The $7.5 million from the Victorian State Budget allocated over two years to support business events in Victoria provided a fantastic opportunity to continue to drive the regional programs, the head of Business Events Victoria said.
This $7.5 million includes funding for the Melbourne Convention Bureau, Business Events Victoria and the Business Events Fund to attract business events to Victoria. In addition, separate support of $11 million was provided for Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre which is set to open in July 2026.
Business Events Victoria general manager, Chris Porter, said the funding commitment provides a fantastic opportunity to continue to drive the successful Regional Victoria Business Events Program for the next 12 months.
“Regional business events play a critical role in supporting regional economies especially during shoulder and mid-week periods,” Porter said. “In what is a very competitive landscape, with regional Victoria competing nationally against other regional destinations and capital cities like Adelaide and Hobart, this funding provides support to continue to profile our great state to these high value visitors.
“With Nyaal Banyul opening next year, this additional funding will ensure the opportunity is maximised for Geelong, with a halo effect benefiting all of Victoria, continuing to profile all of regional Victoria as a business events destination.”
While this broad support for the business sector is welcomed, a longer-term commitment to business events is required. Business Events Victoria is calling for a minimum of four years of funding, the development of a state-wide Business Events Strategy and investment in contemporary business events research.
“With business events being planned two, three or four plus years in advance, a longer-term commitment and robust state-wide strategy is required to support the successful acquisition of business events to Victoria,” Porter added.
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“It’s the right Budget for the right time, responsible, practical and focused on what matters most to Victorians,” Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said in a statement. “Regional Victoria is the beating heart of our state and this Budget is focused on what matters for the people who call it home.
“Tourism in regional Victoria injects billions of dollars into our economy ever year, and helps local communities flourish.”
