Melbourne has secured the Lions Clubs International Convention 2024 (LCIC24), forecast to be largest conference ever won for the Australian state of Victoria. The event could inject A$84.4m (US$66.8m) into the state’s economy.
This mega event will see 13,000 Lions Club members from around the globe meet in Melbourne for the five-day annual convention in June 2024. The main conference business will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
The LCIC24 will result in 48,000 room nights for the city, equivalent to filling every single hotel room across Victoria for one night, and is expected to create 550 jobs.
Melbourne beat six global cities to secure the conference. Minister for tourism and major events, John Eren said: “Our investment in the MCEC expansion is already paying dividends to the state by bringing more major events to Victoria, delivering more money and creating jobs for Victorians.”
Through a partnership with the Victorian State Government, City of Melbourne and Lions Australia, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) steered the proposal to secure the event for Melbourne and its chief executive officer, Karen Bolinger, said the win represented a big success.
“The size and reputation of this event will create further bidding opportunities from other worldwide associations that hold numerous major international conferences,” Bolinger added.
“This is the first time in the event’s history that it has been held in Melbourne, and only the second time it has been held in an Australian city since 2010.
“With community at the heart of Lions Clubs International MCB facilitated city-wide collaboration to work towards delivering a powerful legacy in Victoria, providing opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration between nations and community initiatives which will be felt long after the conference takes place,” Bolinger added.
The City of Melbourne will host a bespoke programme to activate and engage the entire city around the LCIC24.
“The City of Melbourne is proud to support the most exciting event of convention week: The International Parade of Nations. The parade will enliven the streets of the World’s Most Liveable City as proud Lions Clubs members demonstrate their passion and dedication,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC.
Lions Clubs International director, Tony Benbow said
Victoria had 7,000 Lions Club members and that LCIC24 would take over 70,000sqm of event space at the MCEC.
“The Victorian State Governments investment in our expansion means we will be able to accommodate them all under one roof,” MCEC CEO Peter King.
