ACC celebrates milestone
THE Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) has set new records in the year since its $397m expansion, having hosted 768 events and more than 330,000 visitors. This includes 72 major national and international conferences, which generated 172,000 bed nights and delivered over $155m in economic benefit to South Australia.
“Over the past year we enjoyed an approximate 20% increase in the number of events hosted,” said ACC GM Simon Burgess. “The redevelopment has ensured South Australia’s continued competitiveness in the global business events industry by providing us with the capacity to host more prestigious, large scale events.”
Howard Smith Wharves spaces
Howard Smith Wharves, the lifestyle and entertainment development opening in November on the banks of the Brisbane River has revealed additional event spaces. The precinct will include The Rivershed, a former heritage wharf building turned flexible event space for 480 seated guests or 630 for standing cocktails. The Rivershed will also feature a bakery and coffee roasting facilities, and is set to open in November.
Additionally, opening in February are The Houses, offering four smaller boutique event spaces: Bougainvillea House, Citrus House, Wisteria House and Green House.
AIME increases international buyers
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is bringing more quality buyers from across the globe, with 60% originating outside of Australia. The conference, running from 18 to 20 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has already confirmed over 200 quality buyers from across 32 different countries, with 42% having never attended AIME before.
In a first, all expressions of interest will initially undergo a vetting process from the AIME hosted buyer manager to check preliminary suitability.
“Through rigorous curation, we are committed to bringing buyers and exhibitors from across the whole Asia Pacific,” said Talk2 Media & Events Chief Executive Officer Matt Pearce.
