Based in New York, Frances Iacono is the new associate director of partnerships for Business Events Adelaide in North America, while Amanda Pelvay has taken on the same role for the UK and Europe, from a London base.
Both are originally from South Australia and have significant experience in the business events industry – Iacono joins the bureau with more than two decades of experience, while Pelvay brings more than 12 years of experience to her new role.
“As we press forward with our ambitions to position Adelaide as a tier two destination of choice, it is crucial to have representatives present in our target markets,” said Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto.
“These additional resources will ensure we can be proactive in attracting prominent business events and corporate incentive groups from North America and Europe.”
Kitto added that the pair both being from South Australia is “a great advantage”.
“The combination of Fran and Amanda’s high-calibre industry expertise and their innate local knowledge about our city and its venues, industry strengths and experiences is a significant asset to advancing our international operations.”
Alongside its new hires – the pair will work for the bureau as international contractors – Business Events Adelaide has inked a new partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which gives the bureau exclusive access to international association conference leads as well as raising Adelaide’s profile as an international meeting host. ICCA has just 12 of these partnerships globally.
“A partnership with ICCA gives us a seat at the table with the organisations that decide where the world’s major congresses go next,” said Kitto.
“It strengthens our ability to identify the right opportunities early, build relationships with international decision-makers and bring more of that high-value business back to our members here in Adelaide.”
