Business Events Adelaide has announced mid-year sales figures that surpass their record annual performance, set last year. After confirming in November that business events valued at A$336m (US$209.5m) had been secured in 2023/24, Business Events Adelaide have now revealed that more than A$540m worth of business events had been won in the first six months of this financial year alone.
The year-to-date total is headlined by the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), a multi-year agreement that will see five iterations of the event held at the Adelaide Showgrounds between 2025 and 2033. However, even without this abnormal success, Business Events Adelaide has still exceeded its previous year’s figure in under six months.
The bureau’s CEO Damien Kitto said there were a number of factors behind this success. “There is no doubt that Adelaide is enjoying ‘a moment’,” he said. “Interest in Adelaide is currently high, and there is a real sense of positivity about what the city can offer business event organisers.
“Optimism around South Australia starts with the Malinauskas Government offering strong backing for bringing a greater number of business events to the State, and a recognition of the economic tail that flows from them. Business events bring to the fore Adelaide’s key industry sectors that offer much sought-after technical expertise – notably in health and medical research, future energy solutions, AI and space technologies, defence and AgTech.”
“Recent data from STR also demonstrates that Adelaide is one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia, with a hotel room costing on average A$75 a night less than in Sydney and A$17 less than Perth. Adelaide has the global brands and high-quality venues expected of a modern city but has retained its boutique charm at a reasonable price. All of these factors come together to make Adelaide a compelling business event destination,” Kitto added.
Kitto added there there is a lot more scope for growth. “Particular areas of focus for this calendar year will be identifying more international opportunities, showcasing Adelaide’s world leading innovation districts, as well as attracting a greater number of business events during winter months. This is something our members, especially smaller venues, are very keen for us to pursue and – once again, Adelaide’s affordability and value for money will be pivotal in our approach.”
South Australia’s treasurer Stephen Mullighan said: “It’s pleasing to see such a significant surge in major organisations wanting to hold their Business Events in Adelaide.” The financial results follows the Business Council of Australia naming South Australia the best place in the nation to do business.
