Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has closed the 2015/16 financial year on a high, delivering some of its strongest ever results for Victoria.
MCB achieved AUS$310m (US$234m) in economic contribution for the state, an increase of 32% on its annual targets, from 200 events and 69,000 delegates secured, incorporating the international association and incentive business sectors.
Melbourne’s incentive business had its strongest year on record, with 109 events secured which will deliver over 23,00 delegates and AUS$107m in economic contribution.
Significant wins include Perfect China, which will be one of the largest incentive travel reward groups ever in Victoria, and will bring 6,000 delegates to the city in 2017.
Also secured was AIA Hong Kong Insurance, China Life Insurance and Taiwan Life Insurance groups, which combined will contribute AUS$16.9m to the economy and bring 3,650 delegates to the state.
MCB chief executive officer Karen Bolinger, said: “With Melbourne being Australia’s knowledge capital with thriving research and innovation hubs, we were able to secure high-profile and high-yield international association conferences across various industries.
“Some of the highlights include VidCon 2017, one of the world’s most high profile video conferences and the first time ever it will be held in Australia, The International Conference on Composite Materials 2019, Commonwealth Law Conference 2017 and 15th Meeting of the Asia Pacific Federation of Pharmacologists 2024,” Bolinger added.
“Business events are the highest yielding sector of the visitor economy, delivering AUS$9.8bn to the Victorian economy annually. The average stay for conference delegates is six nights, with much of this business coming during the winter months, an added bonus for the city,” Bolinger added.
Bolinger noted an increase in the number of delegates secured by 53%. “These are new visitors to the state who would not have come had we not won this business,” she added. “These delegates will now be staying in our hotels, eating in our restaurants and visiting our attractions.
“I would like to acknowledge the support we have received throughout the year from the Victorian State Government, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and our industry partners – who like us recognise the benefits of business events in driving economic prosperity.”
