Over the three months of winter, several key business events were held in Adelaide, delivering a strong economic return for the city.
HORT Connections, which features Australia’s largest horticultural exhibition – this year spread over 12,000m2 at Adelaide Convention Centre – drew 3,920 delegates and more than 220 exhibitors and was responsible for driving $20 million of economic activity in Adelaide. The 2026 edition of the annual gathering was held in Adelaide for the second time in three years.
In July, Adelaide hosted the largest ever iteration of LambEx for the meat and sheep industry, with 1,450 delegates, and the Australian Medical Students’ Association National Conference for 800 delegates.
International acoustics and noise control engineering meeting and exhibition, Inter-Noise 2026, in August drew 928 delegates and the Wounds Australia meeting had nearly 1,000 attendees.
“To have those five business events combine to contribute more than $44 million to the South Australian economy is significant,” said Business Events Adelaide CEO, Damien Kitto
“But it is also encouraging when we look at the bigger picture and reflect on the wide variety of business events – in terms of both scope and industry strengths – that we have welcomed to the state throughout winter.”
“It is certainly a promising time for our members, who are reaping the rewards of a packed calendar, and it fills us with confidence to see this high level of success in our off-peak season.
“Evidently, organisers are recognising what we have always known – that even in the ‘off season’, Adelaide is a beautiful, experience-rich business events destination.
“Our typically mild winter temperatures and low rainfall make it an ideal time for delegates to enjoy a relaxed change of pace as they explore the state, from cosy wine region visits to bespoke nature and wildlife encounters.”
Winter meetings also boosted local industry with both HORT Connections and LambEx2026 furthering relationships with local industry, research and government bodies.
“We are continuing to see strong strategic alignment between Adelaide’s business events offering and South Australia’s economic strengths, which reinforces the city’s position as a credible, high-value destination for national and international business events,” said Kitto.
“Our upcoming schedule shows no signs of slowing down.
“That said, the vast range of outstanding venues, experiences and suppliers in South Australia means that there is always room for more!”
