Events have included the Associations Forum National Conference, which attracted more than 500 delegates, the Business Managers Victoria Annual Leadership Conference, the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Ball, alongside a community open day and the Geelong Careers Expo.
“We’re thrilled with how well the first month has gone,” said Nyaal Banyul’s general manager, Rick Aylett.
“The response from organisers, delegates and the local community has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s a great foundation to build on.
“One week we’re welcoming thousands of local residents through the doors, the next we’re hosting a national conference. That’s exactly what Nyaal Banyul was designed to do,” he said.
“These events support local hotels, restaurants, suppliers and businesses, while helping showcase Geelong as a destination for major events.”
Both Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine executive director, Tracy Carter, and Victoria’s new trade, tourism and investment minister, Natalie Suleyman, echoed Aylett’s comments.
“It’s been particularly pleasing to welcome delegates for large national conferences who have filled hotel rooms across the city, found their way into hospitality and cultural precincts and toured further afield before and after their events,” said Carter.
Meanwhile, Suleyman said: “Nyaal Banyul is already providing a major boost for regional Victoria, drawing strong interest and helping grow the region’s visitor economy.
“This early success has delivered real benefits for local small businesses and workers, with more people staying overnight and spending in local hotels, cafés, restaurants, shops and local suppliers across the region.”
The convention centre opened in late June, featuring 1,000-seat plenary theatre and 3,700m2 of flexible space.
The venue is continuing to offer subvention funding of up to $60,000 per event, through discounts on the venue’s services, to build its future pipeline.
