Melbourne Convention Bureau posts record-breaking FY19 result

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Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has achieved the highest-ever result for business events in Victoria during the last financial year.

MCB recorded a 28 per cent increase in economic contribution from secured business events in FY19 from the previous year, exceeding all targets and cementing business events as the highest-yielding sector in Victoria’s visitor economy.

Economic contribution for the state reached an impressive $507 million from 229 events secured, which is expected to bring over 136,000 new visitors to the state, and significantly fill over 226,000 room nights, injecting $45 million in direct revenue into the accommodation sector.

The record-breaking year can be attributed to years of work resulting in several significant wins, including the 2023 Rotary International Conference, which is the most valuable conference ever won for the state, and will inject over $110 million into the Victorian economy.

Other notable conferences include The International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2019, the International Congress of Genetics 2023, the 20th International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 2026, and the World Congress of Philosophy 2023.

MCB acting chief executive Julia Swanson said: “These outstanding results is a testament of MCB’s efforts and ‘Team Melbourne’ approach.

“Thank you to the Victorian government, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the City of Melbourne, and our partners for supporting us in driving Victoria’s global standing as a premier destination for business events, and continuing Melbourne’s reign as Australia’s business events capital.

“We continuously demonstrate Melbourne is a progressive, forward-thinking city, with world-leading medical infrastructure, globally renowned research centres and intellectual capital.

“Melbourne is a city where the world’s greatest minds gather to connect, innovate and drive real change in research and development.”

Victoria’s corporate meetings and incentive business was strong, with MCB securing 132 events which will deliver over $64 million to the state’s economy and over 16,000 new visitors to Victoria.

The most significant incentive win was Jeunesse Global 2020, which will deliver over 6,000 visitors to Victoria’s regions and inject $27.8 million into the economy, with a significant proportion to be absorbed into regional communities.

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