South Australia, the home of Australia’s burgeoning Space industry, is bidding to host the prestigious International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide in 2024.
The City received global recognition for its highly successful hosting of the 2017 event, which generated $24 million in economic benefit and created 229 jobs.
The Congress attracts more than 4000 International business delegates, and leaders of the global space sector and space research as speakers.
Premier Steven Marshall said that for South Australia, winning the 2024 Congress would reinforce South Australia as the nation’s Space State while also being a fantastic boost to our local tourism industry.
“Hosting the prestigious International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide will cement South Australia as the Space State and create hundreds of jobs in the process,” Premier Marshall said.
“South Australia is the home of Space and it’s important we put our great state out there to host the highly sought after Congress.
“Having more than 4000 leaders of the global space industry right here in Adelaide is simply invaluable.”
“It’s projected that Congress business delegates would each inject $632 a day into the local economy, which will be of huge benefit to our CBD hotels, businesses and hospitality sector.
“The potential jobs, economic value and advantage in terms of promoting South Australia’s space sector makes bidding for this Congress a no-brainer,” Premier Marshall said.
“While we are under no illusions winning the 2024 event will be easy, it’s important we position South Australia at the forefront for one of the most sought-after and fiercely bid-for global business events, which will see an at least 28:1 return on investment to the host.
“The 2017 event was won against intense competition from Washington, Bremen and Istanbul and this time we face Milan, Budapest and other global cities. Adelaide has the advantage of not only being the first to announce its intent, but of being the nation’s Space epicentre.”
International Astronautical Federation member, the Adelaide-based Andy Thomas Space Foundation will lead the bid through the support and management of the Adelaide Convention Bureau.
Mr Michael Davis AO Chair of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation said that “Adelaide has the advantage of being the nation’s Space epicentre in Australia and more important the track record of hosting an outstandingly successful congress in 2017 which is fresh in the memory of the world space leaders.”
Mr Nicola Sasanelli CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation said that “the IAC 2017 was the catalyst for the very impressive kick starting of our national space ecosystem including the Australian Space Agency, the SmartSat CRC and the Andy Thomas Space Foundation. A congress in 2024 will have an even greater impact on the growth of our space industry because of the relative maturity of our organisations, programs and projects initiated since the previous congress.”
