Melbourne secures high-profile business events

Melbourne has been chosen to host three high-profile business events - The International Trade Union Congress 2022, The International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 2022 and The International Geographical Congress 2028 - thanks to the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and support provided by the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and Business Events Australia.

Combined, these high-profile business events will deliver a $24.8 million economic contribution to Victoria, almost 15,000 room nights to boost the Victorian hotel and accommodation sector and drive 3,750 delegates through the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre doors.

The business events sector has been significantly impacted by the necessary measures put in place to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Since the onset of the pandemic, the majority of this year’s events have been rescheduled, taking a toll on many players in the business events industry.

MCB Chief Executive Officer Julia Swanson notes “while we are presented with a challenging landscape, I’m pleased to say that MCB continues to secure international business events for Melbourne which will play a significant role in Victoria’s economic recovery in the years ahead.

“News of these timely wins will provide a boost in the sector, instil ongoing confidence in attracting international business events to Victoria, and acknowledge their positive impact on the visitor economy, including boosting hotel occupancy, visitation to attractions and restaurants and dispersal across regional Victoria.”

With these conventions just some of the major business events included in an enviable program of international events secured by the MCB for the years ahead, MCB is continuing to identify, negotiate and secure the business events pipeline spanning out as far as 2028.

Swanson adds “MCB has worked tirelessly with our clients to reschedule their business events, rather than cancel. We’ve had success here, with 70% of planned events rescheduled to next year, subject to the opening timeline for Australian borders.

“This is a testament to the resilience of our industry, the can-do attitude of the MCB Team and Team Melbourne – our partners, and with support from the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and Business Events Australia.”