From Tuesday to Thursday this week, delegates will come together to hear inspiring speakers and participate in workshops and panel discussions in what is a key event for botanic garden leaders and staff.

The Global Botanic Garden Congress is the only global congress dedicated to botanic gardens and this is the first time that the Congress has been in Melbourne, and will coincide with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s 175th anniversary.

The theme for this year’s Congress is ‘Influence and Action: Botanic Gardens as Agents of Change,’ focusing on Adapting to Climate Change and exploring Greener and More Liveable Cities. This focus on sustainability aligns with MCEC’s ambitious Sustainability Strategy, to be 100 per cent powered by renewable electricity by 2028 and reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2030. 

With the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens situated in Melbourne, MCEC chief executive Peter King said it was easy to see why the event has come to the city.

“Melbourne is an ideal location for international business events and the best place to bring the world’s leading thinkers together. We’re a safe city, that provides the ultimate combination of world class event delivery, and all the experiences Melbourne provides as a destination,” King said.

This international Congress is another event secured by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), with the help of Club Melbourne’s David Cantrill, chief botanist at the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is one of a series of upcoming major international business events arriving at MCEC within the next year including the Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2023 and the Rotary International Convention.

MCEC’s Club Melbourne Ambassadors with the support of MCB have won events worth $1.02 billion to the Victorian economy since the Program started in 2005. That includes 133 business events that have brought more than 170,000 people to Melbourne.  

“International business events provided a major economic contribution to Melbourne’s economy before the pandemic and we’re now seeing that return once again,” King said.