The Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau this week celebrated its 30th birthday of winning international business events for Melbourne.
Hosting a lunch at the Melbourne Convention Centre (soon to be replaced with a shiny new facility on the other side of the Yarra) the MCVB acknowledged the efforts of the last 30 years which have placed Melbourne as Australia’s top convention city.
Thirty years has seen the MCVB morph from the original Melbourne Tourism Authority into a sophisticated business unit, managing the complexities of bidding for large international conferences.
Their success is demonstrated in the figures. In the past 10 years MCVB has delivered more a million room nights (a key performance indicator for bureaux worldwide) and generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for the Victorian economy.
In her address, Sandra Chipchase, CEO, went to great length to acknowledge every distinguished guest in the audience including government ministers, former chairs and CEOs of the bureau and key stakeholders. However, it was Janine Kirk AM, outgoing MCVB Chair, who acknowledged the members who collectively, through their professionalism and focus on business events, make Melbourne such a desirable destination to the international convention industry.
“Acknoweldgement should go to the insight, commitment and determination of those who invested in Melbourne as a world leading convention city” she said, before an address from Minister for Tourism and Special Events, Tim Holding whom she also recognised as providing continued generous support to the industry.
The 220 guests joined in celebrating the achievements of the bureau and its members, recognising significant future business that has been secured for Melbourne in the coming years.
With 17 international conventions already secured for the new $370m Convention Centre, Melbourne is sure to maintain its standing as Australia’s premier convention city – along with sport, culture, food, fashion and major events.
A Report by TravelMole correspondent, Kevin Moloney
