Mildura locals may have noticed a few unfamiliar faces around town as a series of business events come to Mildura.
This month, three events secured through Business Events Victoria’s activities are being held in Mildura and its surrounding regions and we know how popular Mildura is once delegates arrive.
These three events alone equate to over $600,000 in economic gains, benefiting businesses and residents throughout the region.
The broader community benefits of these types of events may not have been well recognised in the past – but for the first time, national research conducted by Tourism Research Australia has revealed the extent to which local economies benefit. New data shows over a third of the total travel spend from business events goes to takeaway meals and restaurants, shopping, tours, transportation and entertainment.
This amounts to $18.3 billion a year nationally – showing the country has a huge amount to gain by cultivating business events in regional communities.
For over 25 years, BEV has been operating as a not-for-profit industry association and is the only statewide business events organisation in the country that is solely focused on regional areas.
With over 100 members across Victoria representing venues, destinations, experience and service providers, BEV’s focus is on attracting national conferences into regional cities that align with key regional industries such as Food & Fibre, Agribusiness, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Energy.
As a premium Victorian producer of quality agriculture and aquaculture products for domestic and international markets, there are many associations that should be looking to Mildura for their next conference.
It is Australia’s second largest wine region, while food and beverage products count among Mildura’s major exports, with the warm and sunny climate creating perfect growing conditions for citrus, table grape and tree nuts.
Sitting near the intersection of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, and directly connected by air to Melbourne and Sydney, Mildura’s convenience, stunning natural attractions and lively food and drinks scene make it a perfect conference location.
Conferences also have longer-term positive impacts on regional tourism – research shows that someone who travels to a region for business is significantly more likely to return to the area for leisure with their families.
Mildura is welcoming conference delegates from around the country this year, with the Australian Women Pilots’ Association National Conference held this past April, and the RDAA (Rural Doctors Association Australia) Victorian Rural Health Conference this month and SARRAH (Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health) National Conference coming up.
These events come off the back of ChangeFest 24 earlier this year – a three-day conference staged across multiple venues.
In the past 18 months, BEV has referred over 340 leads to regional Victoria worth a potential 53,000 delegate days or an estimated economic contribution $17.8 million if secured.
To date, BEV has secured 87 business events for 2024. This equates to an estimated economic impact of $ 9.6 million, reflecting 28,784 delegate days and 20,690 accommodation room nights.
Reach out to Business Events Victoria for more information or for free support and assistance with your business events in Mildura or regional Victoria.
