... It’s a dangerous expectation for any convention or tourism venture.
I’ve seen stunning developments all over the world become white elephants because the operators relied on their building’s appeal to bring in customers. (Ironically, some of the biggest failures have been in the so-called ‘top’ locations.)
Our expansion creates unprecedented opportunity for South Australian industry, local businesses big and small, the research sector and our universities to share in the benefits of having a world-class convention facility.
As my UK-based futurist friend Rohit Talwar said at a recent seminar here: “A good convention industry is a way to turn on the economic development tap.”
Think about it. There are plenty of people and groups here who can encourage their association or the key players in their industry or field to hold their next national or international event in Adelaide.
We (and our partners in attracting business events) can help with everything from the bid and the planning to the delivery of a top notch and memorable event. We can work together to help connect key people, show off the State’s facilities, demonstrate our expertise…
For years, our sales people have been targeting events in industries vital to South Australia’s economy – in established areas like wine, defence, health and medical, mining and resources, and in those we want to grow, like clean energy, food and smart technologies.
We’re already using the TEAM (Together Each Achieves More) approach to winning business – we, the Adelaide Convention Bureau, hotel operators and the Adelaide Airport regularly work together.
But there’s so much more scope for collaboration! We might not have a harbour bridge or an Eiffel Tower but in Adelaide we’re small enough – and smart enough – to work together to punch well above our weight. (How many times have we proved that?!)
By using our convention centre cleverly, we can create global opportunities for our businesses, showcase local capabilities, facilitate knowledge sharing, promote South Australia’s strengths, encourage investment and job creation. We could turn that AU$1bn into $2bn!
- Alec Gilbert, Chief Executive of the Adelaide Convention Centre.
