6 October, 2015

Melbourne flexes its business muscles

Melbourne’s business reputation is heating up, with 179 new events secured over the past financial year.

Melbourne Convention Bureau’s (MCB) strong collaboration with partners city-wide has drawn in a stack of conferences and events that will be delivered through to 2021 and will contribute $179 million to the state’s economy.

Announcing MCB’s results at a recent Annual General Meeting, chief executive officer Karen Bolinger said a ‘Team Melbourne’ approach to attracting business events was continuing to reap rewards for the state.

This solid performance comes in an environment of continually increasing competition, highlighted by growth in the number of conference destinations, particularly in Asia.

“Over the past five years, we have seen $8.5 billion invested in convention centre infrastructure in Asia Pacific and the Middle East. But Melbourne and Victoria remain highly competitive,” Bolinger said.

“We work collaboratively on each bid we make, which means that we can tailor our approach for each conference, meeting or incentive program, to guarantee our clients the best possible experience when they hold their event in Melbourne and Victoria.”

A series of high-profile international association conferences have been confirmed through to 2021, ensuring a strong pipeline of business and continued significant economic contribution to Victoria.

Conferences in the health and medical sectors are the most lucrative, and the proof is in the pudding. Twelve of the large conferences secured for Melbourne in the past financial year sit in these sectors, and are expected to bring around $42 million into the Victorian economy.

“Victoria has a particularly strong reputation for excellence in this field, with globally recognised knowledge, research centres and hospitals that are leading the way in innovation and world-first discoveries,” Bolinger added.

“This allows us to work with global experts, giving our bids a competitive edge and means we deliver first-class events with long lasting legacies.”

Events confirmed by MCB during the past financial year will bring almost 45,000 delegates to the state, generating more than 97,000 room nights.

“We couldn’t win these business events without our partners.”

At the AGM Bolinger recognised MCB’s stakeholders including the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, strategic partners and industry suppliers.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

australia business events conferences Karen Bolinger Melbourne Melbourne Convention Bureau team melbourne victoria