Ambassadors awarded for bringing international conferences to Melbourne

Nine ambassadors have been recognised for their successful efforts in bringing international conferences to Melbourne at the annual Club Melbourne Ambassador Program Awards.

Associate Professor Neil Hewson, Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds, Professor John Bertram, Professor John McNeil, Professor James Whisstock, Professor Tony Costello, Associate Professor Geoff Sussman and Professor Grant McArthur were last night awarded for their support in securing successful bids to host leading medical conferences at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) which are expected to attract more than 16,400 visitors combined.

Professor Hans Westerbeek was awarded the Club Melbourne Award for Excellence, for his efforts in driving e-sports events across Victoria.

The awards were held at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters which celebrate a menu showcasing Victorian food and wine and is operated by acclaimed restauranteur Chef Alejandro Saravia, who joined the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program earlier this year.

Club Melbourne Ambassadors have worked with Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) to secure six events for the state this year.

Acknowledging the ambassadors’ achievements, MCEC Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien stated “the Club Melbourne Awards are an important opportunity to celebrate and thank our ambassadors for their ongoing efforts in bringing world-leading events to Melbourne and reinforcing the city’s reputation for research, business excellence and extraordinary events.

“The Club Melbourne program has attracted thousands of thought leaders from across the globe to MCEC, to meet, discuss and respond to the biggest challenges of our times, leaving a lasting legacy for the community.”

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said many ambassadors they have worked with “are integral to winning business events for Melbourne”, adding “our Team Melbourne approach is a genuine, collaborative effort between MCB, MCEC, State and Local Governments, strengthened by the intellectual capacity of our world-renowned Ambassadors,” Swanson said.

“Our strong partnership showcases exactly why Melbourne is a leading global destination for business events.

“Thank you to all the Ambassadors for their significant contribution and dedication to securing business events for Melbourne.”

Image courtesy of Club Melbourne.