The Adelaide Convention Centre (background) was recently expanded
THE Australian Dental Congress, one of the largest business events in Australia, has chosen Adelaide for its next gathering in 2021.
Hosted by the Australian Dental Association, the congress is expected to welcome more than 3,000 participants from across Australia and around the world. It will add A$16 million (US$12 million) to South Australia’s visitor economy, provide over 15,000 bed nights and create 132 jobs.
Oscar van Elten, who represents the Australian Dental Organisation, commented: “Adelaide is the perfect sized Australian City that thinks outside the box for business events. I visited the city for the first time in quite a while early this year as part of Destination South Australia, and was surprised and highly impressed by the development the city has undergone. From the larger projects including the Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Convention Centre upgrades, to the 70-plus new small bars and restaurants adding a real vibe to the city’s laneways, we’re looking forward to an exceptional event”.
He noted that “a lack of suitable venues” in Adelaide had previously made it impossible for the city to accommodate the growing event since it last played host a decade ago.
However, the expansion of the Adelaide Convention Centre as well as the introduction of the Convention Bid Fund have changed things for the better.
Damien Kitto, CEO of the Adelaide Convention Bureau, said: “In such a highly competitive market (with many) destinations keen on hosting such meetings, this expansion (by the Adelaide Convention Centre) along with the entire Riverbank Development has certainly made us a much more attractive offering to event owners.”
