The economic impact of the 2023 Rotary International Convention is expected to be $91 million, with room blocks for the event at 67 hotels around the city.
We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s Rotary International Convention in Melbourne,” said Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau, which played a major role in securing the event for Melbourne.
“The convention is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our city’s strengths as a global destination for hosting large-scale conventions – the first of this scale since pre-COVID.
“The city has been preparing for this event for many years, and we are confident that our world-class facilities, exceptional events supply chain, and city-wide collaboration will ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”
The main venues for the convention are Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Rod Laver Arena, the centre court at Melbourne Park which hosts the biggest matches of the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam each year. However hundreds of associated events are expected to take place around the conference which runs from May 27 to June 1, using venues including the Plaza Ballroom, Eureka89 and Flemington Racecourse.
Rod Laver Arena will hold the larger gatherings of the convention, with four general sessions taking place over four days.
“This is a unique opportunity to show off the best of our city to a diverse group of people from around the world, and we are thrilled to be able to welcome them to our precinct – Melbourne’s home of live events,” said Melbourne & Olympic Parks chief executive, John Harnden AM.
The event will also utilise the full footprint of MCEC – Australia’s largest convention centre.
“The convention will take over the entire venue, with MCEC hosting the House of Friendship exhibition hall, breakout sessions, luncheons and pre-convention events,” said MCEC chief executive Natalie O’Brien AM.
This is the second time the Rotary Convention will be held in Melbourne.
