Club Melbourne Ambassadors celebrated for amplifying impact

The annual Club Melbourne Ambassador Programme Awards, 15 August, honoured 12 forward-thinking leaders for attracting significant international events to Australia’s capital of Victoria state. Their advocacy efforts have secured Melbourne as the destination for 12 international conferences, doubling the number of successful bids achieved last year. Collectively, the events are projected to deliver more than A$62.5m (US$81m)  in economic impact for the State, nearly tripling the economic impact from the previous year. The events are also expected to attract over 10,000 visitors to Melbourne. Professor Frank Dunshae, professor Alistair Moffat, Todd Harper AM, Dr Zaffar Sadiq Mohamed-Ghouse and professor Geoffrey Metz AO were awarded for their winning bids to host major international events at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, professor Ron Wakefield, professor Grant McArthur and professor Jonathan Shaw were also recognised for their invaluable assistance in securing events for MCEC. The Club Melbourne Award for Excellence was presented to professor Geoffrey Metz AO, in recognition of his unwavering dedication and advocacy for Melbourne since the programme’s inception in 2005. The renowned gastroenterologist and director of medical education at Epworth Hospital has been instrumental in successfully bidding for four major international events, with a combined economic impact of A$64.3m. The annual awards were hosted at THE LUME Melbourne, where guests were inspired with scenes from THE LUME’s immersive experiences including Van Gough, Monet, and Da Vinci, as well as captivating images of Melbourne city and nightscape. Club Melbourne is owned and led by MCEC with support and collaboration from the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and the Victorian State Government. The programme boasts over 80 Ambassadors in medical, science, engineering, agriculture business and community and infrastructure technologies. Minister for tourism, sport and major events Steve Dimopoulos, said: “Victoria continues to grow its reputation for holding world-class business events. These events not only showcase our state to the world, but also help boost our visitor economy through spending across accommodation, hospitality and broader tourism offerings.” MCEC chief executive Natalie O’Brien AM added: “Our Club Melbourne Ambassadors are some of the best and brightest minds in our city.  The annual awards night celebrates their ongoing advocacy efforts and commitments to building Melbourne’s reputation for research, business and exceptional events. And we’re so proud this year to celebrate almost triple the economic impact from the high-profile events secured for MCEC. Congratulations to all award recipients.” And MCB chief executive Julia Swanson added: “MCB would like to congratulate the annual Club Melbourne Ambassador Programme Award recipients who have gone above and beyond to help secure and deliver impactful conferences for Melbourne… Together, we make a formidable team, providing a unique opportunity to connect prominent thinkers and leaders in the promotion of Melbourne as one of the world’s premier conference and event destinations.”