To celebrate this week’s 30^th anniversary of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is proclaiming the top three reasons to host business events in Melbourne, namely – quality, culture and nature.

1. Quality

Melbourne is home to creative spaces, places and people. It’s Australia’s centre of culinary excellence. The city is constantly evolving – innovating and adapting to meet new needs.

Planners and delegates benefit from our innovation and excellence in event delivery including:

• An impressive track record of securing and hosting successful major events, including the 2023 Rotary International Convention, expected to attract 20,000 Rotary members from over 120 countries and regions worldwide
• The home to Australia’s largest conference and exhibition centre, located within a short and scenic walk from the CBD
• Variety of accommodation, with access to an estimated 42,000 Melbourne hotel rooms to accommodate delegates by the end of 2023
• Incredible state-of-the-art venue options catering to both small and large groups
• Plenty of sustainable-oriented suppliers and venues to choose from across all touchpoints of the event
• A diverse calendar of amazing events, theatre shows and live music to invigorate incentive programs or provide post-event entertainment for delegates.

2. Storied culture
   

   Marvel Stadium

Melbourne is Australia’s capital of knowledge and culture. It’s a university city with inventors, innovators and world-leading academics and sustainability experts. No matter where you go, you will become immersed in a rich tapestry of stories and an intriguing array of ancient and cutting-edge cultures.

Planners and delegates benefit from Melbourne’s unique cultural offerings including:

• Connection to the country’s leading academic and professional minds
• Access to a vibrant technology, research and start-up community
• World-class knowledge precincts at your doorstep, such as the Doherty Institute and the purpose-built innovation precinct Melbourne Connect
• A cosmopolitan and welcoming city with rich history and architecture
• Opportunities to celebrate stories of the world’s oldest living culture

3. Nature

Melbourne offers diverse nature experiences within the city centre and within a short distance from the CBD to enjoy pre or post-event.

Delegates can drive, ferry, tram, train or helicopter to discover more of what makes Victoria so special, including:

• Access to stunning gardens, the Melbourne Zoo and water sports such as URBNSURF, Australia’s first surf park
• Memorable nature escapes to wildlife reserves such as Healesville Sanctuary
• Coastal getaways along the scenic Great Ocean Road
• Spa and wellness experiences including thermal hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula
• Opportunities to give back and strengthen connections in nature, such as assisting to build penguin nests at Phillip Island Nature Park
• Day trips to charming historical villages and renowned wine regions
• Exhilarating alpine experiences, from mountain biking to skiing.

Edited by: Peter Needham

========================================