Business Events Adelaide has announced another record-breaking year, with unprecedented growth in business events secured amid growing international interest in Adelaide.
At its Annual General Meeting, held at Business Events Adelaide’ headquarters on Wednesday (29 October), Chair Ian Horne confirmed that during the 2024–25 financial year, 149 future business events were secured for South Australia, injecting more than $684 million into the State economy. This figure doubled the result from 2023-24, which itself was a record.
“It’s been another year of remarkable achievement for our team, delivering an outstanding result on behalf of South Australia,” said Mr Horne. “These events are not just about visitor numbers or hotel occupancy – important though they are. They are about bringing the right people to Adelaide. High-calibre business events translate directly into jobs, economic benefit and long-term collaboration.”
Mr Horne thanked the Malinauskas Government for their support, demonstrated with the allocation of $10.9m over the next four years during this year’s State Budget, but stressed that Business Events Adelaide had more than proven its worth. “Almost $2m a day – on average – flows into the State as a result of business events, so every dollar is an investment and is returned in multiples” he said.
“Each business event delegate spends $1,165 every day they are in Adelaide. This figure – verified by the SA Centre for Economic Studies – reflects Adelaide’s evolution” Mr Horne continued. “Our city now competes confidently on the world stage, offering an outstanding mix of value, quality and impact.”
Business Events Adelaide CEO Damien Kitto said the results reflected the strength of collaboration across government, academia and industry. “This year’s achievements are a testament to the collective ‘Team Adelaide’ approach of partners who understand the value that business events deliver,” said Mr Kitto.
The year-end results build on the recent announcement of Adelaide as the Most Improved Destination in the Global Destination Sustainability Movement Index, which showcased the State’s net-zero ambitions on the global stage.
And with the potential of COP31 still on the horizon, Mr Kitto said that Adelaide’s momentum and visibility as a sustainable tier two destination have never been greater. “Being selected as a COP host city would redefine how the world sees Adelaide, delivering long-term benefits across our economy, global reputation, and sustainability leadership. The nomination alone has elevated interest in South Australia, and Business Events Adelaide stands ready to seize every opportunity that flows from it.”
