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Melbourne lands the largest conference ever for Victoria

Feb 23, 2019

Melbourne has been chosen as the host city for the 2023 Rotary International Convention, a massive gathering expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors. The convention is the most valuable conference ever won for the state, expected to attract 20,000 Rotary members from over 200 countries and regions worldwide and injecting over $88 million into the Victorian economy.

The bid led by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments had stiff international competition, which makes it even more prestigious for Rotary to select Melbourne.

MCB took it up a notch in showcasing Melbourne’s capability to meet stringent bid regulations and strategically demonstrate its ability to accommodate the specific needs of Rotary delegates and the convention format.

The successful bid win was made possible by the unified approach with partners, with acknowledgement to the engagement of the local Rotary members and collaborative Team Melbourne determination.

Often described as a “mini-United Nations” because of its global scope and cultural diversity, Rotary’s International Convention will see a kaleidoscope of energy, colour and excitement where Rotary members will exchange ideas for how to improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

The convention is expected to create millions of dollars in economic spinoffs, including the most significant room block in Melbourne’s history for hotels guaranteeing high occupancy levels for up to 50 properties across Melbourne during the off-peak winter season. Convention events will be hosted across two venues – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne & Olympic Parks.

Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Officer Karen Bolinger

“Victoria is a world-leader in the business events sector, and we intentionally pursue events of this size and scale as they deliver significant benefit back to the State, as well as create further bidding opportunities from other worldwide associations that hold numerous major international conferences.”

“The MCB’s strong connections and collaboration with government and local suppliers – its ‘whole-of-city’ approach to winning and delivering events in Melbourne – provides invaluable support to Victoria’s visitor economy. No two events are the same. The MCB recognises the importance of being able to tailor solutions to the individual requirements of such esteemed business events and this requires teamwork. It’s this unity that enables Melbourne to deliver above and beyond expectations, time and again.”

Rotary International President Barry Rassin

“We are excited to host our 114th international convention in Melbourne. Recently named the happiest city in the world and known for its diversity, Melbourne is a reflection of the enthusiasm and internationality of Rotary members. Our members in Melbourne have worked hard to make the world a better place from redistributing surplus fresh food to community food programs around Australia, to their goal of immunising 100,000 children in nine Pacific countries.”

“We’re looking forward to being welcomed into this world class city and showing the people of Melbourne the Internationality of Rotary and the enthusiasm of Rotary to make our world better for those in need”.

City of Melbourne Lord Major, Sally Capp

“We’re proud to be a global city that attracts international events of this scale and the convention will be a huge boost for jobs, businesses and tourism across Melbourne and Victoria.”

“Rotary’s history of service is inspiring. I’m delighted convention guests will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Melbourne’s famed cafes, laneway culture and world-class hospitality.”