Business Events Victoria

Beyond the Boardroom: Creating Memorable Delegate Experiences in Regional Victoria

Brigitte Nottingham — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:42:51 +0000

The most successful business events don’t end when the presentations finish. Today’s delegates are looking for authentic experiences that foster connection, spark creativity and leave a lasting impression.

That’s where regional Victoria shines. Beyond exceptional conference facilities, the state’s diverse destinations offer opportunities to immerse delegates in local culture, outstanding food and wine, breathtaking landscapes and experiences that simply can’t be replicated in the city.

Every destination tells a different story

One of the greatest strengths of regional Victoria is the diversity of experiences available across the state. Whether you’re planning a large conference, incentive program, leadership retreat or team gathering, each region offers its own unique character, venues and experiences to create a memorable event.

From the coastal charm and island adventures of Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Greater Geelong & The Bellarine and the Great Ocean Road, to the food, wine and nature experiences of Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges, Gippsland, Daylesford & Macedon Ranges, and the Goulburn Region, planners can discover destinations that inspire connection, creativity and engagement.

For delegates seeking history, heritage, wide-open spaces and regional hospitality, Goldfields, The Murray, Grampians and High Country offer unforgettable settings, unique experiences and venues that bring people together beyond the traditional boardroom.

Across every corner of regional Victoria, planners can create events that combine exceptional venues, authentic local experiences and the opportunity for delegates to connect with a destination in a meaningful way.

More Than a Meeting Venue

Regional Victoria’s venues offer much more than a meeting space. Across the state, you’ll find properties that seamlessly combine accommodation, event spaces and unforgettable delegate experiences.

Imagine beginning the day with a strategy session overlooking vineyards before enjoying a private wine tasting, hosting a gala dinner showcasing regional produce, or rewarding delegates with wildlife encounters, guided walks or hands-on culinary experiences.

From purpose-built conference centres and boutique hotels to wineries, coastal resorts and unique heritage venues, regional Victoria provides the flexibility to create events that are productive, engaging and memorable.

These are the moments that transform a successful conference into an unforgettable experience.

Create meaningful delegate experiences

Regional Victoria offers countless ways to add value to your event program, including:

Behind-the-scenes food and wine experiences
Farm-to-table dining and long lunches
Indigenous cultural experiences
Wellness activities and spa retreats
Wildlife encounters and nature-based adventures
Outdoor team-building activities
Historic and cultural tours

By incorporating local experiences into your itinerary, delegates leave with more than new knowledge—they leave with memories, stronger connections and a genuine appreciation for the destination.

Discover the possibilities across Regional Victoria

Planning an event beyond Melbourne doesn’t mean planning alone. Regional Victoria is home to an incredible network of venues, destinations and event professionals ready to help bring your event to life.

When you take your event beyond the boardroom, you’re creating opportunities for delegates to connect with each other, engage with the destination and return home inspired.

Ready to create a memorable business event? Explore the possibilities across regional Victoria and discover a destination that will inspire your delegates long after they return home.

The post Beyond the Boardroom: Creating Memorable Delegate Experiences in Regional Victoria appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

Building New Connections at the Corporate PA Summit Melbourne

Lauren O'keefe — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 03:32:36 +0000

Business Events Victoria was delighted to exhibit at the Corporate PA Summit Melbourne on Wednesday 22 July, partnering with Business Events Mornington Peninsula to showcase the exceptional business events experiences available across regional Victoria.

The Corporate PA Summit brings together Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants from organisations across Australia—professionals who play a key role in planning and influencing meetings, conferences, incentive programs and corporate events. It provided an excellent opportunity to connect with this audience and highlight the benefits of choosing regional Victoria for their next event.

Our shared stand was busy throughout the day, with more than 170 new connections made. Attendees were eager to discover the diverse venues, accommodation, unique delegate experiences and expert planning support available across our regions.

The event also gave us the opportunity to demonstrate how Business Events Victoria makes planning easier by offering free, impartial assistance—from destination recommendations and venue sourcing to introductions with trusted local industry partners.

Events like the Corporate PA Summit are an important part of growing awareness of regional Victoria as a leading business events destination. By building new relationships with event decision-makers, we’re creating more opportunities for conferences, meetings and corporate events to be hosted across our regions, delivering long-term benefits for our members and regional communities.

Thank you to Business Events Mornington Peninsula for partnering with us on the day. We look forward to continuing these valuable connections and welcoming more business events to regional Victoria.

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Winter in regional Victoria: The Opportunity Smart Planners are Embracing

Brigitte Nottingham — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:46:26 +0000

Better Value, deeper connection, and more memorable outcomes across Regional Victoria.

Winter in Victoria doesn’t slow business events down — it changes how they feel. For planners looking to create more meaningful, memorable, and productive experiences, the colder months open up opportunities that simply don’t exist in peak seasons.

Across regional Victoria, winter brings a different rhythm: quieter destinations, richer experiences, and venues that are designed for connection. Instead of competing for attention, events can settle into their surroundings — and that shift often leads to better outcomes for delegates and organisers alike.

Here’s why winter is one of the most underrated (and strategic) times to host business events in regional Victoria.

Better value, greater flexibility, and more choice

Winter is traditionally a softer period for leisure travel, which creates clear advantages for business events. Venues across regional Victoria often have greater availability, more flexible packages, and increased capacity to tailor experiences.

For planners, that means:

Stronger negotiating power on rates and inclusions
More choice in preferred venues and dates
Easier access to premium spaces that book out quickly in peak seasons

It also reduces competition across accommodation and transport, making logistics smoother for both organisers and delegates.

And while winter delivers practical benefits, it also enhances the overall experience. There’s something uniquely appealing about gathering delegates in the crisp regional air before retreating indoors to warm hospitality, seasonal dining and comfortable spaces designed for collaboration. The contrast creates a sense of occasion that many delegates remember long after the event concludes.

With greater flexibility, reduced demand and a naturally immersive atmosphere, winter offers planners the opportunity to deliver exceptional events while maximizing value and choice.

Environments that encourage deeper thinking

Focused discussion
Stronger collaboration
More intentional networking

There’s something about winter that naturally shifts focus inward — and that works in favour of conferences, strategy sessions, and offsite meetings.

Instead of bright distractions and packed calendars, winter settings encourage:

In regional Victoria, this is amplified by the landscape itself. Misty mornings, rolling vineyards, and coastal views framed by dramatic skies create a sense of pause that helps delegates step out of day-to-day thinking and into more strategic conversations.

Experiences that feel more immersive and memorable

Winter is when regional Victoria’s hospitality really shines. Think roaring fireplaces, seasonal menus, warming local produce, and curated indoor-outdoor experiences designed for connection.

Destinations like the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges lean into the season with food, wine, and wellness experiences that elevate a standard conference into something far more memorable.

Instead of filling downtime with generic activities, winter allows planners to integrate:

Fireside networking sessions

Wine and food experiences showcasing seasonal produce

Wellness and relaxation add-ons between meetings

Exclusive venue buyouts for a more private feel

These details matter — they’re often what delegates remember most.

Venues designed to embrace the season

One of the strengths of regional Victoria is that venues are not just prepared for winter — many are at their best during it.

Properties such as RACV Cape Schanck Resort take advantage of dramatic coastal landscapes and indoor spaces designed for comfort and connection. Meanwhile, mountain retreats, winery estates, and country lodges across the state are built to bring the outdoors in, no matter the weather.

This means planners don’t need to work around winter conditions — they can work with them.

Easier attendee engagement and stronger turnout

Winter conferences often benefit from improved attendance and engagement. With fewer competing events in the calendar and fewer personal travel conflicts, delegates are more likely to attend and fully participate.

Once onsite, the environment supports stronger engagement:

Delegates stay longer in shared spaces
Networking feels more natural and less rushed
Evening programs become more meaningful and social

The result is not just attendance — it’s participation.

A season that supports regional storytelling

Every region in Victoria has a different winter identity, and that diversity is a strength for business events.

This variety allows planners to match the destination to the purpose of the event — whether that’s strategy, celebration, training, or team connection.

Winter is not off-peak — it’s opportunity season

The idea that winter is a quieter time for events is becoming outdated. For many organisations, it is now a strategic choice.

It’s a season that offers:

Better value and availability
More immersive delegate experiences
Stronger focus and engagement
Unique regional character across Victoria

When used intentionally, winter doesn’t limit business events — it elevates them.

Plan your next winter event in Regional Victoria

If you’re considering your next conference, offsite, or incentive program, winter is the perfect time to explore what regional Victoria can offer.

From coastal resorts to vineyard retreats and mountain escapes, the region is ready to deliver events that feel different — and perform better because of it.

Start planning your winter business event in regional Victoria today with Business Events Victoria.

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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.

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Regional Victoria at First Sight: Celebrating the 2026 Regional Victoria Showcase

Brigitte Nottingham — Tue, 26 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Business Events Victoria’s 2026 Regional Victoria Showcase brought the state’s regional business events industry together for an evening of meaningful connections, new opportunities and unforgettable regional experiences.

Held on Monday 25 May 2026 at Evoqe Events in Melbourne, this year’s Showcase marked two significant milestones — 30 years of Business Events Victoria and the 10th edition of the Regional Victoria Showcase.

The evening welcomed 120 plus event planners, PCOs, executive assistants, association representatives and industry professionals, who connected with more than 55 exhibitors from across regional Victoria.

From destinations and hotels to venues, experiences and event suppliers, the Showcase highlighted the depth and diversity of regional Victoria’s business events offering — all under one roof.

Curated Connections Across Regional Victoria

This year’s Regional Victoria at First Sight theme set the tone for an engaging and interactive evening designed to help planners discover their perfect regional event match.

A standout feature of the Showcase was the Mystery Match Networking experience hosted by Nic Yates, which created curated introductions between attendees and exhibitors throughout the night.

The Showcase once again demonstrated the value of bringing planners and regional operators together in a relaxed environment that encourages genuine conversations and future business opportunities.

Bringing the Regional Victoria Experience to Melbourne

Guests enjoyed a taste of regional Victoria throughout the evening, with Gippsland’s Carrajung Estate proudly supplying red and white wines, alongside sparkling by Chandon Australia.

The event also featured live artwork by Danni B from Live Sketch, who captured the spirit of Regional Victoria throughout the evening while creating personalised keepsakes for attendees.

Celebrating Regional Victoria’s Business Events Industry

The 2026 Showcase reinforced the growing strength of regional Victoria as a destination for conferences, corporate retreats, incentives and business events.

From coastal escapes and wine regions to convention centres and immersive regional experiences, the evening showcased why more planners are looking beyond Melbourne for their next event.

Business Events Victoria would like to thank all exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and partners who contributed to making the 2026 Regional Victoria Showcase such a success.

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

Special thanks to:
• Carrajung Estate
• Chandon Australia
• Conference Audio Visual
• Moreton Hire
• BlazeAid Australia

Event Snapshot

Evoqe Events, Melbourne
Monday 25 May 2026
120 plus attendees
55 exhibitors
Ticket proceeds donated to BlazeAid Australia

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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.

The post How to Choose the Right Destination for Your Next Event appeared first on Business Events Victoria.

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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