On 15 April, Adelaide celebrated Italian excellence on the occasion of the Made in Italy Day. For the 2026 edition, the Consulate of Italy, in collaboration with the South Australian Italian Association (SAIA), organized the event “Young Skills for Made in Italy,” transforming the association’s headquarters into a prestigious showcase for Italian companies operating in South Australia.
Focused on technology, design, and innovation, the initiative provided an important platform for dialogue and networking, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and future growth.
The evening was moderated by Anna Brown, Lecturer and Program Coordinator for Industrial Design at the School of Arts and Design at Adelaide University.
In his opening remarks, Consul Ernesto Pianelli outlined the objectives of Made in Italy Day and highlighted the increasingly strategic role of the diplomatic-consular network in promoting Italian excellence, also in light of the recent establishment of the Directorate General for Growth and Export Promotion at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also introduced the new business matching platform “Opportunitaly.”
The event was joined by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Nadia Clancy, who underscored the significant contribution of the Italian community to international business development and creativity. Taliesin Reaburn, Director International at the Department of State Development, highlighted the potential of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, while Andrew Kay, CEO of the South Australian Business Chamber, discussed opportunities for collaboration between local businesses and Italian partners, with a focus on advanced manufacturing across multiple sectors.
Among the exhibitors were Ferrari, which unveiled the new “Amalfi,” combining elegance and performance; Bianchi, presenting its “Infinito” road bike; Leonardo, showcasing its capabilities in aerospace and security, with a focus on the COSMO-SkyMed system; Aizoon, with digital solutions and cybersecurity services; Rizzani de Eccher, presenting major civil engineering projects underway in Australia; Nice, with its automation solutions; Macron, featuring its Macron Sports Hub and latest professional sportswear collections; and Smeg, displaying a range of design-driven home appliances. Alepat Festival delighted guests with a selection of authentic Italian wines.
Beyond the exhibitions, the event also served as a valuable networking opportunity. During the reception, professionals, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders engaged in meaningful exchanges and built new connections.
In his closing remarks, Consul Ernesto Pianelli thanked SAIA and all participating companies, emphasizing that the sharing of expertise and creativity lies at the very heart of Made in Italy.
With this initiative, Adelaide celebrated not only products and brands, but the very essence of Italy: innovation, quality, and a strong capacity to succeed in global markets.
