Run by Business Events Victoria and Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), the program offers up to $50,000 in funding for association conferences, corporate meetings, product launches and trade shows taking place in regional Victoria through its strategic acquisition events stream and up to $200 per delegate for incentive events.
The strategic acquisition stream is managed by Business Events Victoria, with eligible events having at least 25 delegates and including an overnight stay in regional Victoria. At least 30 per cent of delegates for these events must come from outside of the host region and events must take place between January 4, 2027 and March 31, 2028.
The incentive stream is managed by MCB, and is open to international incentives only, with groups of 10 to 149 delegates eligible, provided they spend at least three days in Victoria, including a day and a half in regional Victoria.
“From conferences to seminars, we’re helping regional towns host more business events to boost local economies,” said Victoria’s major events minister, Anthony Carbines.
“These grants will get business events out to the regions, driving investment and keeping local businesses busy throughout the year.”
The previous round of the Regional Business Events Program funded 80 events which collectively delivered over 6,530 delegates into regional Victoria, injecting $16.5 million into the economy.
“Regional Victoria offers an exceptional range of destinations and experiences for business events, and the Regional Business Events Program helps bring these opportunities to market,” said Business Events Victoria executive officer Adeline Keh.
“Attracting new conferences, meetings and incentive events delivers immediate benefits for regional communities and creates opportunities for future visitation, investment and growth.”
