A new round of funding from the Regional Business Events Program is now open, helping bring even more business events to regional Victoria.
Funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by Business Events Victoria in partnership with Melbourne Convention Bureau, the program supports national and international businesses to host events in regional Victoria – from conferences and trade exhibitions to seminars and corporate meetings.
“We’re bringing more events to our regions, supporting event organisers to host one-of-a-kind experiences in
some of Victoria’s most picturesque settings while boosting local jobs and businesses,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.
The program has two funding streams available – the National Business Events Program and the International
Incentive Events Program.
The last round of the National Business Events Program opened in September 2024 and supported 19 successful recipients, which are expected to inject $3.7 million into regional communities across regional
Victoria, amounting to approximately 7,400 delegate days.
The first event to be supported by the funding will be held in March 2025 in Geelong. Business Events Victoria’s National Business Events Program offers grants of up to $80 per delegate (up to a maximum of $40,000) for eligible event organisers to host new business events yet to be booked in regional Victoria.
“Business events play a critical role in driving visitation to Victoria regions, this funding will go a long way to
further encourage and support these important business events for Victoria, strengthening business prospects
across communities throughout the state,” Business Events Victoria general manager, Chris Porter, said.
Under Melbourne Convention Bureau’s International Incentive Events Program, planners can receive up to $150 per delegate for new international incentive programs yet to be booked, which include an overnight stay in regional Victoria.
The funding can be utilised by event organisers for accommodation, venue hire, food and beverage, transport and other event costs.
“This initiative presents a fantastic opportunity for more business events to take place in our regional communities, and for the many extraordinary providers across those regions to showcase everything they have to offer, driving economic growth in the state and strengthening connections both at a local level and on a global scale,” Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive officer, Julia Swanson, said.
As part of the Victorian Government’s $170 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund, the Regional Business Events Program supports local economies by providing opportunities for events, venues, attractions and accommodation providers.
Featured image: The first event to be supported by the funding will be held in March 2025 in Geelong. Photo: iStock/chameleonseye
