Melbourne’s city-wide collaboration helps your association achieve its goals

January 31, 2022

There’s a reason why Melbourne continually wins the host rights for international conferences and business events, it’s renowned as Australia’s knowledge capital and innovation hub. Melbourne is home to some of the world’s brightest minds who continually inspire, innovate and deliver big impact. It’s a city of great minds that incubates thinkers, creators, innovators and producers across multiple sectors, from health and medical; science and engineering; to education, business and technology.

Melbourne Connect is a purpose built innovation hub bringing together world-class researchers, government, industry, SME’s, startups, higher-degree students, artists and Science Gallery Melbourne, in a purpose-built innovation precinct

Home to three knowledge precincts, Melbourne brings together academic institutions, research and medical centres as well as private enterprise to foster world-leading innovation. The Biomedical Precinct, South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct, and the Northern Precinct collectively house some of the world's leading research institutes.

When you select Melbourne as your destination for a conference, you are able to tap into the reputation of this global destination that attracts the world's best minds to gather to think differently, develop new solutions and deliver real change.

 

MCB Knowledge Partnership Program

Knowledge is undeniably a powerful currency in contemporary economies and in securing business events for Australia.

Underlining MCB’s commitment to its role in developing a robust knowledge community, MCB has established a new Knowledge Partnership program, signing up a range of extraordinary organisations and elite thinkers to the program the Doherty Institute, AusBiotech, Burnet Institute, Bio21 Institute, Swinburne University of Technology,  RMIT University, Melbourne Connect , Melbourne Centre for Cities and Walter Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI).

Bio 21 Institute NMR

MCB partners with Victoria’s knowledge community to drive collaboration opportunities, amplify Melbourne’s position as a global knowledge hub, development of local talent and draw attention to upcoming international association bid opportunities and support confirmed events for Melbourne.

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson explains through their Knowledge Partnerships, the bureau can increase the profile of your association and your event – helped along by engaging industry sectors leaders to participate in and promote your event.

“Our partnerships advocate for strengthening global networks and engagement across industry and academia. We can highlight the importance of your meeting on a global scale – and put the spotlight on research and developments within your association.”

Professor Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute, has become a household name through her extensive commentary during the pandemic. She already has 10-year relationship with MCB through her work under the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program (CMAP), owned and led by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which comprises a group of Victoria’ elite thinkers and leaders, who work together to secure and host international conferences in Melbourne.

Professor Lewin says knowledge networks are essential. “The MCB Knowledge Partnership Program provides a platform for us to attract the biggest and best international conferences to Melbourne and place our world-leading research on the global stage, develop connections to academics to facilitate strong education programs, powerful knowledge sharing and foster world-leading innovations.

“When I think back to AIDS 2014 for example – to the incredible Team Melbourne approach steered by MCB to bring this event to Melbourne.

“Some of the most significant lasting legacies that have changed and improved the lives of people affected [by] HIV around the globe as a result, the true value of a knowledge partnership is realised,” Lewin said.

MCB offers so much more than a bidding and venue finding service in Melbourne. MCB is a full-service bureau; they become a strategic business partner for your event.

“We engage what we call ‘Team Melbourne’ to not only support the business development and bid process, but to ensure successful delivery of the event – MCB is there every step of the way, whether the event is held in one or 10 years’ time,” adds Ms. Swanson.

“Legacies are as important to the city as they are to the client, so we focus on delivering powerful legacies aligned with the core purpose of the association, lasting beyond the event itself.”

 

Bring your Association’s event to life in Melbourne

Working closely with you in the lead up to, during and post your conference, the dedicated MCB team will provide a suite of services to ensure the planning process is smooth and the event is attended by the maximum number of delegates.

Each event is unique, and collaboratively with you, MCB tailors the approach for your business event.  Whether it is securing financial support, coordinating site inspections, or sourcing supplier information, MCB will connect you with the right people, places and products to ensure your event is secured, planned and executed with ease and on budget.

 

Why choose Melbourne

An event held in Melbourne will transcend the needs and expectations of any event organiser. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and accessibility and MCB’s unrivalled reputation for facilitating the delivery of high quality business events, delegates will be left wishing they booked a longer stay in Victoria.

It boasts the country’s highest concentration of conference facilities, conveniently located in the heart of the city. The convention district offers more than 197,000 square metres of conference space, the pinnacle of which is Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

If you are planning a unique function, a wide selection of over 80 unique venues is on offer in Melbourne’s city centre alone.

Perfect to explore on foot, or on the extensive transport network, Melbourne invites delegates to explore the host city and beyond. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover Melbourne’s creative culture, history, world class fine dining experiences, fashion, events, and arts and music scene. MCB team can take the lead and weave these elements together to deliver a myriad of pre-and post-conference touring, incentive experiences that cater to all interests, cultures and requirements. For those wanting to explore further afield, the unique natural beauty and wildlife of regional Victoria is just a short trip away. 

 

Ongoing support from MCB

Once an event has been secured for Melbourne, MCB’s Convention Servicing department provide bespoke end-to-end event delivery support, ensuring the planning process is smooth and the event is affordable, accessible and attended by the maximum number of delegates.

Partnering with 200+ suppliers, MCB can connect you to leading venue, accommodation, catering and entertainment options to best meet your event brief to create a show stopping event.

How MCB can help you: Be the eyes and ears on the ground to provide expert localised knowledge Facilitating access to industry experts Referrals to key business event products, services and sustainable suppliers Providing inspiration for unique experiences including pre and post touring options Locating suitable accommodation

MCB is committed to collaborating with you for your next conference, event, incentive program, or meeting in Melbourne. Contact your nearest MCB office for more information and discover support.