Business events in Melbourne are booming, with the industry contributing close to $150 million to the Victorian economy in May alone and nearly $1 billion worth of events booked through 2028.
‘Mega May’ saw a total of 46 events hosted by MCB, which accounted for 61,375 hotel room nights. The largest of these events was the 2023 Rotary International Convention, which hosted 14,000 Rotary members at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from over 120 countries, delivering a $91 million boost to the local economy and supporting 1,000 people in their jobs.
MCEC also celebrated the biggest month in its history, topping pre-COVID levels with more than 89,000 visitors through its doors across 76 events in May.
MCEC chief executive, Natalie O’Brien AM said the Centre was proud to host major events that bring together industry leaders from around the world.
“We are thrilled to see Melbourne continue to be recognised as a premier destination for business events and through our partnership with MCB, we showcase the best of Melbourne to the world,” O’Brien said.
“Our team at MCEC is committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and their delegates, and we look forward to welcoming even more events to our venue in the future.”
In collaboration with the Victorian Government, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has also secured a significant line-up of future major events, including the World Congress on Leisure Travel 2027, the 21st International Celiac Disease Symposium 2026, and the International Conference on Ocean Energy 2024.
Meanwhile, in November, the city will host a delegation of 3,000 people from India, as part of one of the largest corporate incentive travel programs – the Herbalife India Incentive 2023.
In total, MCB’s pipeline currently extends until 2028, and across 147 domestic and international business events which will be worth more than $821 million in economic contribution.
“As the state’s leading business events acquisition agency, MCB works with many industry partners and these wins reinforce Melbourne’s reputation as a top business events destination,” MCB chief executive, Julia Swanson, said.
“As a city of great minds, world leading innovation in a range of sectors, our world class infrastructure and appealing attractions and experiences has led Melbourne to become a coveted destination across all segments of the business events sector.”
