Event 8th Routes Asia Conference
Venue Adelaide Convention Centre, Australia
Organiser The Route Development Group
Delegates 450
Date April 18-20
The brief
The annual aviation forum provides a platform for airlines, airports and tourism authorities to meet, share information and discuss their route networks. The programme involves two days of one-on-one meetings and networking events.
Challenges
“There were not many challenges as the hosts were incredibly dedicated to ensuring the success of the event,” says Gerard Brown, event leader of Routes Asia. “However some could say the largest challenge was recruiting quality delegates to an event so far from the heart of Asia.
“Success was possible due to Australia remaining an aspirational destination and Routes Asia being the key event in the region’s air transport industry.”
Execution
Delegates enjoyed city tours, as well as a number of pre- and post-event touring options organised by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC). The Routes Asia Strategy Forum was also held on the Sunday before the main event, along with a golf day at Blackwood Golf Course. The official welcome reception followed at InterContinental.
The new Route Exchange Chalet allowed carriers requesting airport bids through Routesonline to schedule pre- arranged 50-minute meetings. “It was also the first Routes Asia where each airline listed requirements for their meetings, including the regions and markets they wanted to meet and desired information,” says Brown.
Comment
“Adelaide Convention Centre is a state-of-the-art facility located in the heart of the city with a stunning view over the river Torrens,” says Brown. “Its staff, as well as our contractor Adelaide Expo Hire, were a large factor in the success of the event.
“SATC and Adelaide Airport convinced us to go for the Convention Centre in order to showcase Adelaide better. They were absolutely correct, as we were forced to make Routes Asia bigger than ever before. SATC also brought in cricket nets, car simulators and wine and food tasting, which the delegates truly appreciated."