They are promoting growing economic sectors and new or enhanced attractions, including those close to the city that can be part of the main program or optional extensions.
International business events are an increasing focus for Adelaide as it draws on its world class technical expertise and aims to deliver an exceptional experience for delegates.
“Adelaide appeals to those looking for a green, spacious, vibrant city to hold their next business event. China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and India show significant interest in both business events and corporate incentives,” said Damien Kitto, CEO of Business Events Adelaide.
There are twice-daily flights from Adelaide to Singapore and Auckland, once-daily to Kuala Lumpur and Doha, and five-times weekly to Ho Chi Minh City via Perth, connecting South Australia to major business cities.
For associations, Kitto said Adelaide could add value in sectors such as innovation, biotechnology, space and AI, agritech and the creative arts.
“Business Events Adelaide provides subvention packages for organisers to assist with marketing, logistics and financial incentives. The South Australian State Government increased its funding in 2023 to help secure strategically important events.”
Adelaide is compact – with more than 7,000 accommodation rooms in the CBD – and venues like Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Oval, SkyCity Adelaide and the National Wine Centre are all within walking distance of one another.
The 29-storey One Festival Tower, a multi-functional cultural and commercial space, is also the city home of Flinders University. The vertical campus will add to the research and innovation capacity already present on North Terrace at Lot Fourteen, BioMed City and the University of Adelaide.
In addition the Adelaide Hills are just 30 minutes from the city, offering vineyard tours, strawberry-picking, lunch in German-themed Harndorf, and discovery of Jurlique’s farm and natural-based skincare products. Slightly farther, the famous Barossa Valley delights with vineyard tours.
Western Australia currently receives strong MICE movements from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. Flights from Singapore are only a little longer than flying to Perth from Australia’s populous east coast.
“The WA Government’s $75 million Aviation Recovery Fund was delivered as part of the state’s Reconnect WA strategy attracting airlines back to WA, to develop new routes and increase capacity on existing routes, both domestically and internationally,” said Business Events Perth CEO Gareth Martin.
“There is much interest and potential business from key emerging markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, India, Taiwan, Japan and Korea, especially those with direct flights to and from Perth.”
Collectively, there are about 180 direct weekly flights to Perth from Denpasar in Bali, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.
Business Events Perth provides subvention support for international MICE delegations starting from a minimum group size of 10 adults, staying at least two nights in WA.
The Perth central area has more than 13,000 hotel rooms; the largest cluster of 1,200 being at Crown Perth, with international hotel brands providing increased capacity to host groups.
Within the city and its immediate surrounds, new activities include Matagarup Zip+Climb, the Ozone and Vertigo experiences at Optus Stadium and Matagarup Mini Golf Course.
While many incentive itineraries include Fremantle and Margaret River, those with less time may opt for the Swan Valley, which is under 30 minutes from Perth, for wineries and craft beer breweries, Caversham Wildlife Park and local chocolates, honey, nougat and nuts.
Rottnest Island, home of the selfie-friendly quokka, offers adventure activities such as parasailing, jetboating and reeling in fresh seafood for an indulgent lunch experience.
