Business operators in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) can expect an influx of visitors as around 14,000 Rotary members and participants from 120 countries come together for the membership service organisation’s international convention 27 - 31 May 2023. 

Considered one of the most valuable business events secured for Victoria in the past 10 years, the Rotary International Convention is expected to deliver $91 million to the local economy —supporting the city’s restaurants, retailers and attractions and accounting for 37,000 hotel room nights.

Held in a different city each year, Melbourne is excitedly preparing to transform the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne & Olympic Parks into bustling hubs and cultural mosaics.  As the global network of volunteers connect and learn from each other, a range of experts will address attendees about how they can take action to tackle the issues in their communities. 

Coordinated by Rotary International in conjunction with the Host Organisation Committee comprised of members from Rotary clubs in Melbourne and across Victoria, the event will showcase Victoria’s tourist attractions, with visitors enjoying Melbourne’s hospitality, food, wine and culture at official events such as a Night at the Museum, an Australian Rules Football Match, a multicultural dining experience at South Wharf, and a race day experience at the Flemington Racecourse.

On top of an action-packed program of events, workshops and keynote speeches, hundreds of ancillary events are also expected to take place around the city, engaging many of Melbourne’s leading venues including the Plaza Ballroom and Eureka89.

Meanwhile, thousands of visitors are expected to frequent tourist hotspots such as Southbank, CBD and Richmond eateries, with likely significant visitation to regional tourism favourites including Phillip Island, the Great Ocean Road and beyond.

Rotary Chair of Host Organising Committee Mary Barry said visitors to Melbourne are keen to experience the food and culture on display that will keep the city’s restaurants, night spots and major arenas buzzing with activity.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to host this year’s Rotary international convention in Melbourne, which will provide an outstanding combination of inspiration and entertainment for our members and participants, and for those interested in learning more about us,” Ms Barry said.

“It’s also an opportunity for Victorian Rotary members to experience the international scope of Rotary and to showcase the positive change they are bringing to communities on a global stage.”

Melburnians can enjoy a complimentary three-day pass to Rotary’s House of Friendship exhibition hall at the MCEC, where more than 100 Rotary humanitarian projects will be on display. Valid Monday-Wednesday, 29-31 May, those interested in learning more can register at the Registration Desk at the MCEC. 

The bid, led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau with support from the Victorian State Government and Tourism Australia, will see this hero event return to Melbourne for the second time, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1993 convention.