#SAS23 Guest Spotlight: Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia

Ahead of TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2023, we caught up with Will Rayner, Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society (RA&HS) of South Australia and the Adelaide Showground.

RA&HS contributes to the promotion and success of South Australia’s primary industry through the staging of events. Its premier event is the Royal Adelaide Show, which takes place every September at the Adelaide Showground (pictured), a multi-purpose events venue.

Prior to joining the RA&HS, Rayner had a 15-year career with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Rural Bank. He also serves as president of the South Australian Cricket Association, and a director of the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority.

TheStadiumBusiness: What are the key current challenges and opportunities in the events marketplace?

Will Rayner: “We see the inflationary economic environment having a negative impact on costs across our business, and also impacting the discretionary spend of commercial clients and customers alike. This provides opportunities for best-practice venues that provide value for money and flexibility.”

TSB: What are the most interesting trends you are witnessing in the events sector?

WR: “There are some fascinating businesses at the forefront of ticketing and the application of data – particularly in club/membership environments.”

TSB: What’s on the roadmap for the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society over the next six to 12 months?

WR: “We have just embarked on a major master planning exercise for our 27-hectare site just 2km from the CBD of Adelaide in South Australia.”

TSB: What are you most looking forward to about TheStadiumBusiness ASIA?

WR: “I look forward to meeting and hearing from some of the best businesses and talent in the event and exhibition business from across the Asia-Pacific region.”

Join Will and hundreds of sports and entertainment execs at The Wave in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong on 19-20 October as we explore the future of design, operations and technology for Asia’s sports and entertainment venues – only at TheStadiumBusiness ASIA 2023.