MEDIA RELEASE
South Australia's Adelaide Convention Centre has been experiencing a year's record run of business, both in current events and forward bookings. November was the busiest period ever in the Centre's 16 year history, when back to back events were held, and continuous 24 hour staff rosters were maintained for the entire month.
At a time when global travel has been in recession, in late 2003 - within a period of three months - the Centre attracted confirmed bookings from overseas which were the equivalent of a complete normal year's experience in international business.
The Centre's repeat business continues at a level in excess of 60%.
In the past two years, turnover has doubled and staff numbers have also doubled as the Centre's expanded capacity attracts meetings and exhibitions to the extended venue. Feature is a 180 foot long by 50 foot high solar glass wall which brings the outside panorama into the Centre, but at the same time conserves heat in winter and insulates in summer.
The Adelaide Convention Centre has formed and administers the Medical Science and Research Affiliation, which has been established with the objective of bringing together kindred organisations and professionals in the fields of medicine, science and technology, for which Adelaide is internationally recognised. The Affiliation provides an infrastructure and support mechanism through which people can organise conventions, exhibitions and meetings, removing any apprehension a potential event organiser may have, and encouraging the formation of professional support networks here and overseas.
A new International and Domestic airport is under construction so near to the city that details of Adelaide's CBD skyline are clearly visible. Only a 15 minute cab ride away, and closest of any air terminal to an Australian capital city, the airport, due for completion during 2005, is positioned to provide swift transfer and access to Adelaide from overseas and domestic flights.
Released by the Adelaide Convention Centre, for AIME 17 February 2004
Further comment from Chief Executive Officer, Pieter van der Hoeven
phone: 618 8212 4099 fax: 618 8212 5101
