Adelaide’s bold bid for prestigious global business event

Winning the event could see a '28:1 return on investment' for the host city.

Adelaide Convention Bureau has revealed an ambitious plan to host a major business event, the International Astronautical Congress, for the second time in a decade.

The South Australian capital has put forward a bid for the 2024 International Astronautical Congress, following the highly successful 2017 congress, which included Elon Musk in its speaker line-up.

Adelaide Convention Bureau chief executive Damien Kitto said the event is a natural fit for the city, which is home to the Australian Space Agency.

“We showed the world and some fierce competitors – including Washington, Bremen and Istanbul – just what an amazing destination Adelaide was when we hosted the highly successful 2017 congress; now we intend to do so again – only better,” he said.

The 2017 International Astronautical Congress attracted more than 4,000 delegates and speakers to Adelaide, generating $24 million in economic growth and 229 jobs.

“It enabled us to showcase Adelaide’s world class venues, accommodation, restaurants and wineries and of course our regions,” said Kitto.

“All of those have improved in quality even more in the interim.”

The ACB is working supporting the Andy Thomas Space Foundation in conjunction with the state government on the bid.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said winning the international business event would reinforce the state’s space credentials, while providing a “28:1 return on investment” for the state.

“South Australia is the home of Space and it’s important we put our great state out there to host the highly sought-after congress,” he said.

“Having more than 4,000 leaders of the global space industry right here in Adelaide is simply invaluable.

“While we are under no illusions winning the 2024 event will be easy, it’s important we position South Australia at the forefront for one of the most sought-after and fiercely bid-for global business events, which will see an at least 28:1 return on investment to the host.”

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required

Advertisement

Sign up now

Join our mailing list to keep up to date with the latest event industry news direct to your inbox

The A-Z guide for organising events

Advertisement