 
Thirty years in business is a long time in anyone’s language, and it couldn’t have come at a better period for the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau which is still celebrating recently being named Australia’s top congress city. Members of the Melbourne business tourism industry attended a luncheon to celebrate the 30 year milestone where the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding, acknowledged the spirit and creativity of Melburnians and thanked key figures in the business events industry from the past and the present including previous tourism ministers, and MCVB chief executive officers, chairpersons, board members and staff.
Established in 1968 - the first convention and visitors bureau in Australia – it wasn’t until 1977 that the bureau is said to have really come into its own after receiving additional resources. At that time the local business events industry was valued at around $17 million, attracting on average nine international conventions a year. Today, it is Australia’s top international convention city worth an estimated $1.2 billion, supports 14,000 jobs (statewide), and plays host to more than 50 international conventions a year.
At the celebratory luncheon, chairman of the MCVB, Janine Kirk, praised the achievements of the bureau and the industry at large.
“Acknowledgement should go the insight, commitment and determination of those who invested in Melbourne as a world leading convention city,” she said.
“In the last 10 years the MCVB has delivered more than one million room nights in our hotels and generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for the Victorian economy - an incredible record.”
The MCVB’s chief executive officer, Sandra Chipchase, commented on the changing face of the business events industry when she said “no longer can we rely on a handshake and the promise of koalas and sandy beaches to secure major events.
“The bidding process has become hugely complex, sophisticated and political. We are fortunate that Melbourne has the infrastructure, expertise and government support already in place.”
Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre chief executive Leigh Harry said state government support of $370 million has led to the construction of what will be Australia’s largest combined convention and exhibition centre, when it opens for business in 2009.
“When the new Melbourne Convention Centre opens it’ll be one of the most impressive architectural and environmental buildings in Australia. Already 17 international conventions which will inject more than $285 million and bring 42,000 international business delegates to the state [have been secured].”
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