Melbourne Convention Bureau releases its First Peoples Engagement Guide

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has launched its First Peoples Engagement Guide, a valuable resource aimed at assisting event planners in creating culturally enriching business events and fostering positive social impact.

Tailored specifically to the business events industry, the introductory guide includes practical information around when and how to organise a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country, a curated Indigenous Business Events Supplier Guide and useful tips on how to put the guide into practice.  

Speaking at the opening press conference at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meeting Event (AIME) 2024, MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson highlighted the rising demand for experiences that recognise and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Victoria's First Peoples.  

Swanson shared “Event planners are increasingly seeking to integrate First Peoples-led suppliers into their programs, recognising the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the social outcomes of Victoria’s First Peoples and their future generations.  

“Melbourne and Victoria boast thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, providing a profound backdrop to enrich delegate experiences. By incorporating Indigenous-owned and operated suppliers into a business event program, it not only celebrates this cultural heritage but also positively impacts the social fabric of Victoria’s First Peoples and contributes to the well-being of future generations.”

The First Peoples Engagement Guide highlights extraordinary local talent and Indigenous-owned and led businesses poised to elevate business events with cultural richness and diversity.  

From professionals credited to conduct Acknowledgements of Country to caterers offering native fusion cuisine and merchandising suppliers contributing to Social Impact Funds, the guide equips planners with the tools to create captivating events. Business event planners will be inspired by the sample incentive itineraries included that integrate Victoria's Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary experience.  

MCB aims for the guide to be a regular reference tool for business event planners as well as delivering lasting legacies. It supports the bureau’s sustainability strategy and aligns with Experience Victoria 2033, Victoria’s strategic plan to shape the future of the visitor economy over the next 10 years, empowering First Peoples community in the tourism and events sectors, and positioning Victoria as a leading destination for diverse, First Peoples-led experiences.  

Swanson added “International associations hosting their conference in Melbourne can learn how to respect local traditions and discover easy ways to increase their social impact outcomes, support their company’s sustainability policy or for Australian organisations, their company's Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives.

“Corporate meeting and incentive planners will find inspiring speakers and outstanding entertainment for their gala welcome event or use the guide to discover meaningful, culture-rich experiences to infuse into their itinerary.”

While MCB encourages the use of Indigenous event suppliers, it also partners with over 120+ suppliers including hotels, venues, PCO’s, transport providers, tour operators and more to deliver successful and memorable business events.  

MCB will continue to update to the supplier directory and provide ongoing sources of inspiration for business event planners in the future.  

Access the First Peoples Engagement Guide online now or find out more about how you can work with MCB on your next business event.

Image above: AIME 2023 National Indigenous Culinary Institute