Coronavirus (COVID-19) - MCB

Information for Partners 

To help ease some of the strain on our 200+ partners due to the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19), Melbourne Convention Bureau has extended the membership period for all our current partners at no extra cost. The best outcomes come from working together through difficult times. Helping our partners navigate the challenges presented by this situation is MCB’s highest priority right now. 

Business events can be held in various settings across Victoria, from meeting rooms in hotels, museums, restaurants and cafes, to dedicated conference facilities. Therefore, the restrictions applied to these events depends on the setting in which it takes place. For further information please see the Coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap to reopening on the Vic.Gov.au website.  Further information, including frequently asked questions, will be published to the sector guidance pages for accommodation, hospitality, attractions and experiences and tourism (tours and transport).

The Victorian Government has provided a Public Events Framework and information to help organisers of public events in Victoria to meet their safety obligations and responsibilities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the Vic.Gov.au website. 

MCB currently is participating in regular liaison with industry bodies including:

• State Government of Victoria
• Business Events Australia
• AACB
• ICCA
• BestCities Global Alliance
• MEA
• AAOA
• TAA
• MCEC

Further Information and Resources

• Download the Australian Government Coronavirus App to access to access up-to-date official information. Available on Android and Apple.
• Do your best to stay informed and use information from reputable sources, for example the coronavirus section of the Department of Health and Human Services website - https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
• The Australian Government is offering support to Australian businesses affected by COVID-19, regardless of whether you are a sole trader or employ staff, find out what support is available to you via https://www.business.gov.au/coronavirus
• The Victorian Chamber of Commerce are providing information to help support businesses affected by COVID-19. They’re offering various resources including guides, webinars and suggested business policies and procedures to use during this time. To access this information visit: https://www.victorianchamber.com.au/business-support/crisis-information/covid-19-coronavirus-resources
• If you haven’t already you should review your business continuity plans in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. There is now a national emergency response policy document that takes precedence over any existing plans so you should review your plans against this: Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan For Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Businesses across the state can now access information on dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.The hotline will provide the latest information on the response to coronavirus (COVID-19) and how this affects businesses, including how to access financial support available through the national stimulus package. Operators calling the hotline will be able to get information about support services, including those available through Business Victoria, which offers mentoring to help operators develop business continuity and recovery plans. The Australian Banking Association (ABA) announced that their members will defer loan repayments for six months for small businesses who need assistance because of the impacts of the coronavirus.
• The Federal Government released an economic stimulus package which may assist some businesses.
• Here is a fact sheet on health.gov.au for hotels and hotel staff.
• The Department of Health and Human Services has the latest information here.  
• The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has provided comprehensive information on both Federal and State support initiatives:
  • For Federal Government Support Initiatives, click here.
  • For State Government Support Initiatives, click here.
• The Accommodation Association has released its COVID-19 factsheet to its members which includes comprehensive information that seeks to respond to the many questions they have been receiving. It includes new information that comes to hand, as well as member only factsheets on COVID-19 and Industrial Relations matters. This resource contains details on the latest updates from World Health Organization and Department of Health; links to the Government Stimulus Package; Advice on Occupational Health & Safety; and on the Industrial Relations response. Learn more here.
• Visit Victoria COVID-19 Updates here
• The Australian Government has released new workplace safety protocols and COVID-19 Information for workplaces, guiding business and industries in a return to operations in a safe environment.
• Business Victoria has provided guidelines and resources to assist businesses in the Tourism Industry to reopen. For the Tourism Industry Guidelines for COVID-19, click here.

   

2020 Events Cancelled/Postponed 

For Melbourne Convention Bureau Partners seeking updates on conferences beyond 2020, please visit your Partner Portal where changes to events outside of 2020 are being reported on.

Partnerships Enquiries

For partnerships related enquiries please contact:

Rebecca Eagleson, Director, Partnerships and Events

T +61 3 9002 2317 / M + 61 407 043 881 / E rebecca.eagleson@melbournecb.com.au