Lack of space sees important events lost to rival state

15 /07/ 2013 Comments are Closed

The state’s peak events industry body, the Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC), echoes the frustration expressed by the conference and events leaders this week on learning Victoria lost a major Chinese business convention to Sydney.

VEIC Chief Executive Dianne Smith says, “Each week we are missing out on significant business opportunities simply as a result of lack of space to host these major events.

“We urge the Victorian government to commit to the expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) as it is one of our most important tourism priorities.

“MCEC is an outstanding facility for conventions and exhibitions, and contributes approximately $212 million each year to Victoria’s economy. Plus Melbourne Convention Bureau also do an excellent job at attracting business to the state.

“The venue is currently being forced to turn away business due to a lack of exhibition space. The State Government missed an important opportunity in this year’s state budget to invest in Victoria’s future through funding the extension of this important Melbourne venue.

“Events held in Melbourne have a positive flow on benefit across Victoria, with international business visitors generally staying for a number of days and often travelling outside of Melbourne.”

About the Author

VTIC

The peak body for Victoria's tourism and events industry, VTIC represents key industry associations and operators, with over 1400 members.

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Events

march

03mar9:00 am5:00 pm2020 Visitor Economy Forum9:00 am - 5:00 pm Crown Promenade Melbourne

Event Details

The 2020 Visitor Economy Forum will be the first opportunity for our industry to come together since the bushfire disaster. VTIC has been working closely with Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria to develop a tailored program to share key recovery priorities and activities they are undertaking collectively to support the industry.

Recognising the significant impacts felt by operators across the state over this period, and with the generous support from our friends at Crown Melbourne, this year we are offering registration to the Visitor Economy Forum FREE OF CHARGE. Crown Melbourne have played a significant role through the bushfire recovery and this continued support shows their commitment to regional communities affected by the fires and the industry as a whole.

PROGRAM:

9am Registration

9.30am Welcome – Matt McDonald, Chair, VTIC

9.35am Ministerial Address – The Hon. Martin Pakula MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events

9.45am MC Welcome – Gorgi Coghlan

9.55am VTIC Update – Felicia Mariani, Chief Executive, VTIC

10.15am Tourism Australia Update – Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, Tourism Australia

10.45am Visit Victoria Update – Brendan McClements, CEO, Visit Victoria

11.15am Morning Tea

11.45am Panel Discussion Opening Address – Erin Boutros & Eleanor Baillieu, Co-Founders, Empty Esky

12noon Panel Discussion – Terry Robinson, CEO, Destination Gippsland, Sarah Pilgrim, Acting CEO, Tourism North East, Lisa Patroni, Executive Director Marketing, Communications and Partnerships, Parks Victoria and Erin Boutros & Eleanor Baillieu, Co-Founders of Empty Esky.

1pm Lunch

1.50pm Workshop Session 1 (details below)

3pm Workshop Session 2 (details below)

4pm Networking Drinks

5pm Event Concludes

WORKSHOPS:

WORKSHOP A: Influencing consumer connections through PR & social media (1.50pm & repeated at 3pm)

Create unique and compelling opportunities that provide visiting media worthy content for publishing. Plus the panel will share their insights on the importance of storytelling to convert social media networks to customers.

Speakers: Novy Wong- Tourism Australia, Despina Karatzias- Global Ballooning & Institute of Excellence, Alex Miles- Visit Victoria

WORKSHOP B: Engaging with Tourism Australia and managing recovery marketing (1.50pm & repeated at 3pm)

After a crisis event, it’s essential to implement a targeted recovery effort to encourage return visitation. Tourism Australia will discuss their future recovery campaigns, and will detail opportunities for operators to engage with them. Plus hear as Tourism Tribe provides recovery marketing opportunities, information on reviewing products and audiences, practical tips and resources to support a proactive marketing response.

Speakers: Kristy Malapa- Tourism Australia & Liz Ward- Tourism Tribe

WORKSHOP C.1: International Market Update: The next wave – South and South East Asia (1.50pm only)

With many emerging nations in South and South East Asia, this market is predicted to significantly grow over the next decade. Hear about initiatives and opportunities available for Victorian products, plus practical advice on how tourism businesses can benefit.

Speakers: Edea Lu- Tourism Australia, Celia Ho- Visit Victoria, Nicole Hill- Melbourne Star

WORKSHOP C.2 – International Market Update: The growth of the Americas (3pm only)

As a result of the increased aviation capacity and resources in this region, the Americas market has grown rapidly. Understand the short and medium term opportunities for operators, and hear from the expert panel as they discuss the best techniques to reach this audience.

Speakers: Sarah Mackenney- Tourism Australia, David Evans- Visit Victoria, Paul Murray- Acacia Luxury Private Tours

WORKSHOP D – Visit Victoria marketing response and future initiatives (1.50pm & repeated at 3pm)

With the announcement of additional Government resources for the tourism and events industry, listen to Visit Victoria as they detail their future marketing plans and understand how you can leverage off these initiatives.

Speakers: Nigel Aldons, Charles Deuchrass & Shae Keenan- Visit Victoria

Where
Crown Promenade
8 Whiteman Street, Melbourne

Cost
FREE, maximum of four registrations per organisation.

Questions?
Please contact the team on 03 8662 5425 or info@vtic.com.au

This event is currently SOLD OUT. Please click below to join the waitlist.

Please note waitlist priority will be given to VTIC members.