The Victorian Government is attracting more business events to regional Victoria, with a new round of the Regional Business Events Program now open.
Delivered by Business Events Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the program helps national and international organisations bring conferences, trade exhibitions, seminars, corporate meetings and incentive programs to regional Victoria.
The program strengthens the regional business events sector by supporting local businesses and jobs, encouraging visitors to stay longer and creating opportunities for repeat visitation.
Two funding streams are available:
- Strategic Acquisition Events – grants of up to $50,000 for eligible business events held in regional Victoria with at least 25 delegates, delivered by Business Events Victoria.
- International Incentive Events– grants of up to $200 per delegate (depending on location) for new international incentive events with a minimum of 10 delegates, delivered by the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
Funding is available for eligible events held before 31 March 2028 and can support costs including accommodation, venue hire, food and beverage, transport and other event expenses.
The previous round supported 80 new business events, bringing more than 6,530 delegates to regional Victoria and generating $16.5 million in economic benefit for regional communities.
For program information, eligibility requirements and application details, visit Business Events Victoria website for the Strategic Acquisition Events stream, or Melbourne Convention Bureau website for the International Incentive Events stream.
The Regional Business Events Program is funded by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines
“From conferences to seminars, we’re helping regional towns host more business events to boost local economies.”
“These grants will get business events out to the regions, driving investment and keeping local businesses busy throughout the year.”
Quote attributable to Business Events Victoria Executive Officer Adeline Keh
“Regional Victoria offers an exceptional range of destinations and experiences for business events, and the Regional Business Events Program helps bring these opportunities to market.”
“Attracting new conferences, meetings and incentive events delivers immediate benefits for regional communities and creates opportunities for future visitation, investment and growth.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer Julia Swanson
“The Regional Business Events Program enables organisers to deliver memorable experiences in some of Victoria’s outstanding regional destinations, driving visitation, supporting local businesses and creating jobs.”
Media contacts:
Business Events Victoria media contact: Adeline Keh, 0426 246 822
Melbourne Convention Bureau media contact: Emma Hall, 0429 553 183
