Brigitte Nottingham – Business Events Victoria

Geelong & The Bellarine: New Possibilities for Your Next Event

Brigitte Nottingham — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:25:01 +0000

Crowne Plaza Geelong has officially celebrated its launch, marking a key milestone for the waterfront hotel following its opening on 23 January 2026.

The BEV team attended the official launch event held on 16 April 2026, joining other invited guests to celebrate a milestone moment for Geelong’s business events offering and a valuable addition to the region.

Located on the waterfront, the new hotel offers contemporary accommodation, flexible meeting spaces, and stunning coastal views — creating even more opportunities for memorable conferences, meetings and corporate retreats.

The launch showcased the continued growth of Geelong as a business event destination, with new venues and experiences complementing established favourites including Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, Novotel Geelong, Rydges Geelong, Higher Mark – GMHBA and Bayside Geelong

Beyond the meeting room, the region offers diverse delegate experiences — from coastal dining in Queenscliff to seamless connections across the bay via Searoad Ferries, linking to Sorrento and the Mornington Peninsula.

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How to Choose the Right Destination for Your Next Event

Brigitte Nottingham — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:19:10 +0000

Choosing the right destination can make or break your event. From delegate experience to budget and logistics, the location plays a crucial role in delivering a successful conference, meeting, or incentive.

So how do you choose the right destination? Here are five key things to consider when planning your next business event.

1. Accessibility & Ease of Travel

The easier it is for delegates to get there, the more likely they are to attend. Consider drive times, public transport options, and proximity to major airports.

Regional Victoria offers a range of accessible destinations just a short drive from Melbourne — making it easy for attendees to step away from the office without the hassle of long travel times.

2. Accommodation & Venue Options

Does the destination offer enough accommodation? Are there flexible venue spaces for plenary sessions, breakouts, and networking?

Many regional destinations offer everything within close proximity — meaning less time commuting and more time connecting.

3. Experiences That Elevate Your Event

Today’s delegates expect more than just a meeting room. Unique experiences help boost attendance, engagement, and overall event satisfaction.

Regional Victoria is known for its standout experiences — from food and wine to nature-based activities and team-building opportunities that create memorable moments.

4. Budget & Value for Money

Budgets are always top of mind. Regional destinations often provide excellent value, allowing planners to deliver high-quality experiences without stretching budgets.

This can mean better venues, enhanced catering, or additional experiences for delegates — all within the same budget.

5. Delegate Engagement & Impact

Sometimes the best way to engage your audience is to take them somewhere new. A change of scenery encourages fresh thinking, stronger connections, and better outcomes.

Regional Victoria offers diverse destinations that inspire creativity and deliver meaningful experiences for delegates.

Discover Your Next Event Destination

Instead of researching destinations one by one, why not explore them all in one place?

Join us at the Regional Victoria Showcase 2026 and connect with regional venues, destinations, and suppliers ready to help you plan your next event.

You’ll discover new ideas, build valuable connections, and find the perfect destination for your next conference, meeting, or incentive.

Date: Monday 25 May 2026

Time: 5:30pm – 8pm

Location: Evoqe Events, 123 Queen st, Melbourne VIC 3000

Ticket: $15* (Excluding Eventbrite booking fee)

Secure your ticket and start planning your next event with confidence.

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Celebrating the Launch of Crowne Plaza Geelong & Exploring the Region

Brigitte Nottingham — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:32:14 +0000

Crowne Plaza Geelong has officially celebrated its launch, marking a key milestone for the waterfront hotel following its opening on 23 January 2026.

The evening provided a valuable opportunity to connect, experience the new venue firsthand, and recognise Crowne Plaza Geelong as the new addition that will contribute to Geelong’s business events landscape. The launch showcased the hotel’s contribution to strengthening the region’s capacity to host business events, adding further depth to the accommodation and conferencing offering and supporting Geelong’s continued growth as a competitive business events destination.

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Supporting Regional Industry to Grow Business Events in Ballarat

Brigitte Nottingham — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:13:10 +0000

On 24 March, Business Events Victoria delivered the final session of the “Position for Growth with the MICE Market” workshop, in collaboration with Tourism Midwest Victoria and Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) for regional industry.

What stood out most was the mix in the room — from operators already active in business events, to those just beginning to explore what this market could mean for their business. The common thread? A strong appetite to better understand the opportunity and how to unlock midweek demand.

Business events continue to present a high-value growth pathway for regional Victoria, helping drive yield, dispersal, and year-round visitation. But success in this space goes beyond having capacity. It’s about being market-ready, understanding planner expectations, and packaging your offering in a commercially compelling way.

There was strong engagement from operators looking to diversify into business events, along with valuable peer conversations and networking throughout the session.

We’re focused on supporting industry to take the next step — from awareness to action — by:
• Strengthening MICE readiness
• Developing bookable, competitive offers
• Connecting businesses to lead generation opportunities

If you’re looking to grow your midweek business and tap into the business events market, we’re here to support you.

We look forward to continuing the journey with regional industry.

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Exploring Gippsland: A Familiarisation Trip Full of Flavour, Culture & Venues

Brigitte Nottingham — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:18:38 +0000

Our Gippsland familiarisation tour recently gave us a front-row seat to the best of regional Victoria’s business event offerings — and what a showcase it was!

Day 1: Gippsland welcomed us with sunshine, charm, and a touch of magic. Just 90-minutes from Melbourne, with our journey beginning at Lardner Park. From there, through to Warragul and Traralgon, we explored a variety of versatile event venues, arts and culture hubs, and local culinary delights. Highlights included a long, leisurely lunch at Little Prince, immersive venue visits at West Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Warragul Country Club, Gippsland Performing Arts Centre and Bridges on Argyle – where we stayed overnight.

Our visit to Carrajung Estate unfolded as much through story as it did setting. The evening began with a warm welcome from Alex, the new owner who shared the vision behind the estate’s recent transformation since acquiring the property in late 2025. Umbrellas in hand – in true BEV style, we wandered through vineyards, learning about the vines and grapes as gentle drizzle settled over the landscape, as well as a tour of the recently refreshed boutique accommodation before returning to the restaurant for an impressive, beautifully curated 3-course dinner. With its relaxed, inviting ambience and thoughtfully refurbished homesteads, the estate revealed itself as a true jewel in Gippsland’s crown.

Day 2: The weather took a turn for the adventurous with rolling thunderstorms and well-timed coffee stops — the perfect companion for an action-packed day. As we made our way through the region, each location revealed a different layer of Gippsland’s offering for business events – from the contemporary flexibility of The Wedge Performing Arts Centre to the waterfront charm of Port of Sale.

We continued on to Quest Sale and The Stables before exploring the expansive grounds of Federation University Gippsland Campus and the historic elegance of Kernot Hall. The day wrapped up at Morwell Bowling Club & Convention Centre.

Rain or shine, Gippsland delivered an experience that was as diverse as it was memorable. For business event planners seeking a destination that blends accessibility with character, and infrastructure with authentic regional charm, Gippsland continues to prove itself as a compelling choice for conferences, incentives and events of all sizes.

This visit was proudly delivered in partnership with Destination Gippsland, Latrobe City Council, Carrajung Estate and Victorian Bus Charters.

If Gippsland isn’t already on your event destination list, it’s time to add it to the bucket list. We’re here to help make it happen.

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Gathering in Geelong: A Progressive Lunch with a Local Twist

Brigitte Nottingham — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:18:06 +0000

This month, Business Events Victoria hosted a relaxed and flavour-filled Gather & Graze with BEV in Geelong and the Bellarine lunch event at Crowne Plaza Geelong, bringing together event planners with leading venues and suppliers from Geelong and the Bellarine.

For the first time, BEV took this event on the road, bringing the experience to Geelong and the Bellarine. Moving from a dinner format, the Gather & Graze with BEV in Geelong and the Bellarine was an exclusive lunch event at the brand-new Crowne Plaza, putting the spotlight firmly on the region’s diverse offerings.

We began the day in Melbourne, boarding a chartered coach provided by Victorian Bus Charters for the short drive to Geelong. On arrival, Karen Jackson, Director of Sales and Marketing, warmly welcomed our guests at the main hotel lobby of the brand-new Crowne Plaza Geelong, which had just opened its doors on 23 January 2026. The group embarked on a guided tour of the hotel, exploring the new event spaces, guestrooms and facilities, with a sneaky peek through the windows of the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong. The tour concluded at the Skyline Bar on Level 10, where sweeping waterfront and bay views provided the perfect backdrop for the day.

The lunch at Skyline Bar featured a beautifully curated three-course meal, with presentations from our industry partners woven between each course. Each course provided the perfect opportunity for meaningful conversation and connections. Paired with stunning bay views and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, the event created an inspiring setting to showcase Geelong and the Bellarine as a premier destination for business events.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees enjoyed short, sharp presentations from:

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre

Higher Mark at GMHBA Stadium

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong

Novotel Geelong

Curlewis Golf Resort

Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

BKA Events

Each shared fresh insights, new developments, and creative ideas to help planners deliver an unforgettable event in the region. A light-hearted highlight? Nearly every presentation included a map of Geelong — a running joke by the third one, but a perfect reminder of how close, connected, and easy the region is for planners and delegates.

With great food, meaningful connections, and a room full of regional champions, the lunch reinforced one thing: you don’t have to go far from Melbourne to deliver something truly memorable.

Considering Geelong or The Bellarine for your next event? Let us help you put it on your event planning map.

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7 Benefits of Corporate Events & 5 Helpful Planning Tips

Brigitte Nottingham — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:17:07 +0000

Corporate events are more than just dates in the calendar—they’re powerful tools for connection, growth and business impact. Whether it’s a conference, leadership retreat or incentive program, the right event strategy can drive meaningful outcomes for your organisation.

And when you take your event beyond the city and into regional Victoria, those benefits go even further.

7 Benefits of Corporate Events

1. Strengthen Team Connections

Bringing people together in person fosters genuine relationships. Corporate events create space for teams to connect, collaborate and build trust—something that’s hard to replicate virtually.

2. Drive Engagement & Motivation

A well-executed event energises your team. Whether it’s a strategy day or incentive trip, shared experiences boost morale and leave attendees feeling valued and inspired.

3. Enhance Learning & Development

From keynote speakers to interactive workshops, events provide an opportunity for focused learning. Attendees can step away from day-to-day tasks and fully engage in professional development.

4. Align on Strategy & Vision

Getting stakeholders in the same room helps create clarity and alignment. Events allow businesses to communicate goals, priorities and future direction in a more impactful way.

5. Build Stronger Client Relationships

Face-to-face events create meaningful touchpoints with clients and partners. They help strengthen relationships, build trust and open the door to new opportunities.

6. Boost Brand Awareness

Events are a powerful platform to showcase your brand. From styling and content to location and experiences, every element contributes to how your organisation is perceived.

7. Inspire Creativity & Fresh Thinking

A change of environment can spark new ideas. Hosting events in regional destinations offers a refreshing backdrop—supported by unique venues and local operators—that encourages innovation and different ways of thinking.

Why Regional Victoria?

Regional Victoria offers more than just a location—it delivers a complete event experience. With unique venues, natural landscapes and immersive local experiences, it’s the perfect setting to elevate your next corporate event.

From coastal retreats to wine regions and vibrant regional cities, the state is home to a diverse network of venues, accommodation providers and experience operators. Backed by local expertise, these partners work with event planners to create tailored, seamless experiences that go beyond the expected.

5 Helpful Planning Tips

1. Start with Clear Objectives

Define what success looks like. Are you aiming to educate, reward, connect or inspire? Your goals will guide every decision—from venue selection to program design.

2. Choose the Right Destination & Venue

Match your event style to the setting. Consider capacity, layout flexibility, accommodation and accessibility when selecting your venue. Working with trusted regional venues and suppliers can also help you unlock local insights and tailor the experience to your audience.

3. Build in Experiences

Incorporate local experiences to create memorable moments. Think winery tours, wellness activities or behind-the-scenes regional experiences—many delivered by local operators who bring authenticity and a strong sense of place to your event.

A well-executed event energises your team. Whether it’s a strategy day or incentive trip, shared experiences boost morale and leave attendees feeling valued and inspired.

4. Design for Engagement

Keep your audience at the centre. Mix formats—presentations, breakout sessions, networking and interactive elements—to maintain energy and participation.

A well-executed event energises your team. Whether it’s a strategy day or incentive trip, shared experiences boost morale and leave attendees feeling valued and inspired.

5. Stay Organised with a Planning Checklist

A detailed checklist is essential to keeping your event on track—from initial planning through to on-the-day execution. It helps manage timelines, suppliers, budgets and key milestones, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

To make planning easier, Business Events Victoria offers a free Event Checklist Resource designed specifically for event organisers. It’s a practical tool to guide you through every stage of the planning process and support seamless delivery.

Let’s Create Something Meaningful

At Business Events Victoria, we connect event planners with the best regional destinations, venues and trusted suppliers across the state—helping you find the right fit for your event, no matter the size or style.

Whether you’re planning a conference, retreat or incentive program, we’re here to help you create an event that delivers real impact.

Download the Event Checklist and start planning your next event in Regional Victoria today.

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Why choosing accredited venues gives your next event a head start

Brigitte Nottingham — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:10:35 +0000

When you’re planning a business event, there’s no room for guesswork.

You need venues and suppliers you can trust — teams that understand safety, service standards, sustainability and operational excellence, without you having to double check every detail.

That’s where accreditation makes all the difference.

Across Regional Victoria, more and more Business Events Victoria members are becoming Quality Tourism Accredited Businesses. It’s not just a badge — it’s independent verification that a venue meets nationally recognised standards across risk management, customer service, compliance and sustainability.

In short: the groundwork is already done for you.

Here’s what that looks like in practice.

Built-in professionalism and reliability

For many venues, accreditation strengthens the systems behind the scenes — the things planners don’t always see, but absolutely rely on.

At The Goods Shed, Ballarat, the process helped refine everything from risk management to service consistency, giving organisers confidence from the very first conversation.

Similarly, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong says accreditation provides third-party validation that they meet rigorous industry standards, reassuring corporate and association clients that their event will be delivered professionally and safely.

And at The Trawool Estate, accreditation offers a recognised stamp of credibility, helping planners feel confident choosing a regional destination for conferences and retreats.

For organisers, this means fewer unknowns and smoother delivery on event day.

Stronger sustainability and responsible event choices

Sustainability expectations continue to grow — from government, associations and corporate clients alike.

Accredited venues are already putting measurable practices in place.

At Yarra Valley Estate, accreditation validates long-standing sustainability efforts like waste separation, water and energy monitoring, and working with like-minded suppliers.

Zoos Victoria has seen increased interest from purpose-driven organisations and government clients who prioritise working with accredited partners that align with their environmental and community values.

For Green Olive at Red Hill and Jackalope Hotels, accreditation formalises their commitment to responsible tourism, sustainability and consistent guest experience — helping planners confidently meet ESG goals without extra research.

Reduced risk and greater peace of mind

Accreditation isn’t just about venues — it extends across transport and experiences too.

Large-scale precincts like Lardner Park, unique operators like Port Phillip Ferries, and trusted suppliers such as Victorian Bus Charters all use accreditation to demonstrate that safety systems, compliance and documentation are already in place.

For planners, that means:

lower risk
fewer surprises
smoother approvals
and partners who understand professional event requirements

It’s a shortcut to knowing you’re working with businesses that take quality seriously

What this means for you

Choosing accredited suppliers doesn’t just tick a box.

It helps you:
Save time on due diligence
Reduce operational and safety risk
Meet sustainability expectations
Strengthen stakeholder confidence
Deliver seamless delegate experiences

Because when your partners are prepared, your event runs better.

Plan with confidence in Regional Victoria

At Business Events Victoria, we’re proud to work with a growing network of accredited venues and suppliers across Regional Victoria — from wineries and estates to hotels, attractions and transport providers.

If you’re sourcing trusted partners for your next conference, incentive or corporate retreat, we’re here to help connect you with businesses that meet recognised industry standards from day one.

Submit your event brief or explore our Planner Guide to start planning with confidence.

Learn more about the Quality Tourism Accredited program

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Big things are coming for events in Albury: A new era for the Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing

Brigitte Nottingham — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:44:02 +0000

Albury City Council has accepted a tender from Zauner Construction Pty Ltd for redevelopment of the Albury Entertainment Centre (AEC) Convention Wing. This major transformation captures more than construction, it captures possibility. The AEC redevelopment will significantly grow conference capacity, with expanded exhibition spaces boasting loads of natural light, multiple breakout spaces, and configuration options.

The redevelopment will commence in April 2026 with the AEC to be ready in mid 2028.

Key improvements include:

A new modern 2,000 seat auditorium (800 seat banquet style) offering exceptional acoustics, flexible seating configurations and the ability to partition spaces for concurrent events, catering to a wide range of performances, conferences and presentation requirements.
Eight state-of-the-art function rooms featuring integrated audio-visual technology, high-speed connectivity and adaptable layouts to accommodate small to medium-sized corporate or community functions.
Exhibition and conference spaces designed for versatility and scale, capable of hosting large conferences, trade shows and cultural and civic events with open plan layouts, seamless access and modern amenities to enhance delegate experience.
Arrival plaza and tourism event space providing a welcoming and functional entry point and improved wayfinding.
New food and beverage kitchens and bars designed to deliver a comprehensive experience with diverse catering options, new hospitality facilities and spaces that enhance networking, social interaction and overall visitor experience.
Enhanced sound and light systems in the retained Theatrette with tiered seating up to 177 people and improved accessibility, supported by a new pre-function foyer with balcony access.
An enlarged green room with dedicated amenities and accessible stage entry will offer greater opportunities to host a variety of small-scale events not previously achievable.

Get in touch with the team for more information.

Brendan Maher
Venue Manager Albury Entertainment Centre

T. 02 6043 5620
M. 0439 479 921

W. alburyentertainmentcentre.com.au

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Phillip Island Industry Capability Workshop

Brigitte Nottingham — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:16:18 +0000

This month, Phillip Island provided a stunning coastal backdrop for an industry event that brought the region’s business events community together and spotlighted the growing momentum across Phillip Island and Gippsland region.

Business Events Victoria delivered the day in partnership with regional stakeholders, sharing valuable insights and updates – from domestic business events trends through to the international incentive market outlook and the opportunities ahead for regional destinations.

What made the event truly special was the energy in the room. The enthusiasm, engagement and conversations between attendees reinforced the power of collaboration. The strong turnout was a clear signal that our industry is stronger when we come together, building the momentum needed to grow regional Victoria’s business events profile.

Networking forums like these are more than just catch-ups — they spark new ideas, open doors to fresh opportunities and position the region as a compelling choice for planners seeking fresh, memorable destinations. With its unique mix of coastal landscapes, wildlife experiences and standout venues, Phillip Island and Gippsland are perfectly placed to play a pivotal role as hub-and-spoke destinations, driving growth and dispersal opportunities right across regional Victoria.

The highly successful day was proudly hosted at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.

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