Thousands of Chinese influencers arrive in Melbourne for major insurance conference

The 2017 International Dragon Awards (IDA) Annual Meeting has arrived in Melbourne, Australia, bringing 5,500 insurance specialists from 20 countries and a major delegation from China. The five-day meeting runs at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 10–14 August 2017. IDA will be attended by delegates from China Life, China’s largest insurance group, institutional investor and corporate pension manager, along with companies including Taiwan Life, Allianz, Prudential and Cathay Life. “With the insurance sector among the top two industries that generate incentive programmes, hosting IDA will put Melbourne in front of key decision-makers that may influence future groups to the state,” said Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger. The Victorian government has supported the conference, which is expected to generate a AUS$24.7m (US$19.44m) economic boost for the state. Minister for tourism and major events, John Eren, said the state government was working hard to win an ever larger share of the China market. “China is our number one tourism market for spend, arrivals and growth – and we’re continuing to benefit from the expansion of key Chinese airlines across the business events sector,” the minister said. IDA will incorporate an educational knowledge exchange and development programme, awards ceremony attended by a Who’s Who of the insurance sector and a range of social activities within the city and regional Victoria. The City of Melbourne supported the bid to bring IDA to Melbourne and will host a bespoke city tour for more than 90 C-Suite executives delivered by Hidden Secrets Tours. “I personally met with representatives from the International Dragon Awards in 2016 and am looking forward to welcoming delegates of this prestigious conference to the World’s Most Liveable City. In their leisure time attendees will be spoilt for choice in Australia’s cultural, culinary and sporting capital,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC. MCEC chief executive, Peter King (pictured) said the venue was looking forward to hosting an inspiring incentive programme. “Our venue will be pulling out all the stops to ensure IDA delegates feel rewarded and celebrate in style. We will have over 400 employees working around the clock to deliver this complex event, including transforming our entire Plenary three times in one day for their celebrations,” King said.