Groundbreaking insights into the city’s economic performance, business growth, demographic trends and tourism sector are at the heart of the 2025 AEDA Business Summit, which returns to Adelaide Oval on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.
The Summit—titled Global Ambitions, Local Foundations: Defining Adelaide’s Next Era—gathers influential leaders, entrepreneurs and thinkers to discuss the city’s economic future.
The event will be headlined by keynote speakers Simon Kuestenmacher, The Demographics Group Director and Co-Founder, Peter Tullin, REMIX Summits Co-Founder, and Jennie Zeiher, Rising Sun Pictures President, who will all share expertise about shaping Adelaide now and going forward.
The Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia will headline the panel Adelaide 2028: Growth, Talent & Global Influence where dynamic ideas about Adelaide’s future will be exchanged.
AEDA Chair Steve Maras (pictured above) says the event will offer exciting discussions about the city’s progress and possibilities.
“Latest AEDA data shows the city is the best place in the state to do business, with a staggering 90 per cent of all tenancies on main streets occupied this quarter—the CBD is buzzing with opportunity,” Mr Maras says.
“It is a clear sign that businesses are thriving and willing to invest while consumers are eager to spend, notwithstanding the cost-of-living pressures being experienced by many households at the moment.
“The upcoming AEDA Business Summit will give you a chance to dive deep into the city’s economy, explore its exciting future and bold new directions. You can get an expert view on what’s next for this incredible city."
Mr Malinauskas is joined by panellists CMAX Clinical Research Chief Executive Jane Kelly, QinetiQ Chief Strategy Officer Rebecca Humble and South Australian Productivity Commission chair Adrian Tembel.
Two additional panels are scheduled for discussion: Adelaide Unlocked: Homegrown Success Stories, which explores the key factors behind the success of high-growth businesses, and More than a Logo or Number Plate, focusing on state branding and its role in driving economic growth.
AEDA General Manager Greg Ratsch (pictured above) says the AEDA Business Summit is an unparalleled opportunity to gain knowledge and inspiration to elevate your business.
“In today’s business landscape, where finding time to gather the most relevant information from multiple sources can be challenging, the AEDA Business Summit provides a great opportunity to access a wealth of insights in just one day,” Mr Ratsch says.
“Having access to this information empowers leaders to make well-informed and impactful decisions."
REMIX Summits’ Peter Tullin says the Summit will be an opportunity to explore the future of tourism in Adelaide and abroad.
“The dynamic experience economy continues to shift and change and I’m looking forward to sharing insights on the latest local and global trends at the Summit,” Mr Tullin says.
The Demographics Group Co-Founder Simon Kuestenmacher (pictured below) looks forward to explaining big societal shifts that businesses need to make, and how they can work in their favour.
“At last year’s event, we saw joy and excitement when local business leaders came together and understood that they could be stronger when they worked together for a more vibrant and active Adelaide,” Mr Kuestenmacher says.
Other speakers and panellists confirmed for the 2025 AEDA Business Summit include:
- Dr Sam Costello, Co-Founder, Biome Bank
- Kim Forrest, Head of Studio, Tantalus South
- Monica Brink, Senior Director of Marketing, Fivecast
- Erik De Roos, Executive Director Marketing, South Australian Tourism Commission
- Emma Kardachi, Marketing and Strategy Director, AEDA Board member
- Andrew Hoyne, Founding Principal, Hoyne
- Naomi Downer, State Director SA & NT, Verian.
Tickets are now available for the AEDA Business Summit 2025 and are priced at $225 per person or $195 per person for a table of 10 during the Early Bird sale. Tickets include morning tea, lunch and networking drinks.
The AEDA Business Summit will be held on Tuesday 20 May at Adelaide Oval, with event formalities from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Adelaide University is the major sponsor of the AEDA Business Summit.
More information about speakers and the event program available here.