This sponsored content piece is brought to you in partnership by Melbourne Convention Bureau and Business Events Australia.
Melbourne is in the midst of an action-packed year of business events with the momentum set to continue into the latter half of 2024. More than 85,000 international and national delegates across 130 events confirmed to date are expected to descend on Melbourne from this June. That’s more than one per week!
“Excitingly, this includes 40 of the world’s premier meetings to be held across 2024—a record high for international association events. That's nearly one event each week,” said Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) Chief Executive Julia Swanson. “From energy and renewables to business, socio-cultural, engineering and education sectors, Melbourne will be a hive of knowledge sharing and is set to shine as a preferred international association conference destination in the world.”
A standout for this June is when Melbourne will host one of the biggest business events of the year, the Lions International Convention 2024 (LIC2024). Scheduled from June 21-25 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the convention is poised to showcase Melbourne’s prowess as a premier global destination for hosting large-scale conventions. The successful bid to host LIC2024 is a prime example of how "Team Melbourne" comes together to welcome exceptionally large conferences to stay, meet and play in the very heart of the city—in this instance, hosting over 13,000 Lions members and participants from more than 100 countries and regions worldwide.
Why Associations Continue to Choose Melbourne as Their Conference Destination
Melbourne brings together academic institutions, research and medical centers as well as private enterprise to foster world-leading innovation across its three knowledge precincts, the Biomedical Precinct, South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct and the Northern Precinct. Collectively they house some of the world's leading research institutes and brightest minds who continually inspire, innovate and deliver big impact.
MCB partners with Victoria’s knowledge community to drive collaboration opportunities, amplify Melbourne’s position as a global knowledge hub, increase development of local talent and draw attention to upcoming international association bid prospects and support confirmed events for Melbourne.
When a conference organizer selects Melbourne as the choice destination, they’re able to tap into the reputation of this global destination that attracts the world's best minds.
Bring an Association’s Event to Life in Melbourne
Working closely with event planners in the lead up to, during and post conference, the dedicated MCB team will provide a suite of free services to ensure the planning process is smooth and the event is attended by the maximum number of delegates.
Each event is unique, and collaboratively with planners, MCB tailors the approach for each business event. Whether it is securing financial support, coordinating site inspections or sourcing supplier information, MCB will connect organizations with the right people, places and products to ensure an event is secured, planned and executed with ease and on budget.
Why Choose Melbourne
An event hosted in Melbourne will exceed the requirements and expectations of any event organizer. With its cutting-edge infrastructure, ease of access and MCB's unparalleled track record in delivering high-quality business events, delegates will be left wishing they booked a longer stay in Victoria.
Boasting the country’s highest concentration of conference facilities, conveniently located in the heart of the city, Melbourne’s convention district offers more than 197,000 square meters (approximately 2.1 million square feet) of conference space, the pinnacle of which is Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). When planning a unique function, there's a wide selection of unique venues on offer in Melbourne’s city center alone.
Ideal for exploration by foot or through the extensive transport network, Melbourne beckons delegates to discover both the host city and its surroundings. It’s the perfect opportunity to delve into Melbourne's vibrant culture, rich history, world class fine dining experiences, fashion, events and thriving arts and music scene. The MCB team can skillfully coordinate these facets to offer a diverse range of pre- and post-conference tours, incentive experiences tailored to accommodate various interests, cultures and preferences. For those desiring to venture beyond, the distinctive natural beauty and wildlife of regional Victoria are just a short journey away.
Conferences Made Easy Within the City's Precincts
Three of Melbourne’s iconic business events venues, CENTREPIECE, the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Pullman on the Park, have also formed a strategic alliance to create a quintessential Melbourne "Meet, Celebrate and Stay" business conferencing experience.
Unrivalled as Melbourne’s home of sports and entertainment, the venues’ footprint spans from the edge of the Melbourne CBD and stretches through Fitzroy Gardens and down to the Yarra River edge, encompassing Yarra Park, the iconic MCG and Melbourne and Olympic Parks.
This is a compelling precinct for hosts aiming to provide a "postcard" Melbourne setting, as well as the benefits of accessible transport connections including tram, train and boat.
Ongoing Support from MCB
Once an event has been secured for Melbourne, MCB’s Convention Servicing department provide bespoke end-to-end event delivery support, ensuring the planning process is smooth and the event is affordable, accessible and attended by the maximum number of delegates.
Partnering with 200-plus suppliers, MCB can connect planners to leading venue, accommodation, catering and entertainment options to best meet an event brief to create a show stopping event.
How MCB can help:
- Being the eyes and ears on the ground to provide expert localized knowledge
- Facilitating access to industry experts
- Providing referrals to key business event products, services and sustainable suppliers
- Providing inspiration for unique experiences including pre and post touring options
- Locating suitable accommodation
- Digital toolkits complete with free marketing material, a Delegate Destination Site and the recently launched First Peoples Engagement Guide
In a fast-paced world where event planners are time poor and don't have time to manage multiple suppliers, MCB is committed to collaborating with event planners on conferences, events, incentive programs or meeting in Melbourne.
Contact your nearest MCB office for more information and discover support.
*Sponsored by Melbourne Convention Bureau
