Boosting Regional Victoria: New Funding for Business Events

Regional Victoria

Exciting Opportunities for Event Organisers in Regional Victoria

A new round of the Regional Business Events Program is now open, offering significant funding to encourage business events in regional Victoria. Supported by the Victorian Government, in collaboration with Business Events Victoria and the Melbourne Convention Bureau, this initiative aims to attract conferences, trade exhibitions, corporate meetings, and incentive events to some of Victoria’s most picturesque locations.

Two Funding Streams Available

Event planners can take advantage of two funding streams to help offset costs and bring their business events to regional Victoria:

1. National Business Events Program

• Grants of up to $80 per delegate (capped at $40,000 per event)

• For new national business events that are yet to be booked in regional Victoria

2. International Incentive Events Program

• Grants of up to $150 per delegate

• Available for new international incentive programs, provided they include at least one overnight stay in regional Victoria

These funds can be applied toward accommodation, venue hire, food and beverage, transport, and other event costs, making it easier for organisers to host high-quality business events outside of Melbourne.

The Impact of Business Events on Regional Victoria

The September 2024 round of funding saw 19 successful recipients, injecting an estimated $3.7 million into regional economies, with approximately 7,400 delegate days booked across the state. The first event to benefit from this new round of funding will be held in March 2025 in Geelong, setting the stage for another successful year of business tourism in Victoria’s regional centres.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, highlighted the importance of bringing business events to regional Victoria:

“We’re bringing more events to our regions, supporting event organisers to host one-of-a-kind experiences in some of Victoria’s most picturesque settings while boosting local jobs and businesses.”

Business Events Victoria General Manager, Chris Porter, emphasised the economic benefits of the program:

“Business events play a critical role in driving visitation to Victoria’s regions. This funding will further encourage and support these important business events, strengthening business prospects across communities throughout the state.”

Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO, Julia Swanson, praised the initiative’s ability to promote regional Victoria on a global scale:

“This initiative presents a fantastic opportunity for more business events to take place in our regional communities, allowing local providers to showcase their offerings and contribute to economic growth at both a local and global level.”

Apply Now for Business Event Funding

Event organisers looking to bring their conferences, exhibitions, or incentive events to regional Victoria are encouraged to apply now. For full eligibility details and application processes, visit:

National Business Events Program: Business Events Victoria 

International Incentive Events Program: Melbourne Convention Bureau

With stunning destinations, world-class venues, and financial support now available, regional Victoria is the perfect location for your next business event!