The annual Club Melbourne Ambassador Program Awards took place in Melbourne last night, awarding nine ambassadors for their significant efforts in bringing international business events to the Victorian capital.
These conferences are expected to draw in a combined total of over 16,400 visitors and generate a staggering economic impact of more than $23 million over the next five years.
Distinguished recipients of the awards include Associate Professor Neil Hewson, Laureate Professor Eric Reynolds AO, Professor John Bertram, Professor John McNeil AO, Professor James Whisstock, Professor Tony Costello AM, Associate Professor Geoff Sussman OAM, and Professor Grant McArthur. These individuals were acknowledged for their instrumental roles in successfully securing bids to host prominent medical conferences at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Furthermore, Professor Hans Westerbeek received the highly esteemed Club Melbourne Award for Excellence, for his outstanding contributions to driving e-sports events across Victoria.
“The Club Melbourne Awards are an important opportunity to celebrate and thank our ambassadors for their ongoing efforts in bringing world-leading events to Melbourne and reinforcing the city’s reputation for research, business excellence and extraordinary events,” MCEC chief executive Natalie O’Brien AM said.
“The Club Melbourne program has attracted thousands of thought leaders from across the globe to MCEC, to meet, discuss and respond to the biggest challenges of our times, leaving a lasting legacy for the community.”
Working in close collaboration with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), Club Melbourne Ambassadors have successfully secured six major events for the state this year alone. Since its establishment in 2005, the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program, alongside the MCB, has played a pivotal role in attracting over 160 notable events to Melbourne. These events have brought in tens of thousands of visitors, contributing over $1 billion to Victoria’s thriving economy.
The Club Melbourne program currently has more than 80 ambassadors, who are distinguished leaders in various fields such as science, medicine, agriculture, and technology. It is owned and led by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), and operates with the support and collaboration of the MCB and the Victorian State Government.
