imon Burgess , general manager , Adelaide Convention Centre ( ACC ) says that while Covid-19 has certainly impacted business levels at the Centre , the South Australian experience has been vastly different to other places around the world . Comprehensive contact tracing and observing clear government guidelines , has enabled South Australia to curb the spread of Covid-19 , earning a reputation as one of the world ’ s safest destinations , Burgess explains . “ We ’ re open for business and ready to safely welcome delegates .”

“ We reopened to client events in August 2020 with a comprehensive government-approved Covid Management Plan . Dedicated Covid Safe measures in place include physical distancing protocols , including maintaining 1.5 metres from others at all times , along with guest traffic management and safe venue entry ,” Burgess adds . “ We have increased the frequency and intensity of disinfecting high volume touch points , and implemented contactless payments , Covid Safe food and beverage service , and comprehensive contact tracing protocols , including the use of the South Australian government ’ s official Covid Safe check in , which uses a QR code . In addition , we have designated Covid marshals in attendance at events .”

Burgess says the plan is to work collaboratively with Team Adelaide partners to help restore confidence in face-to-face events in the market in the first instance . “ The past few months have certainly demonstrated that dynamic , face-to-face events are even more important now than they ever

have been ,” he says .

Burgess adds that the majority of the events have postponed rather than cancelled , and says he has been encouraged by the response of meeting organisers who remain committed to hosting live events in the future .

“ Currently , we have a healthy number of events on the books February – June 2021 , with a focus on local ( South Australia ) and national events . However , we don ’ t anticipate all events will go ahead and they may not attract the same number of delegates ,” Burgess says , adding that while current border closures mean there is a pause on international events for the time being , those originally scheduled for this year have postponed to future dates . “ Where this is not possible , the events will be run as a hybrid model ,” he adds .

During the week 3-10 February the Centre welcomed 9,700 delegates across five events including the annual Cellar Door Fest , a food and drink consumer exhibition ; an industry trade show ( Destination South Australia , presented by the Adelaide Convention Bureau ) along with conferences in the agriculture and financial sectors .

Above : Adelaide Convention Centre

Above : Simon Burgess

Hybrid has also helped keep other shows on the road and , in January 2021 , ACC played host to the 38th International Symposium on Combustion – an event won by the ACC , Adelaide Convention Bureau and All Occasions Group working with The Combustion Institute .

“ While we would have loved to welcome the conference ’ s national and international delegates to our city as originally planned , Covid-19 travel restrictions meant the event was quickly adapted from a live event to hybrid , and ultimately , in the 10 days leading up to the event , moved to a fully online format , supported by the expertise of our Technology Services staff and teams from Encore and All Occasions Group ,” says Burgess .

Attracting 1,360 online delegates from 50 countries , the programme comprised 11 concurrent web streams with 742 papers delivered . An event hub set up in the ACC ’ s East Building meant the in-house technology team could deliver a seamless online experience by coordinating timing and logistics ; providing support for the presenters ; and managing the live Zoom Q & A sessions .

A new Technology Production Suite is ready to roll and will make the planning process easier by enabling event pre-visualisation and virtual walk throughs – a tool that will be particularly helpful for interstate and international clients , Burgess notes .

He adds that during ACC ’ s brief closure period , the venue was repurposed to support vulnerable South Australians . “ From April – June 2020 , we prepared in excess of 250,000 meals to support local community organisations .