Melbourne Convention Bureau records robust growth

The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has announced strong results for the 2022/2023 financial year, reporting a 74% increase in economic contribution from secured business events compared to the previous year. The annual results exceeded MCB’s targets. Economic contribution for the state reached AUD $354m (USD $233m) through the successful acquisition of 197 future events, anticipated to attract over 100,500 visitors and occupy over 196,000 room nights across Victoria. Speaking at the AGM, MCB chief executive Julia Swanson, said: “Melbourne’s business events sector has not just rebounded; it is thriving, having transitioned into recovery faster than anticipated. We are now back on par with pre-Covid levels, with further growth underway.” International association meetings secured for Victoria include the World Chambers Congress 2025, and the inaugural APAC Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit 2023. Corporate meetings and incentive events also played a crucial role, contributing $77m in economic impact for the state from the 58 groups secured. These include the Amway China Leadership Seminar 2025, expected to bring over 10,000 delegates from China to Melbourne. Large-scale conventions also made a strong return, hosting events like the Rotary International Convention 2023. Throughout the year, a total of 187 events were held, injecting $385m into Victoria’s visitor economy. With the celebration of the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Event (AIME) 30th anniversary, Swanson emphasised the enduring importance of the event not just for MCB as owners of AIME, but for Melbourne as the host city and its impact on the global business events industry: “AIME has become a significant business platform over its 30 years and driven far-reaching commercial outcomes.” Chair of the MCB Board, Deborah Beale AM, adds: “MCB has a rich history of more than five decades as a high-performing organisation, and this past year’s results come as no surprise and demonstrate the ongoing commitment and passion of the MCB team. “We have leveraged our city’s competitive position to ensure an enviable pipeline of future events that deliver impactful outcomes for Victoria, and its business events supply chain.”