Victorian leaders in science, research, technology, finance and business met in the State's capital city Melbourne today, to support Think Victoria, a campaign to mobilize leaders in these disciplines to promote and showcase Victoria's expertise, knowledge and facilities, and to secure more international business events for Victoria.
Think Victoria was officially launched by the Hon John Brumby MP, Minister for Innovation, Minister for State and Regional Development, at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre this morning, before a gathering of more than 250 of Victoria's leading professionals.
Professor Gab Kovacs, Medical Director, Monash IVF, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash Medical School, Box Hill Hospital, and Professor David Wood, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Melbourne, who have been instrumental in securing major scientific global events for Victoria, added their support to the campaign, encouraging Victorians to Think Victoria at every opportunity and recommend the State to the world.
"Think Victoria is a great initiative for our State," said Professor Kovacs. "Victoria has excellence in medicine, and by bringing international experts to Melbourne for business events, we get to demonstrate our expertise and exchange ideas."
Every year, business events generate AUD$1 billion for the Victorian economy. In addition to the direct spending of delegates, these events benefit Victoria by showcasing Victorian good and services, stimulating sales and exports and raising awareness of our strengths.
Gary Grimmer, CEO, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), whose role it is to promote Melbourne and Victoria globally as a business events destination, said that: "high profile events generate more exports, create investment interest and also help reverse the 'brain drain' by attracting more Australian talent back home".
"Business events draw together international specialists, provide an opportunity to access new technology, share ideas and to develop valuable business contacts. And while those people are here, in Victoria, meeting together, they spend up to four times more than the average leisure visitor," Mr Grimmer said.
Melbourne is recognized internationally as one of the world's leading convention and event destinations. In addition, throughout Victoria there are many unique destinations perfect for board meetings, retreats and conferences.
Current infrastructure developments such as Docklands and Federation Square will further enhance Victoria's character and appeal.
Melbourne has over 18,000 accommodation rooms, 4,500 restaurants and Australia's highest concentration of convention facilities located in the city centre, including Australia's largest exhibition centre, five major convention hotels and a number of multi-purpose venues.
"We are calling on Victoria's 'thinking community' to help us identify and bid for major international conferences and business events that will contribute to those industries and professions and help them grow and prosper. MCVB will offer assistance to these organizations and help them to promote Victoria as the host destination for their next event," Mr Grimmer said. |
