With exceptional business event infrastructure, a year-round calendar of exciting major events, an award-winning approach to sustainability, and top medical research hubs attracting the world’s brightest minds, Melbourne is rapidly becoming Asia Pacific’s must-do MICE destination.

The city is well known as the capital of culture and innovation, and with a rich multicultural history and reputation as a foodie haven, it offers everything event professionals need to create successful conferences, incentive reward programs, and pre and post conference experiences.

Of course when it comes to bidding and hosting your business event or incentive program, the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) should always be your first port of call. The experienced MCB team provide excellent free advice and support — from bidding and program development to planning and delivery.

Keen to know more about this top MICE destination? Here’s seven reasons why Melbourne for conferences, meetings and incentives.

1. Tap into the city’s knowledge bank

Melbourne is globally recognised for its expertise across multiple sectors, from health and medical, science and engineering to education, business and technology. Plus MCB’s access to world-leading research institutes and academic connections allows you to tap into the city’s knowledge leaders to further develop and elevate your event program.

2. A wealth of world-class and unique venues

Melbourne boasts the country’s highest concentration of conference facilities, conveniently located in the heart of the city, including the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. If you’re after a space that’s unique and impactful, planners can choose from an astounding selection of over 80 eclectic and jaw dropping venues in Melbourne’s city centre alone, such as The LUME, Marvel Stadium, The Timber Yard and SEALIFE Aquarium.

3. Accessibility from all angles

Melbourne is a well-connected, accessible city making it easy and enjoyable for delegates to travel in and around. In fact, the city’s best conference and exhibition venues, accommodation and unique gala venues are generally within a 15 minute walk from each other, or an easy, free tram ride.  There are also many direct flight routes into Melbourne Airport, which is only 22km (or around 13.5 miles) from the city centre.

4. Culture and diversity

Melbourne’s culture is vibrant and alive and can be experienced year-round in its cosmopolitan streets and hidden laneways, rooftop bars and cafes, festivals, exhibitions, museums and galleries. Revolve a conference or incentive program around an international sporting event such as the Australian Tennis Open. Discover our shopping meccas such as Chadstone – The Fashion Quarter. Catch a show in an historic theatre or learn about Victoria’s fascinating gold rush history at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill.

5. A world-class food and drink scene

Melbourne is internationally renowned as a foodie haven with a melting pot of cuisines and flavours. Get a taste of fresh local Victorian produce in award-winning restaurants, go on a winery tour, experience bush foods and indigenous fare, discover a hidden laneway bar or try a hands-on cooking class.

Sea stack at Gibsons Steps. Credit: Tourism Australia

6. It’s easy to access nature and wildlife

It’s so easy to access breathtaking coastlines, wildlife, waterfalls, wineries and more within an easy 1.5 hour drive or 30 minute helicopter ride from Melbourne. Whether you want to cuddle a koala or soak in geo- thermal mineral springs under the starts, there is plenty to see and do for groups of all sizes.

7. A massive choice of hotels for any budget

There are so many accommodation options in Melbourne you won’t have any problem finding the perfect property for your delegates and budget. All major international hotel chains are represented including Accor Hotels, Hyatt, Hilton, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, Marriott, Sofitel, Novotel, Crown and Holiday Inn, ranging from three-and-a-half to five- star. There is also a wealth of boutique-style hotels for something a little quirky and different.

With over 50 years’ experience, MCB provides a free one-stop service to creating memorable events in the city. Partnering with 150+ suppliers, MCB connects you to leading venues, accommodation, catering, entertainment, transport, tourism experiences and itinerary development options to best meet your event brief and budget.

The team is also on hand to help ease the load of planning an incentive itinerary by creating personalised bespoke programs to accommodate every incentive group of any size.

Discover event support with Melbourne Convention Bureau here or contact the team at [email protected].