MCEC TEAMS WITH VTIC TO BOOST VIC

MELBOURNE Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has announced a new partnership with Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) to support the tourism & business events sector.

The two bodies will work together on leadership and development opportunities for the sector, with the goal of growing the state’s events offering and attracting more visitors.

VTIC’s Vision Summit 2023 will be a key element of the partnership, taking place at the MCEC on 02 Mar, and will explore changing trends in the sector as well as the industry’s recovery and sustainability strategy.

“Pre-pandemic, MCEC alone contributed more than $1 billion to the Victorian economy, and we’re well on our way to that same level of impact,” MCEC CEO Natalie O’Brien said.

“This partnership with VTIC ensures we can continue to promote the role of business events and help foster talent development and leadership in the broader tourism space.”

MEANWHILE, Melbourne’s events industry is set to receive a major boost, thanks to a $3 million grant program announced by the state’s government.

The Small and Medium Events Program is designed to stimulate spending across the city and its surrounds to help aid the state’s economic recovery.

Applications are open until 28 Feb, with grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 available for events between 01 Jun-31 Dec.

“We’re backing smaller events across the city and suburbs, because more options diversifies the offering for locals and visitors alike,” Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said.

“We know events deliver massive benefits to the Victorian economy and with this new program, we’re supporting more jobs and backing communities.”