22 March 2024

Business Events Victoria (BEV) urges conference and business event organisers to consider bringing their events to Geelong after two lucrative association conferences will bring hundreds of delegates to the region this
year.

Secured through assistance provided by BEV these two business events to be held in Geelong, will generate more than $250,000 of economic benefit for the local community. In addition, due to BEV’s engagement with business event organisers, a further 11 business events are considering bringing their events to Geelong by late
next year, with the potential to deliver almost $1 million economic benefit to the region.

 
The Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association National Conference and the Australian Labour Law Association National Conference will be held in Geelong in March and November this year respectively.

Both events have been supported through the Victorian Government’s National Business Events Program which is managed by BEV.

 
Business Events Victoria General Manager, Chris Porter, said Geelong was a regional city that had previously managed successful business events and, with the city receiving an influx of government investment in recent years, has the potential to grow its business events sector significantly.

 
“With Nyaal Bayul Geelong Convention and Event Centre set to open in 2026 the business event opportunities for Geelong and the broader region are huge,” Mr Porter said.

 
“Business events play a key role in attracting visitation mid-week and outside of peak tourism periods, helping to keep people employes and sustaining the industry throughout the year,” Mr Porter said.

 
“Geelong has all the elements to deliver a premium business events experience for conference attendees and we urge other event organisers to look at the top tier venues and experiences available when bringing their business events to this region.”

 
Frame & Truss Manufacturer’s Association of Australia CEO Kersten Gentle said:
“The FTMA National Conference in Geelong represents a significant opportunity to not only showcase the vibrant and dynamic nature of the region but also to highlight the invaluable role Business Events Victoria play in fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

 
The versatility and breadth of options available in Geelong for hosting our conference are truly remarkable. With over 250 attendees expected, we are confident that the diverse range of activities and the high-quality venues
will ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

Australian Labour Law Association President Professor Anthony Forsyth said:
“The Australian Labour Law Association is excited to be hosting our national conference in Geelong in 2024. The Geelong Waterfront offers cosmopolitan dining options, a range of accommodation options and it is close to the train station, making it a very accessible location for our conference participants.”

22 February 2024

Business Events Victoria urges conference and event organisers to consider bringing their events regional after a series of prominent conferences delivered more than $2 million benefit to the Lorne this month.

The Lorne Proteomics, Lorne Proteins, Lorne Cancer, Lorne Genome and Lorne Infection & Immunity Conference were all held at the Mantra Lorne in February, hosting some of the top science and medical minds in the country, delivering 1800 delegates to the region and 4850 hotel room nights.

The Lorne conference series has been supported through the Victorian Government’s National Business Events Program which is managed by Business Events Victoria.

Business Events Victoria General Manager, Chris Porter said the conferences had delivered a huge economic boost to the region right at the end of the peak summer season when schools have started back for the new year.

“With decades of experience in delivering these events, Lorne has consistently delivered a premium experience for conference attendees and we urge other event organisers to consider bringing their events to this region,” he said.

“We know events like this do not generate just the hotel bookings and the cost of running the conference, but also wider impact to the local economy. We also know that people who attend a work event in regional Victoria are much more likely to return to visit with their families.”

The estimated economic impact of the five conferences at almost $2 million, showing the incredible value business events deliver to regional Victoria.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos said that regional Victoria has a strong track record in securing and hosting valuable business events through the National Business Events Program.

“Business events play an important role in supporting our Victorian economy and showcase the very best food, entertainment and accommodation that our great state has to offer”.

“Business events bring the brightest minds to Victoria from all over the world to share knowledge and solve problems.”

ASN Events General Manager Tim Hancock said his organisation was very proud of the benefits that Lorne, the local region and wider Victorian business events economy gains from the conference series each year.

“We have been a long-term partner of the Lorne Conference Series, and in collaboration with each conference committee, we have found the support of BEV invaluable in planning and delivering innovative conferences in Lorne each February,” Mr Hancock said.  

“The Lorne Conferences are entrenched in the Australia scientific conference calendar, with Noble Prize winners, international invited speakers and the best Australian scientific researchers making up the program and audience each year.”

FOR MEDIA COMMENT CONTACT CHRIS PORTER ON 0402 080 570

13 December 2023

Business Events Victoria (BEV) and Business Events Mornington Peninsula (BEMP) are delighted to announce its successful bid to host the Thermomix Leadership Group Annual Horizons Conference on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula in March 2024.

The Horizons Conference is a national annual conference that has been hosted in different regional and capital cities across Australia. Next year’s conference will be a momentous occasion for regional Victoria as it was selected from a competitive field of other regional destinations within Australia.

Thermomix selected the Mornington Peninsula to be the prestigious host location for the three-day event, which will attract 200 delegates to the region, a total of 600 hotel room nights booked and deliver an impressive economic impact of over $270,000 for the local community.

Danielle Lyon, Event Project Manager for Thermomix said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing our Thermomix Leadership group to the Mornington Peninsula next year for our annual Horizons Conference. This idyllic location has it all, from five-star accommodation suitable for large groups, to award-winning restaurants, wineries and activities all within arm’s reach. Business Events Victoria and Business Events Mornington Peninsula were quick to answer our brief and tailored a diverse range of options, making it an easy choice to make the Mornington Peninsula the backdrop to next year’s event.”

The Thermomix Leadership Group will enjoy a luxury and hospitality experience at their accommodation based at the prestigious RACV Cape Schanck Resort. Delegates will have a full itinerary travelling across the Mornington Peninsula visiting iconic locations including Peninsula Hot Springs for a team-building adventure and The Baths, for their welcome event. The program will also feature visits to world-class food and beverage selections across the region.

Angela Cleland, Chief Executive for Business Events Mornington Peninsula said:

“The Mornington Peninsula cannot wait to roll out the welcome mat for Thermomix and their delegation for the annual Horizons Conference and help them to discover the real magic of our coastal region. We thank Thermomix and Business Events Victoria for choosing to bring their event here, events like this make an important contribution to our local makers and creators, that ultimately sees our local economy to thrive.”

Chris Porter, General Manager for Business Events Victoria said:

“BEV was pleased to welcome the opportunity to bid for and secure the Thermomix Leadership Group’s Horizons Conference in regional Victoria for the first time. Welcoming 200 delegates to the Mornington Peninsula is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region’s diverse offerings, promote the Mornington Peninsula’s capabilities as a business event destination, and demonstrate the importance of business events to the visitor economy.”