This represents 160 per cent of Business Events Adelaide’s record result from last financial year, in which the organisation netted $336 million in events for the city over 12 months.
The bureau’s massive start to the current financial year was bolstered by it securing the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), which will remain in Adelaide from 2025 until 2033 and is worth $240 million.
However, aside from that single win, Business Events Adelaide has secured more than $300 million in other business, well over half of its record results from the 2023-2024 financial year.
“There is no doubt that Adelaide is enjoying ‘a moment’,” said Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto.
“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 – and provide long term commercial opportunities to SA business.”
Kitto flagged the affordability of Adelaide’s accommodation offering as a draw for business events.
“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 $75 a night less than in Sydney and $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.”
While acknowledging that it’s not the status quo to rack up more than half a billion dollars of events every couple of quarters, Kitto sees more opportunity in 2025.
“We certainly feel there is a lot more scope for growth,” he said.
“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.
“We have certainly made a great start to the year, but Australia is a very competitive environment, with corporate and association business event organisers having a number of high-quality destinations to choose from. Whilst Business Events Adelaide would like to attract half a billion dollars’ worth of business events every six months, we are under no illusion about the challenge in doing so.
“For now, it is pleasing that Adelaide is being recognised for what it can offer as a smart, connected and affordable business events destination.”
