South Australian Premier Steven Marshall has announced the state’s bid to host the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide for the second time.
Adelaide hosted the congress in 2017, generating $24 million for the state economy and creating 229 jobs.
“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.
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“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.”
The event draws over 4,000 international business delegates, and leaders of the global space sector.
Business delegates attending the event are expected to each inject $632 a day into the local economy, which Premier Marshall noted would bolster activity across 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,” he added.
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“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.”
South Australia secured the event in 2017 despite strong competition from Washington, Bremen and Istanbul.
The state will now compete with the likes of Milan and Budapest for 2024 hosting rights.
“Adelaide has the advantage of not only being the first to announce its intent, but of being the nation’s space epicentre,” Premier Marshall said.
International Astronautical Federation member, the Adelaide-based Andy Thomas Space Foundation is set to lead the bid through the support and management of the Adelaide Convention Bureau.
Michael Davis AO, chair of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, observed, “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.”
Nicola Sasanelli, CEO of the Andy Thomas Space Foundation, added, “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.”
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Cyber, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
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