Steph Lim – Business Events Victoria

Regional Victoria Interstate Roadshow – A Taste of Regional Victoria

Steph Lim — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:28:01 +0000

BEV led a contingent of regional Victorian operators to Sydney and Canberra this month, delivering its biennial Regional Victoria Interstate Roadshow – A Taste of Regional Victoria and reconnecting with business events planners and decision-makers in two key interstate markets.

Held on 16^th June at Kimpton Margot Sydney and 17^thJune at Midnight Hotel Canberra, the dinner and presentations in each city provided invited guests with a valuable opportunity to gain destination insights, uncover new event inspiration across regional Victoria and strengthen industry connections.

The events were hosted as intimate networking dinners, creating a relaxed and engaging environment that encouraged genuine conversation and connection throughout the evening. Guests were highly appreciative of the initiative and the opportunity to engage directly with regional Victoria industry partners in a more personal setting. The room was filled with conversation as buyers and suppliers moved between tables, exchanging ideas, discussing upcoming opportunities and exploring how regional Victoria could support future business events.

This year’s roadshow achieved the largest industry participation to date, demonstrating the strong commitment of regional Victoria’s business events sector to growing interstate business opportunities. Joining BEV on the road were:

The roadshow provided a valuable opportunity for BEV and industry partners to strengthen existing relationships with buyers previously engaged through trade shows and industry events, while establishing new connections with buyers seeking new ideas and experiences for future events. Through meaningful one-on-one conversations, attendees gained a deeper understanding of regional Victoria’s venues, accommodation, experiences and event capabilities, and discovered how the region can deliver memorable and impactful conferences, meetings, corporate retreats and incentives.

By bringing regional Victoria directly to key interstate markets, the roadshows continue to play an important role in increasing destination awareness, fostering valuable industry relationships and generating future business opportunities across the state.

The post Regional Victoria Interstate Roadshow – A Taste of Regional Victoria appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Grampians Shine as BEV Wraps Up It’s 2025 Familiarisation Calendar

Steph Lim — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:18:38 +0000

BEV wrapped up its final 2025 familiarisation calendar on a high with an immersive two-day experience through the Grampians region, delivered in partnership with the Northern Grampians Shire Council, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, Horsham Rural City Council and Victorian Bus Charters.

Following the bushfires that impacted the Grampians in late 2024 and early 2025, BEV partnered with BlazeAid as the charity partner for the 2025 Regional Victoria Showcase held at W Melbourne on 27 May 2025. The event raised $1,800, with 100% of ticket sales donated directly to BlazeAid to support local recovery efforts. Building on this commitment, BEV delivered this famil, hosting eight prospective event planners and giving them the opportunity to experience the resilience, warmth and offerings of the Grampians firsthand.

Day 1 - Immersion in Halls Gap

Departing Melbourne early, the group made a brief stop in Beaufort before arriving in Halls Gap right on schedule at 10:45am. The fresh Grampians air set the tone for a rejuvenating start, with a warm welcome at Stoney Creek Lodge by the Halls Gap Business Association Committee. President Adrian Manikas, Managing Director of Absolute Outdoors, along with Damon, owner at Barney’s Bar & Bistro; Josephina McDonald owner of Lakeside Tourist Park; and Kate Kirkpatrick, owner of Grampians Living, greeted the group with genuine country hospitality.

Adrian then guided the group through the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens and three-quarters of the scenic walk to Venus Baths – a refreshing stretch after the three-hour drive and an ideal introduction to the natural beauty the region is known for.

Lunch at the Halls Gap Hotel provided a relaxed pause before heading to the Halls Gap Zoo for one of the day’s standout experiences: a Rhino Encounter with Kapamba, the White Rhino. Under the guidance of the Halls Gap Zoo owner Mark Treweek, guests had the rare chance to get up close, patting the affectionate “little puppy dog” and learning about Kapamba’s story and the zoo’s important conservation initiatives.

The afternoon continued with site inspections showcasing the breadth of the region’s venues and event possibilities, including WAMA Foundation and Endemic Gardens, Halls Gap Hub, Country Plaza Halls Gap, Halls Gap Motel and D’Altons Studios. This was followed by an unexpected but memorable addition to the itinerary – a visit to Lake Bellfield. The Business Association Committee surprised guests with the scenic stop, where panoramic views of the man-made reservoir framed by mountain ranges left a lasting impression.

Guests then checked in at Lakeside Halls Gap Tourist Park, where Josephina hosted a unique check-in experience. In a fun twist, guests drew room keys from a hat and were assigned their glamping tents — many experiencing this style of accommodation for the first time. After some time to refresh, the evening program began.

Pre-dinner drinks and canapés hosted by Black & Ginger Wines and Barney’s showcased the region’s boutique wine and produce scene, followed by dinner hosted by Pomonal Estate. Guests also enjoyed a tour of the Estate’s impressive new luxury accommodation offering.

The next morning began with a beautifully styled breakfast overlooking the stunning surrounds at Lakeside. Prepared by Damon and his team from Barney’s and styled by Kate Kirkpatrick from Grampians Living, the alfresco setup offered a picturesque farewell to Halls Gap.

Day 2 - Horsham and Surrounds

After breakfast, the group departed for Longerenong College, a versatile venue offering conference spaces, training facilities and modern accommodation. The tour continued through key Horsham venues including the Horsham International Hotel and Horsham Town Hall, giving planners a sense of the region’s capacity for large-scale and diverse events.

The famil concluded with lunch at Barangaroo Wines, where Greg from Grampians Olive Co hosted olive oil tastings. Chris and Sheila, owners of Barangaroo, prepared a generous selection of canapés and a beautiful charcuterie spread to round out the experience.

As the famil came to a close, there was a shared sense of appreciation for the Grampians and the people who bring the region to life. The camaraderie and collaboration of the Halls Gap Business Association Committee — paired with their warm hospitality — left a lasting impression on every attendee. Their passion for showcasing their home was evident at every stop, and their warmth truly captured everyone’s hearts.

It was a meaningful and memorable way to conclude BEV’s famil program for the year, ending 2025 on an undeniable high.

The post Grampians Shine as BEV Wraps Up It’s 2025 Familiarisation Calendar appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Phillip Island One-Day Familiarisation Visit

Steph Lim — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:55:45 +0000

Business Events Victoria (BEV) continued the 2025 familiarisation program with a one-day famil visit to Phillip Island on Friday, 31 October, bringing together eight potential buyers for an immersive showcase of the region’s venues, attractions, and unique event experiences.

The famil provided an opportunity for prospective event buyers to explore the diverse offerings of Phillip Island, beginning with the Koala Conservation Reserve, where attendees were spotting the island’s resident koalas in their natural habitat.

The next stop was the Phillip Island Apartments, featuring 31 spacious self-contained apartments in one, two and three bedrooms configurations. Conveniently located within a short walk to Berninneit, the island’s striking new cultural and community hub in the heart of Cowes, this town presents strong potential for business events. Berninneit, meaning “to gather” in the local Bunurong language, symbolises community, culture, and connection, represents Cowes as a destination that brings people together — for community, culture, and connection. With a range of nearby accommodation options within walking distance, Cowes offers excellent potential for small to large size conferences and business events.

Lunch was hosted at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, catered by Create Catering, where guests also toured the impressive Visitor Centre and explored the spectacular boardwalk overlooking the coastal landscape. The attendees also learned about the upcoming Nobbies redevelopment, which will further enhance the visitor experience and elevate the island’s capacity to host premium business and incentive events. During lunch, Kim Storey from Destination Phillip Island joined the group to provide valuable insights into the island’s year-round appeal and key events that bring the community to life, including the Phillip Island Whale Festival—a vibrant winter celebration that draws visitors from across Victoria.

Following lunch, the famil continued to Churchill Island, where participants enjoyed a relaxed afternoon among the heritage farm animals and picturesque gardens, before concluding the day with a site visit to Silverwater Resort, offering expansive views and flexible event spaces in San Remo.

The famil offered a valuable opportunity to better understand Phillip Island’s growing appeal as a regional business events destination—combining natural beauty, evolving infrastructure, and a strong sense of place that continues to attract visitors beyond its well-known leisure profile.

Contact Business Events Victoria to discover how your next regional event can thrive and more.

The post Phillip Island One-Day Familiarisation Visit appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Two Cities, One Destination: Albury Wodonga

Steph Lim — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 03:34:04 +0000

BEV recently visited Albury Wodonga to explore the region’s diverse business event offerings, hosted by Visit Albury Wodonga. With its seamless cross-border collaboration and strong infrastructure, the region continues to prove itself as a competitive destination for meetings, incentives and conferences of all sizes.

BEV’s Business Development Manager, Stephanie and Sales Executive, Lauren hit the road from Melbourne for the easy 3-hour drive to Wodonga. They broke up the journey halfway with a quick stop in Benalla – the perfect midway point to stretch their legs and a great reminder that regional Victoria is far more accessible than many planners may think.

For those who prefer to fly, Albury Airport is only 5-minutes from Albury CBD and 10-minutes from Wodonga, with direct services from Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. The nearby railway precinct also provides convenient NSW TrainLink and V/Line connections to Melbourne and Sydney.

The famil began with a guided walkthrough of key cultural and creative spaces in Wodonga, offering insight into the region’s artistic precinct and its potential for hosting activations, workshops and small business event components.

Lunch with the hosts, Kim Strang from Wodonga City Council and Penny Showers from Albury City provided an opportunity to hear firsthand about the region’s collaborative approach to business events, particularly the strong partnership between the two towns.

The afternoon continued with visits across a variety of event spaces, showcasing everything from large-capacity venues to boutique meeting rooms, modern function areas and unique creative environments that can support bespoke event programs.

Day one concluded with a hosted dinner at La Maison that highlighted the region’s warm hospitality, fresh local produce and impressive High Country wine offerings – a memorable way to experience the flavour of the destination.

The second day began with a scenic guided walk on Gateway Island – not just a nature-led start, but a storytelling experience that offered a deeper appreciation of the region’s cultural heritage how these meaningful experiences can enhance a conference program.

The famil continued with visits to conference and accommodation venues across Albury and concluded with a relaxed riverside lunch at The River Deck Café before the drive back to Melbourne.

Steph and Lauren returned with a strong appreciation of the region’s ability to support everything from small meetings to large multi-day conferences, all delivered with accessibility, personality and strong cross-border collaboration.

Contact Business Events Victoria to discover how your next regional event can thrive and more.

The post Two Cities, One Destination: Albury Wodonga appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

A taste of the Mornington Peninsula in the Heart of Melbourne

Steph Lim — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:45:03 +0000

The final Regional Victoria Dinner Soiree for 2025 brought a touch of coastal elegance to the city, as industry professionals gather at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins on Wednesday, 15 October for an evening dedicated to Mornington Peninsula.

Presented in collaboration with Business Events Mornington Peninsula, the exclusive event connected Melbourne-based event planners with some of the region’s most sought-after venues and experiences. The evening featured representatives from InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope Hotel, Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa and Pt Leo Estate – each sharing insights into what makes the Peninsula a standout destination for business events and incentive programs.

Guests enjoyed a relaxed three-course dinner paired with exceptional wines generously sponsored by Pt Leo Estate, while hearing first-hand stories that captured the essence, creativity, and sophistication of the region.

The soiree was a celebration of collaboration and connection, reinforcing the strength of regional Victoria’s business events community. As the curtain closed on the 2025 series, anticipation is already building as the Regional Victoria Dinner Soiree will return in early 2026, continuing its mission to showcase the best of regional Victoria to Melbourne’s business events community.

The post A taste of the Mornington Peninsula in the Heart of Melbourne appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Victoria’s High Country Familiarisation Tour

Steph Lim — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 22:55:17 +0000

In collaboration with Lancemore Hotels and Victorian Bus Charters, BEV brought a group of seven of our esteemed clients to Victoria’s High Country on Thursday 24^th October and Friday 25^th October 2024.

Our journey began with a delicious morning tea at Flowerdale Estate. A short 20-minute drive from Mansfield brought us to The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort, where breathtaking views and a tranquil setting atmosphere created the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon and lunch in their Ballroom.

Next, we visited Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, a vibrant venue that highlights the region’s dedication to the arts through a range of cultural events and conventions. Just a two-minute drive away, we stopped at the Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway to explore their accommodations and conference facilities.

Lancemore Milawa then warmly welcomed our guests with a property tour, followed by a delightful wine and cheese tasting featuring wines from by Wood Park Wines and Politini. The Lancemore Milawa’s talented kitchen team then prepared a gourmet dinner, offering an authentic High Country culinary experience, before our guests enjoyed a comfortable overnight stay.

The following day began with a leisurely breakfast at Lancemore Milawa before we departed for the Sebel Yarrawonga, a stunning property with a wide range of amenities, ideal for both conferences and business retreats.

Our next stop was All Saints Estate, known for its breathtaking vineyard views and exceptional wines. Guests enjoyed a tour of the estate, taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

The journey then led us to De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate where guests enjoyed an exquisite lunch. Our final destination was Holmesglen at Eildon, where our guests learned about their sustainability initiatives. They enjoyed a fabulous afternoon tea made entirely from locally grown and sourced ingredients, showcasing the venue’s commitment to sustainable practices.

This trip has truly highlighted why Victoria’s High Country should be a top choice for any business event organiser seeking an unforgettable destination – especially one that offers exceptional food and wine to make the experience truly special and memorable.

The post Victoria’s High Country Familiarisation Tour appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Mornington Peninsula Familiarisation Tour

Steph Lim — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 01:57:46 +0000

Start of August, we hosted our clients for an exclusive 2-day famil to the stunning Mornington Peninsula. This event allowed our guests to fully immerse themselves in the region’s diverse offerings.

Our journey began with site inspections at the Frankston Arts Centre, Mornington Racecourse where the impressive facilities set the tone for the day. In the late morning, we enjoyed a delightful morning tea at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, followed by visits to The Cambium and Green Olive At Red Hill.

Pt. Leo Estate served up a sumptous 2-course lunch complemented by an insightful overview of the estate and its impressive sculpture park. Next, RACV Cape Schanck welcomed us with afternoon tea, followed by a visit to Alba Thermal Springs & Spa where we ended the tour with some bubbles.

From there, we travelled in style on the luxurious Luxcoach. Greeted with bubbles by the Lux Coach team, our short but insightful journey on board included a briefing on its ultra modern capabilities. Our luxury ride then continued to Hotel Sorrento.

Upon arrival, the team from Hotel Sorrento greeted us with a warm welcome. After a swift check in and refresh, we took a tour around Hotel Sorrento’s extensive meeting rooms and function spaces and we were then treated to a delightful 8-course dinner at shihuishi. The evening was capped off with a memorable night bathing experience at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, providing our guests with a serene and relaxing end to a very busy day.

Day two began with breakfast at leisure at Hotel Sorrento, followed by a short walk to the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula for a site inspection. Our journey continued to Peppers Moonah Links Resort, Peninsula Hot Springs and Jackalope Hotel. At Jackalope , we had lunch at the renowned restaurant Rare Hare. The highlight was the wood fired Chocolate Chip Cookie with malted vanilla ice cream.

After lunch, our journey continued with visits to Flinders Hotel and Enchanted Adventure, where guests enjoyed the thrilling tube slides. We concluded our tour and arrived back in Melbourne.

This marks a thrilling conclusion to our extensive tour around the Mornington Peninsula region.

Thank you to Victorian Bus Charters for the seamless transportation, and Business Events Mornington Peninsula for their support. To BEV members and guests who joined this adventure and made this an unforgettable experience, thank you! We could not have done this successfully without your support.

Read more here for some of our members that were featured in Micenet articles from this familiarisation tour Peninsula Hot Springs & Alba Thermal Springs and Spa or Hotel Sorrento.

The post Mornington Peninsula Familiarisation Tour appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Sydney Executive PA Summit

Steph Lim — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:47:00 +0000

BEV participated in the Sydney Executive PA Summit on 25th July at the NSW Parliament House. This one-day event is dedicated to networking and professional development exclusively for executive assistants.

The summit featured a series of pre-scheduled appointments with EAs and PAs from diverse sectors including, corporate, government, not-for-profits. During the event, Stephanie conducted 11 productive meetings with potential business event buyers, offering them innovative ideas and inspiration for their future conferences, executive retreats and incentive programs. Several opportunities were presented to BEV from potential event buyers considering regional Victoria for their 2025 conference. We are currently working with these potential buyers to explore and develop these opportunities further.

The post Sydney Executive PA Summit appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Executive PA Summit 2024

Steph Lim — Tue, 28 May 2024 00:51:52 +0000

Business Event Victoria (BEV), participated in the Melbourne Executive PA Summit on 23rd May at the View Hotel Melbourne. This one-day event is dedicated to networking and professional development exclusively for executive assistants.

The post Executive PA Summit 2024 appeared first on Business Events Victoria.