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Applications are now open for the next round of the National Business Events Program, offering eligible event organisers more choice and more cash to offset costs for hosting events anywhere in Victoria. The funding program has been topped up to provide a three-fold cash boost to attract events to Melbourne and a new funding stream is now available for events hosted in regional Victoria.

The expanded program boasts increased funding amounts, up to $90,000 per applicant to hold multiyear business events in Melbourne, plus grants available up to $25,000 per applicant to hold events in regional Victoria before 31 December 2023.

Cash grants offered under the National Business Events Program can be put towards accommodation, venue hire, transport and other event costs, and depending on where the event is held, 50 per cent may be payable before the event commences to cover upfront expenses.

Eligible events include conferences, trade exhibitions, workshops and seminars, as well as corporate meetings and incentive group events with a business event program.

Launched in May, the National Business Events Program has provided a much-needed lift to the business events sector, building confidence with planners and key decision makers to plan and book their events in Australia’s event’s capital, Melbourne.

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) received more than 200 expressions of interest, with 73 events approved to date. These funded events are expected to provide $102 million in economic contribution to the state.

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said business event organisers from anywhere in Australia can apply for funding, which will provide a much needed helping hand to business event organisers.

“There are now two funding streams available to offset actual costs for hosting events in Victoria – for events to be held in Melbourne and now for events held in regional Victoria.”

“We have worked closely with Business Events Victoria (BEV) who will administer the regional arm of the program, which is designed to stimulate short- and medium-term recovery of the business events sector right across our state,” said Ms. Swanson.

BEV Executive Officer Chris Porter said this funding is a crucial step in aiding the recovery of the business events sector.

“Business events are critical in fuelling regional economies mid-week and in off-peak times and it will be great to see business teams connect and strategise face-to-face again right across Victoria – from Mildura to Mallacoota – and everywhere in between.

“After an unfathomably challenging year, this funding program will help rebuild confidence amongst event organisers, so they start booking events again, both regionally and in Melbourne,” Mr Porter said.

Grants are available for a limited time with applications closing 31 December 2021, or earlier, if available funding is exhausted.

Application and eligibility details for events held in regional Victoria can be found here >

– ENDS –

The post Victoria’s National Business Event Program is back: bigger and better appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

15 SEPTEMBER 2021

It’s time to reconnect business event organisers with the very best venues, retreats and experiences in regional Victoria.

Business Events Victoria launches The Big Breakout campaign this week with a suite of new digital assets to assist businesses and event organisers to plan events into the future.

The Big Breakout campaign showcases regional Victoria in a fresh new light and aims to encourage event organisers to think outside the box when it comes to planning their next conference, event or retreat.

“We have so many unique spaces on offer throughout regional Victoria, from state-of-the-art conference facilities to the more quirky spaces like a former gaol, rare wine cellar, gold mine or a steam train, and even on a mountain peak,” said Chris Porter, Executive Officer of Business Events Victoria.

Chris shared that the new campaign, the Big Breakout, has been carefully curated to showcase a myriad of possibilities for unique business events. “Drawing on the experiences and stories of the regions’ locals, the conversational-style videos highlight some of the best in regional Victoria and whets the appetite for hundreds of venues and experiences available throughout the regions,” he said.

“As we move towards the gradual re-opening of Victoria, there is significant pent-up demand from organisations keen to bring their teams back together again after a long hiatus for live connections and real experiences. There is no better time than now to start planning for your organisation’s retreat, meeting and conference,” said Chris Porter.

In addition, the Business Events Victoria team are on hand for free expert advice, assistance and guidance via phone or email. Event organisers can arrange to ‘Book a Call’ with the team to discuss ideas, experiences and further inspiration.

The Big Breakout campaign has been developed with the support of Business Events Australia and the Victorian State Government.

# ends #

To view the Big Breakout campaign website, visit: https://www.thebigbreakout.com.au/

The post BUSINESS EVENTS VICTORIA LAUNCHES NEW REGIONAL BIG BREAKOUT CAMPAIGN! appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Conference Package:

Day Delegate Package: $74 Per Person

Includes conference venue hire, arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, data projector, screen and flip chart or white board.

Plus, complimentary overnight accommodation in a superior room including breakfast for the facilitator or organiser.
Valid for bookings from 1 July 2021 until 31 December 2021. Minimum of 20 delegates apply. *Terms & Conditions apply.

Christmas Offer:

Work with the experienced Mercure Ballarat Hotel team to choose from a superb festive menu especially prepared for Christmas celebrations and available from October 2021. A two-course option starting at $65 per person and a three-course menu from $75 per person.

You can complement with beverage packages starting at $35. Organising your lunch or dinner could not be simpler. Accommodation packages are also available.

Book prior to 15 October 2021 to receive welcome cocktails and canapes on arrival served for 30 minutes.

Email Mandy Grant for more info > mgrant@mercureballarat.com.au

View the Mercure Ballarat’s listing >

The post Mercure Ballarat Conference and Christmas Packages appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

With a superb range of venues, accommodation and experiences, coupled with amazing fresh local food and wine, the Albury Wodonga area will make for a refreshing destination for your next business event or conference.

Featuring a delegate capacity of 1,000 people, the majority of venues and accommodation are only a short stroll to each of the city centres and a short drive from Albury Airport.

Event Support

The Visit Albury Wodonga team will assist and support you every step of the way. Our team will:

• Produce a professional, tailored bid document for your business event.
• Secure letters of support from key political, academic and industry leaders.
• Help to source the best venues, accommodation and services.
• Coordinate and host site inspections.
• Assistance with pre- and post-touring options.
• Provide inside knowledge on hidden gems, unique experiences and venues in our region to make your event stand out from the rest.

View the listing > 

Find out more in the latest Albury Wodonga Business Event and Conference Planner’s Guide > 

The post Welcome new members: Albury Wodonga appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Through this partnership, an exclusive offer is made available for BEV members to gain access to Australia’s largest community of EAs, PAs and admin professionals.

BEV members are now able to offer products and services to EAs via Connect EA in support of regional and local business members.

Via this partnership we are pleased to be able to offer the following exclusive opportunity for BEV members:

• Your own “Connect EA Account” and “Connect EA Business” page
• Unlimited Product, Service or Event Ad Listings
• ZERO eCommerce Commission*
• Preferred ‘Supplier Listing’ in Industry Category
• Database eDMs: One x featured Regional Victoria edm will be sent per month, featuring all Connect EA members.
• Access to a discounted Month-to-Month Subscription of $50 per month
  (Cancel at any time, normally $250 per month)

(* 2.5% merchant transaction fee applies per transaction)

To find out more or to access this offer, please contact Holly Bailey: holly@connectea.com.au / 0422 133 572 or Jordan Leask: jordan@connectea.com.au / 0412 706 567.

Visit the Connect EA website >

The post BEV partners with Connect EA appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

With a dedicated Mental Health Hub within VTIC’s Support Hub, Partners in Wellbeing provides essential resources such as Coping with Lockdown and tools to support industry to practise self-care during these stressful and weary times.

Here, we share a message from Dannii:

With the current uncertainty, it is not surprising to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Our bodies adapt well to temporary stress, but, after many months of stress, our bodies start to produce cortisol and adrenaline at levels which can impact our problem solving, decision making and concentration. We may become less social, we may be cynical, feel emotions such as anger and despair. It is likely we may find it difficult to manage our emotions. We are calling this pandemic fatigue or crisis fatigue. It is a real thing.

Today we have five reasons to leave home, this is outside our control. We only have control over ourselves, what we choose to focus on, how we invest our time, who we connect with and how we will self-care.

I’m sharing five tips on ways to help reduce feelings associated with stress and uncertainty:

1. Start your day with 5 minutes of mindful, slow, deep breathing. By focussing on the in and out of your breath, you will bring a sense of calm into your day, helping you both physically and mentally.
2. The pandemic has pushed us to be more creative to find new ways to navigate our lives. Take a break by listening to music, reading a book or spending time outside in your garden or local reserve.
3. Unplug from your screens while you drink your coffee or eat your lunch. Unplug from the overload of information your screens deliver and appreciate what you are tasting and savour that taste.
4. Connect with people who have your back, those people who you can just be you with no expectation and will help lift your spirits
5. Reach out for support. I am a phone call away for a chat and wellbeing check-in. Call me (Dannii) on (03) 7035 5732 or email consultation@vtic.com.au and I will make contact with you

Partners in Wellbeing is funded by the Victorian Government and is being delivered by Neami National, EACH and the ACSO across Victoria.

The post Partners In Wellbeing – Five tips to help reduce feelings associated with stress and uncertainty appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Business Events Victoria (BEV) has achieved some positive industry media coverage in MiceNet on 24 May 2021 for the $1.7 million in funding BEV has been allocated over the next four years in the state budget.

The article also explores our continued push for a dedicated regional events subvention fund to help attract more events to regional Victoria in the future. We thank the team at MiceNet for their support and coverage.

Read the full story here >

The post In The News: MiceNet covers BEV funding announcement appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Business Events Victoria (BEV) today welcomed the Victorian Government’s long-term commitment to Business Events in regional Victoria through the announcement of $1.7 million of funding over four years, to continue its work in attracting business events to regional Victoria.

BEV Executive Officer, Chris Porter said: “This long-term commitment by the Victorian Government is a fantastic outcome and is testament to the important role business events play as a key driver in the regional Victorian visitor economy, particularly during the traditionally quieter shoulder season and mid-week.”

“The regional business events and tourism sector as a whole has been one of the hardest impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and this positive funding announcement allows BEV to ensure its continued long-term strategic planning into the future and support the industries recovery from the pandemic.”

According to Mr Porter, while this long-term commitment is a positive announcement for business events in regional Victoria, BEV will continue to strongly advocate for additional funding to support the ongoing attraction of business events in regional Victoria through a Business Events Support Fund. “This will ensure that regional Victoria is competitive with other regional destinations around Australia that already provide significant financial support for national events occurring in regional areas,” Mr Porter said.

“We see the Business Events Support Fund as being a critical missing element to ensuring that regional Victoria remains competitive in attracting these national business events, both now and into the future.”

BEV is also pleased to see the long-term commitment received by the Melbourne Convention Bureau ($41m over four years). Victoria as a whole needs to come back strong from the challenges of 2020, and this support will go a long way to ensure the sectors recovery.

The post Media Release: Business Events Victoria – welcomes long-term investment into business events in regional Victoria appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Peninsula Hot Springs Relaxation Dome

The ideal “home base” to retreat to between bathes, Relaxation Domes can accommodate up to 12 guests and are complete with day beds, personal safes, bespoke fittings and climate control.

Visit the Peninsula Hot Springs listing to find out more >

Renovations complete at the Great Ocean Road Resort, Anglesea

The post Latest Member News: April 2021 appeared first on Business Events Victoria.