HAND IN HAND
Named the World ’ s Most Liveable City for a seventh time in a row , Melbourne is on a roll and showing no signs of slowing down . The business events sector has benefited from the recent launch of new flights , hotels , attractions and events , with a suite of new visitor inventory and infrastructure also set to launch in 2018 .
The importance of collaboration with government was clear at the opening of the 26th Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo , with Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren throwing his support behind Victoria ’ s booming business events sector .
“ We know how important business events are to our economy ,” he says . “ This is a very competitive market . The likes of South Australian and New South Wales are investing in its convention centres , as is Singapore which is investing millions of dollars in its convention centre , because it is a sought events calendar that they are after , which is what we have already got and we can ’ t afford to give that away .
“ We are proud to work with the Melbourne Convention Bureau ( MCB ) and Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre to make sure we don ’ t miss out on any events in the future , and that ’ s why we have invested millions of dollars in the business event sector . Business events are very valuable to the State and without all of our key partners none of this would be possible .”
Karen Bolinger , CEO of MCB , says the year is off to a flying start . “ Business events have been identified as drivers of economic growth by our State Government , and it goes well beyond the dollar impact ,” she says . “ The Government has recognised that the sector is a gateway to trade and investment , an opportunity to identify priority industry sectors through research and development , and a platform to harness and expose other talent . Ultimately business events accelerate innovation and that is why Melbourne is now seeing unprecedented support from our Government .
“ Our clients can be confident of Government support for their events , get access into the relevant Government department , rely on Government for advocacy and bid support and hold a reasonable expectation for Government participation at their event .
“ As a result of this we are no longer on the cusp of Government . We are well entrenched and vital to delivering their public promises . We think this is a very valuable statement by our State Government as they are really walking the talk .”
ON THE PODIUM
Info Salons Group founder and CEO Jo-Anne Kelleway has been named the AIME Industry Person of the Year for 2018 .
Best stand over 36sqm – Northern Territory Convention Bureau Best stand under 36sqm – Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Best new exhibitor – Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board
4 AIMEDaily Day 2 , 2018