BEV has called for a minimum four years of funding alongside a state-wide strategy and research funds for business events.
Victoria’s treasurer Jaclyn Symes, who took office last December, allocated $7.5 million over two years to support business events in Victoria, which includes the operation of BEV, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and supplying the Business Events Fund.
Separately the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has been given $7.5 million over two years for opening and operational costs. The venue is currently under construction and due to open in July 2026.
BEV general manager, Chris Porter, said there would be “a halo effect” following the 2026 opening of Nyaal Banyul that would benefit not only Geelong, but all of Victoria.
Porter applauded the budget funding which will continue to drive the Regional Victoria Business Events Program over the next year.
“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,” he said.
However Porter is calling unequivocally for longer-range funding.
“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,” he said.
