Melbourne readies for 14,000 influx for Rotary International Convention

Melbourne, Australia, is preparing to welcome more than 14,000 Rotary members and participants from over 120 countries and regions for the organisation’s 2023 Convention. Set to take place 27 May-1 June across two of Melbourne’s iconic venues –  Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne and Olympic Parks and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the Convention is expected to create millions of dollars in economic spin-offs for the local economy supporting the city’s and regional Victorian restaurants, retailers, venues, attractions and accommodation sector. “We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s Rotary International Convention in Melbourne,” said Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive Julia Swanson. “The convention is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our city’s strengths as a global destination for hosting large-scale conventions – the first of this scale since pre-Covid. “The city has been preparing for this event for many years, and we are confident that our world-class facilities, exceptional events supply chain, and city-wide collaboration will ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees.” Considered one of the most valuable business events secured for Victoria in the past 10 years, the five-day convention is expected deliver AUD$91m to the local economy during the off-peak season. During the convention, hundreds of ancillary events are expected to take place engaging many of Melbourne’s leading venues including the Plaza Ballroom, Eureka89 and Flemington Racecourse to name a few. Rod Laver Area is expected to reach capacity for the famed Rotary Opening Session. Rotary’s House of Friendship exhibition hall at the MCEC, where more than 100 Rotary humanitarian projects will be on display, will be open to the public for free from 29 May to 1 June. MCEC chief executive Natalie O’Brien AM said, “We’re excited to welcome the Rotary International Convention to Melbourne this month. The convention will take over the entire venue, with MCEC hosting the House of Friendship exhibition hall, breakout sessions, luncheons and pre-convention events. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase not just our iconic venue, but the best of what the city has to offer, strengthening Melbourne’s reputation as a leading destination for international conferences and events.” Often described by members as a ‘mini-United Nations’ because of its global scope and cultural diversity, Rotary’s International Convention will see a kaleidoscope of energy, colour and excitement where Rotary members will exchange ideas for how to improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world. Mary Barry, Rotary chair of the Host Organisation Committee, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to host this year’s Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, which will provide an outstanding combination of inspiration and entertainment for our members and participants, as well as for those interested in learning more about us.” “It’s also an opportunity for Victorian Rotary members to experience the international scope of Rotary and to showcase the positive change they are bringing to communities on a global stage,” said Barry. The bid led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau with support from the Victorian State Government and Tourism Australia, sees this hero event return to Melbourne for the second time, marking the 30^th anniversary of the 1993 convention. For more information visit:  https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/ https://rotarymelbourne2023.org/