HIGH-LEVEL experts from the worlds of science, medicine and technology have been honoured for their part in bringing 12 international conferences to Melbourne.
Their advocacy efforts were recognised at the annual Club Melbourne Ambassador Program Awards. The events they secured are expected to bring more than 10,000 visitors to engage in knowledge sharing and to experience Melbourne.
The number of successful bids secured by Melbourne in 2023 are projected to deliver more than AU$62.5 million in economic impact for the state of Victoria, nearly tripling the economic impact from the previous year, according to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Our Club Melbourne Ambassadors are some of the best and brightest minds in our city.The annual awards night celebrates their ongoing advocacy efforts and commitments to building Melbourne’s reputation for research, business and exceptional events. And we’re so proud this year to celebrate almost triple the economic impact from the high-profile events secured for MCEC.”
– MCEC Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien
MCEC owns Club Melbourne with support and collaboration from the Melbourne Convention Bureau and the Victorian State Government.
Professor Frank Dunshae, Professor Alistair Moffat, Todd Harper, Dr Zaffar Sadiq Mohamed-Ghouse and Professor Geoffrey Metz AO were awarded for their winning bids to host major international events at MCEC.
Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, Professor Ron Wakefield, Professor Grant McArthur and Professor Jonathan Shaw were also recognised for their invaluable assistance in securing events for the venue.
The Club Melbourne Award for Excellence was presented to Professor Geoffrey Metz in recognition of his dedication and advocacy for Melbourne since the program began in 2005. The renowned gastroenterologist and Director of Medical Education at Epworth Hospital has been instrumental in successfully bidding for four major international events, with a combined economic impact of AU$64.3 million.
As Victoria’s lead agency in acquiring and delivering business events, MCB has worked closely with Club Melbourne Ambassadors to secure prestigious business events for Melbourne. Together, we make a formidable team, providing a unique opportunity to connect prominent thinkers and leaders in the promotion of Melbourne as one of the world’s premier conference and event destinations.”
– MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson
The annual awards were hosted at THE LUME Melbourne, a venue that showcases innovation, excellence and creativity with scenes from THE LUME’s immersive experiences including Van Gough, Monet, and Da Vinci, as well as captivating images of Melbourne landmarks and nightscape.
The program boasts over 80 ambassadors in medical, science, engineering, agriculture business and community and infrastructure technologies who together advance Melbourne’s reputation as a global hub for academic and business excellence, and leadership.
