2024 to make a final assessment of the destination.

Why Darwin and the Darwin Convention Centre were chosen for this business event

With the conference focused on nurturing relationships and building networks, the scale and compact nature of Darwin meant it was an ideal destination to not only keep attendees together, but also provide a perception of Harvey Norman “taking over the town” for the duration of the conference. 

Having exclusive use of the entire Darwin Convention Centre was also an important factor that influenced Darwin’s destination selection. 

Harvey Norman Biennial Conference 2026 held at the Darwin Convention Centre | Credit: Good Thanks Media

The Conference Program 

The conference program encompassed daily plenary presentations, concurrent educational break-outs and Supplier Showcase Expo sessions where small groups of delegates engaged in scheduled appointments with the 50 exhibitors. A number of the exhibitors required custom-built stands which were created by Darwin-based Fusion Exhibitions, one of the NT’s leading exhibition, themed event and equipment hire companies.

The Darwin Convention Centre’s showcase of its culinary expertise included themed food stations for lunch each day, offering four different cuisines to suit all palates – native Aussie, South East Asian, Middle Eastern and Italian. Where possible, tropical NT flavours like mango, papaya and lemongrass were included and complemented dishes such as barramundi, buffalo, crocodile and kangaroo. The market stall-style format set up in the Centre’s Foyer spaces enabled delegates to engage and connect during session breaks. 

Social program showcases Darwin and the Northern Territory

The conference social program incorporated iconic Darwin locations and experiences, a number of which had been included in the Darwin Showcase famil program experienced by Lateral Events in 2023, highlighting how these NTBE initiatives showcase the destination to business events planners.

The conference opening plenary session was followed by the Welcome Reception held at local ‘social institution’, the beachfront Darwin Trailer Boat Club. On the Monday evening, delegates were provided with pre-paid Visa cards enabling them to dine around at a range of different restaurants, enhancing the broader benefits of the conference to Darwin’s hospitality sector. Dine-around delegates were invited to reconvene for post-dinner cocktails in the “After Bar” at the botanical pavilion-style bar Flick’s, which is located in a reimagined former downtown cinema.

Other dinners included an evening at the award-winning Pee Wee’s at the Point, set within the natural surrounds of Darwin’s East Point Reserve and overlooking Fannie Bay. The Gala Awards Dinner held on the lush lawns of Mindil Beach Casino Resort also provided an opportunity for delegates to view one of the stunning over-water sunsets for which Darwin is renowned. 

Aerial view of Pee Wee’s at the Point, Harvey Norman Dinner Venue | Credit: Good Thanks Media

Gala Awards Dinner on the lawns of Mindil Beach Casino Resort | Credit: Good Thanks Media

An exclusive dinner was held for a select group of Diamond Sponsors and creatively delivered as a bespoke event called ‘The Farm’. It was staged at the expansive eight-hectare nature-based event setting known as 5 Paddocks which is on Knuckey Lagoon, approximately 18 kilometres east of Darwin city.  

A long table was positioned under the covered verandah and venue décor included palm fronds, hay bales, outdoor fire lanterns, and soft, glowing festoon lighting suspended above the table – the event theming was undertaken by Darwin-based Allabout Party Hire & Events while audio-visual and lighting were provided by Dreamedia Events.

Barrel-top cocktail tables and casual seating were also placed around the venue, contributing to the authentic NT rural ambiance. Guests attending the dinner were gifted an Akubra, the iconic Australian outback hat, and the evening incorporated a range of unique and entertaining activities such as mud crab racing and whip cracking. Guests were also provided with an opportunity to get up close and personal with small crocodiles.

Catering was provided by celebrity chef, Jimmy Shu, from multi-award-winning NT restaurant, Hanuman. In Australia, the name Jimmy Shu is synonymous with South East Asian cuisine which takes diners on a culinary journey through India, Malaysia and Thailand.

A gelato van stationed onsite provided dessert options and a whiskey van offered a curated selection of around 30 different whiskies, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a premium after-dinner drink in the casual, open-air setting.  To close out the night, dinner guests gathered around the fire pit for a relaxed wind-down experience. A solo guitarist provided an intimate low-key performance nearby, enhancing the inviting atmosphere that encouraged connection and conversation amongst guests.

Bespoke dinner for sponsors at 5 Paddocks event venue | Credit: Good Thanks Media

On another evening, a “Mini Mindil Beach Sunset Market” was staged at Mindil Beach and showcased selected elements of the celebrated Darwin markets held twice-weekly from late April to late October. 

The bespoke Harvey Norman version featured market stalls offering multicultural cuisine, art, crafts and entertainment.  Conference delegates were provided with $50 of ‘Mindil Money’ which enabled them to make their individual selection from approximately eight food trucks and twelve speciality merchandise stalls. Dedicated areas were also provided for delegates to socialise, relax and enjoy their selected food and beverages whilst being rewarded with another spectacular Darwin sunset.

Performers for all social program events throughout the week were provided by local Darwin-based entertainment agency Standing Room Only. With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, the agency is behind a multitude of events and festivals in the NT.

Accompanying Partners enjoy renowned Northern Territory hospitality

A dedicated program was on offer for accompanying partners of delegates at the Darwin conference.  Activities included a Gin Masterclass at restaurant, bar and distillery, Charlie’s of Darwin in the city centre and on another occasion, a cooking demonstration was delivered by celebrity chef, Uncle Robbie Cooper, in the lush tropical 42-hectare George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. His presentation was then followed by a long lunch which the guests enjoyed al fresco in the Gardens.

Accompanying partners cooking demonstration and long lunch at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens | Credit: Good Thanks Media

Harvey Norman Conference leaves a lasting legacy 

A major beneficiary of the Harvey Norman Conference being staged in Darwin was the Remote Laundries Project. Launched in 2019, the Project forms part of the core role of the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG), a corporation which seeks to make a real difference to the quality of life, health, social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people. With six laundries currently in operation, the Project not only provides purpose-built, free laundry facilities but also creates employment opportunities.

The Remote Laundries Project was selected by Harvey Norman as their chosen charity, fund-raising and community engagement partner for the Darwin conference. AIG’s CEO Elizabeth Morgan-Brett spoke at one of the conference plenary sessions regarding the many ways in which the Remote Laundries Project is making a significant difference.

Harvey Norman suppliers and proprietors were introduced to Remote Laundries in advance of the conference and invited to assist the Project with donations, stock items and essentials such as bed linen, pillows, towels and personal hygiene products.

Remote Laundries also had a Stand at the Mindil Markets event and another in the Darwin Convention Centre foyer for the duration of the conference, enabling direct engagement with delegates and suppliers.

With merchandise being an element of the conference, Harvey Norman arranged for any giveaway items that proprietors could not carry home to also be donated – these included items such as coffee cups, water bottles, notepads, pens, and tote bags that could be distributed for use in the community. 

Elizabeth Morgan-Brett from AIG was effusive in her thanks:

“Our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Harvey Norman for your extraordinary generosity and support,” she said. 

“Your commitment to supporting our Remote Laundries is far more than a contribution of dollars and products — it’s an investment in people, communities, dignity, health, and hope. Through your generosity of spirit and genuine care for Aboriginal people living in remote communities, you are directly helping us deliver our life-changing and life-saving Remote Laundries Project.”

Remote Laundries was the community engagement partner | Credit: AIG

The venue - Darwin Convention Centre 

Organisers praised the Darwin Convention Centre for being so flexible, accommodating and making event logistics much easier. They said the Centre was a true credit to the city and provided an absolute reason why other planners should consider Darwin for their future business events.

Harvey Norman Biennial Conference 2026 held at the Darwin Convention Centre | Credit: Good Thanks Media

Northern Territory Business Events (NTBE) support

NTBE assisted organisers by hosting the site inspection in 2024 which enabled invaluable introductions to suppliers and relevant organisations, including Tourism Top End (TTE) and the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG). TTE supported delegates with tourism and touring information for Darwin and beyond, including through a display at the conference expo.

Delegates take time to explore the NT

Delegates were encouraged to explore more of the Northern Territory both pre and post conference. They were provided with information on local attractions, cultural experiences and other touring opportunities via conference communications and onsite destination information.

Sixty-one delegates extended their NT stay, whilst 92 delegates arrived in Darwin in advance of the conference – the end result was that over 310 additional rooms were booked outside of the conference period, with many other delegates indicating their intention to return to the NT in the future.

The Verdict – what they say

In a post-event survey, Darwin scored 4.25/5 as the host destination. This was backed up by highly complimentary comments from the client, the Professional Conference Organiser and also delegates.

On behalf of the client: 

“Darwin provided a great destination for our recent Biennial Conference. The warm climate and overwhelming sense of welcome from the town provided an atmosphere that meant our guests could relax and enjoy many opportunities to connect. Many of our guests took the opportunity to extend their stay which is testament to the appeal of Darwin.”

“The week provided an incredible array of dinner experiences that gave our guests space to enjoy the outdoors and reset each evening - allowing the information provided throughout the day sessions and business objectives to be absorbed meaningfully. The event provided the perfect balance of culture and business and many of our guests have returned from Darwin energised and committed to the next stage of their business growth.“

Jeff Woodhouse
Harvey Norman Executive General Manager
Mobile and Computer Technology

On behalf of the organising team:

“I would like to thank Northern Territory Business Events for their support of the 2026 Biennial Conference. We appreciate the knowledge, support, and guidance provided by your team throughout our planning process.”

“The suppliers knew each other, worked together and supported each other to ensure the best outcome for us as a client, and we felt a real sense of community in Darwin. The outcomes of our event were bolstered by the environment created in Darwin and many of our guests have lifelong memories from visiting the region. Thank you for your support in helping us make this happen.”

Megan Peters
CEO + Director, Lateral Events

From a conference attendee: 

“Darwin was a great destination and the conference was a huge success. The temperature, atmosphere in the town, and the ease in which you could get to the various venues put everyone in a great mood which made for positive vibes through which to network! The food at all events was great and one of our International Senior Leaders was thrilled with the opportunity to visit Darwin for the first time. The sense of culture and the native experiences offered throughout the event were fabulous and creating a really unique experience.”

Clare Foster
Senior Business Development Manager, Qualcomm

For more information on the Northern Territory visit: ntbusinessevents.com.au