The Victorian Government has committed a long-term investment worth A$42.9 million (US$33.1 million) over four years to Victoria’s Business Events Program, to support the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and Business Events Victoria in acquiring business events for the state.
MCB’s CEO Julia Swanson said: “This commitment recognises the essential role business events play in the Victorian visitor economy, and their contribution to innovation, job creation, trade and investment opportunities, for the benefit of the whole community.”
“The business events sector has been one of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and these measures not only support the business events sector now, they also ensure we can sustain and grow the sector for the future.”
This investment will also boost MCB’s presence in the national business event space and allows for a greater focus targeting short lead-time business events. The National Business Events Program, a new funding initiative announced last month, will continue to provide eligible business event organisers cash grants to offset costs for hosting business events in Greater Melbourne.
Despite the pandemic, MCB’s work in international markets has continued to secure high yield events for the city until 2028. The buereau is currently managing A$547 million worth of bids that have the potential to contribute 254,000 room nights for the hotel and accommodation sector.
