Business Events Geelong launches $200k incentive program to lure MICE business to Barwon South West region

Business Events Geelong launches $200k incentive program to lure MICE business to Barwon South West region
By Alexandra Coulton


Business Events Geelong has teamed up with Regional Development Victoria and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism to launch an incentive program to promote a healthy bounce back for business events in Geelong, the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road.

The $200,000 program, backed by the Victorian government’s Regional Recovery Support Fund, aims to incentivise those looking to hold business events in the Barwon South West region by partially covering the cost per delegate up to the amount of $50.

Eligible event managers, PCOs, EAs and PAs must request funds to cover actual business event costs, including but not limited to accommodation, venue hire, transport and other event costs.

Available only to new bookings, those interested in accessing the funds must secure their event in one of the Barwon South West municipalities by 30 June 2022 with the business event to be held by 31 December 2023.

Driving the new program will be Business Events Geelong’s latest recruit, Dana Broekhuizen, who has joined the team in the newly created role of sales and marketing executive.

She brings to the table more than a decade’s worth of experience in running corporate events and incentives both domestically and internationally, most recently as the trade and MICE marketing executive at Club Med.

Commenting on her appointment, Broekhuizen said she was excited to be part of the team.

“I can’t wait to inspire meetings, incentives, conferences and events to visit our beautiful corner of the world,” she said.

“There’s such a huge variety of things to see, do and eat.”

Business Events Geelong Convention Bureau manager Mark Day said Broekhuizen’s appointment played an integral part in reinvigorating business events held within the Barwon South West region in response to the challenges the industry has had to face due to COVID-19.

“It’s no secret that our industry has faced a number of challenges over the past 18 months, but it is now time to look to the future to find solutions on how to best move forward once state and international borders are open again,” Day said.

“We look forward to welcoming Dana to the team. Her experience, skill and enthusiasm will position us well for success.”

Liz Price, general manager of Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism, conveyed her excitement in working alongside Business Events Geelong in the delivery of the project.

“Business events are such an important driver of the visitor economy in returning a higher yield, a greater length of stay and supporting businesses during quieter periods,” she said.

The Barwon South West region encompasses Geelong, Aireys Inlet, Apollo Bay, Camperdown, Colac, Hamilton, Lorne, Port Campbell, Port Fairy, Queenscliff, Portland, Torquay and Warrnambool.

For more information on how to access the Business Events Support Fund or to submit an application, go HERE.

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