4 August, 2016

Melbourne Convention Bureau contributes $310 million

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has closed the 2015/16 financial year (FY) on a high, delivering some of its strongest ever results for Victoria.

MCB achieved $310 million in economic contribution for the state, an increase of 32 percent on annual targets, from 200 events and 69,000 delegates secured, incorporating the international association and incentive business sectors.

Melbourne’s incentive business had the strongest year on record, with 109 events secured which will deliver over 23,00 delegates and $107 million in economic contribution.

This success can be attributed to a number of significant wins, including Perfect China which will be one of the largest incentive travel reward groups ever in Victoria, and will bring 6,000 delegates to the city and regional areas, contributing $33.4 million to the economy in 2017.

Also secured was AIA Hong Kong Insurance, China Life Insurance and Taiwan Life Insurance groups, which combined will contribute $16.9 million to the economy and bring 3,650 delegates to the state.

The international association sector continues to be Melbourne’s strength with 30 events secured which will deliver over 30,000 delegates and contribute $160 million to the economy.

MCB Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger said “with Melbourne being Australia’s knowledge capital with thriving research and innovation hubs, we were able to secure high-profile and high-yield international association conferences across various industries.”

“Some of the highlights include VidCon 2017, one of the world’s most high profile video conferences and the first time ever it will be held in Australia, The International Conference on Composite Materials 2019, Commonwealth Law Conference 2017 and 15th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists 2024,” Bolinger said.

Medical and health conferences continue to be the most lucrative, with 10 events secured in the sector combined delivering $61.4 million to the economy and over 10,000 delegates.

“Victoria is internationally recognised as a leader in the health and medical field thanks to our world-class research centres, hospitals and universities, which are home to some of the world’s brightest minds,” Bolinger added.

A major coup was winning the World Congress of Nephrology in 2019 which will attract 4,000 delegates and deliver $24 million in economic benefit.

“I would like to acknowledge the support we have received throughout the year from the Victorian State Government, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and our industry partners – who like us recognise the benefits of business events in driving economic prosperity,” Bolinger said.

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Melbourne Convention Bureau