Business events prove an economic powerhouse for Victoria

Melbourne Convention Bureau has reported netting AUD$500m in secured events for the Australian state of Victoria during the past financial year, with over 6,000 jobs to be created as a result. The new figures come as business events are delivering more money and more visitors to Victoria than ever before. Business events are the highest yielding sector in Victoria’s visitor economy, according to the MCB. This success can be attributed to several significant wins, including the 2023 Rotary International Conference, the most valuable conference ever won for the state, expected to attract 20,000 Rotary members from 200 countries and regions and injecting over $110m into the Victorian economy. Other notable conferences include The International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Nov 2019; International Congress of Genetics, July 2023; 20th International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 2026; and the World Congress of Philosophy, July 2023. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula said: “Business events are the cornerstone of our visitor economy, and the highest yielding sector of our tourism industry. “I applaud the Melbourne Convention Bureau on this significant contribution to our visitor economy. Business events keep our hotels full, our venues buzzing and our economy strong. No one does business events quite like Victoria, and MCB’s outstanding efforts are to be commended.” MCB acting Chief Executive Officer, Julia Swanson added: “MCB has set a new benchmark, with half a billion dollars in events secured this financial year for the Victorian economy. This is an enviable events calendar that will be anchored in the state long term and provides certainty for Victoria’s visitor economy for years to come.”