Destination South Australia making it happen

The Destination South Australia live event, 12-13 February was Australia’s first 2021 face-to-face business exchange event and made a successful start in reconnecting meetings industry planners and suppliers, as well as locking in some valuable future business. Much-needed business was transacted again at an event that was, just as importantly, an exercise in reassurance and confidence for those keen and willing to get on a plane and meet with their business event peers interstate. Key organiser, Adelaide Convention Bureau’s chief executive Damien Kitto said: “What we witnessed in Adelaide was inspiring and rewarding both professionally and personally. Strong Covid-SAfe practices were in place from the moment our guests arrived at the secure airport until they departed either four or five days later; each having had the opportunity to visit numerous of the highest standard venues and new quality hotels, restaurants and wineries. “Adelaide delivered as a world-class destination and in spades. So did our Destination South Australia guests in adhering to our Team Adelaide end-to-end Covid-SAfe rules; and from that came the can-do attitude to get down to business.” Kitto said his team had taken a realistic approach. “We are sensible. We know 2021 has many road bumps ahead for us and the economy, not least closed international borders remaining in place longer than we had initially anticipated. But, we are moving in the right direction and we continue to illustrate to the world through continuing with future international bids such as for the 2024 International Astronautical Convention, and our present events such as Destination South Australia, that we are a destination which can be trusted to deliver the very best; including in health and safety.” Kitto added that the ACB’s next face to-face business event was scheduled for mid-March.