Local exhibitors on the South Australia – the Defence State stand at Avalon 2025 have hailed the event a resounding success, highlighting the impact of tradeshows in generating exposure and building relationships.

More than 60,000 attendees visited Avalon across the Trade Days. The South Australian stand was teeming with activity throughout the event, with a record 60 local defence and space organisations participating on the stand.

Led by Defence SA, the Defence State stand attracted national and international attention, drawing in significant foot traffic and providing opportunities for South Australian companies to network and engage with industry leaders and decision-makers.

For more than 20 of the participating South Australian companies, it was their first time on the Defence State stand at Avalon, which provided a high-impact platform to showcase the advanced technologies and cutting-edge capabilities being developed in our state’s defence, space and aerospace sectors.

New to the Defence State stand, IT and businesses consulting firm CGI Australia used the event to deepen relationships with key players in the defence and space community.

“Avalon 2025 has been another huge success, renewing old relationships, consolidating current ones and making new ones. It really is a year’s networking in one week. It’s great to be part of the Defence SA stand,” said Tony Nicholls, CGI Australia Defence Space and Intelligence Director.

For South Australian exhibitor Inovor Technologies, Avalon was an ideal opportunity to showcase the company’s satellite solutions and connect with global defence and space leaders, according to CEO Dr Matthew Tetlow.

“Being part of the Defence SA stand allowed us to engage with international delegations, industry partners, and ministers from across Australia, reinforcing South Australia’s role as a leader in sovereign space capability,” Dr Tetlow said.

“We’re proud to be part of Australia’s thriving space sector and grateful to Defence SA for supporting SA companies on the world stage.”

The state’s top research and education institutions, along with the Defence Innovation Partnership, were also on hand to showcase South Australia’s strengths in research and innovation and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

During the event, several South Australian companies unveiled new products and signed partnerships and agreements, including:

• Cybersecurity company Secure State launched a national-first cloud solution for the defence industry to store and manage highly sensitive information related to AUKUS and other Defence programs.
• Veteran-led training facilitator, Aimpoint, and recruitment agency, Techforce Personnel, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support workforce solutions for critical industries, including defence
• Defence industry and government consultant, ADCG, and corporate management firm, Prominence, announced a partnership to accelerate skill development and the transfer of knowledge on Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program.
• Cybersecurity solutions provider Logi-Tech unveiled its groundbreaking operational technology (OT) security system to the Australian market.
• South Australian innovators Herve ASTIER, of Neumann Space, and Edward Robinson, of Robinson Aerospace Systems, were awarded the Innovation Award and Young Innovator Award as part of Innovation Pitchfest. 

Defence SA extends our gratitude to all exhibitors who contributed to the success of the South Australia – the Defence State stand at Avalon 2025.

Our thoughts are also with Glenn Collins and his family as he recovers, following the aircraft incident that occurred on Friday.

The Avalon Australian International Airshow will return in 2027.