Business Events Geelong

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

The business events sector is a niche yet high yielding sector, with delegates spending 3-4 times that of a leisure tourist. Delegates are also more likely to return to a conference destination with a partner or family for leisure purposes. However, beyond clear economic benefits, the role of business events has broadened to include the delivery of innovation, knowledge and performance - distinct business and investment drivers for regional areas.

Andrew Hiebl, Chairman of Business Events Victoria, particularly welcomes the initiative:  "Business Events Victoria (previously known as the Regional Victoria Conference Group) has been advocating on behalf of the industry over a number of years for a stronger 'regional' focus by state government in addition to Melbourne's leading international marketing activities".

 "Since our establishment in 1996, we have a strong track record of specifically representing the business events industry across Regional Victoria through membership, trade event activity and cooperative marketing to name a few examples. Even through recent tough economic conditions and hardships felt after unforgiving bush fires, Business Events Victoria and the industry it represents has remained resilient. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the State Government to develop a program suitable to the industry in Regional Victoria"  said Andrew.

 This announcement comes just after Victoria recently received $150,000 from th e Australian Federal Government dedicated to promoting Regional Victoria to the business event market as well as delegate boosting initiatives. This figure was further matched by contributions through Tourism Victoria, the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau and the local tourism industry via Business Events Victoria.

At the recent launch of the Regional Victoria Planners Guide, The Hon. State Minister for Tourism stated that"Victoria's regions have so much to offer. Many are within a few hours' drive of Melbourne and they all offer fantastic conference and events facilities, great food and wine, and lots of activities for delegates to enjoy as part of their event."