Seven Club Melbourne Ambassadors were awarded for their work in securing eight major international business events for Melbourne in 2011 at their annual Christmas cocktails held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) last wednesday (14 Dec).
Dr Dean Morris was awarded two trophies for securing two international business events and Ambassador Professor Paul Zimmet was presented with a trophy in recognition of his appointment to program Chair of the 22nd World Diabetes Congress, 2013.
(Left to right) MCEC acting chief executive Leighton Wood, MCVB chief executive Karen Bolinger, Ambassador trophy recipients and Minister Louise Asher.
Ambassadors and industry had reason to celebrate with wins secured by the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program in 2011 estimated to attract 11,500 delegates to Melbourne and inject more than $84 million into Victoria’s economy.
Presenting trophies to Ambassadors, Minister for Tourism and Major Events The Hon. Louise Asher said the Victorian Coalition Government acknowledges the importance of the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program in securing business events to Victoria.
“The business events sector is the highest yielding segment of the tourism industry, generating $1.2 billion and over 20,000 jobs each year. The eight events announced over the last twelve months showcase our world-class industry and innovation, and reinforce our reputation as a business events leader,” Asher said.
Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) chief executive Officer Karen Bolinger added,“The Club Melbourne Ambassador Program plays an important role in the success of MCVB and is a key strategy in our ‘Think Melbourne, Think Victoria’ campaign, which encourages major Victorian and interstate organisations to consider Melbourne for their business events.
“I would like to thank all of the Club Melbourne Ambassadors for their hard work and dedication in 2011 and look forward to another triumphant year in 2012.”
“I want to thank the 134 Ambassadors for the expertise and industry knowledge they bring to the Program. Their continued success ensures Melbourne is recognised as Australia’s business events capital,” MCEC’s acting chief executive Leighton Wood said. “We thank the State Government of Victoria and MCVB for their ongoing support of the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program.”
Two major wins for the Program include the announcement of the inaugural World Prostate Cancer Congress in 2013 and the World Congress of Cardiology in 2014.
Since the Club Melbourne Ambassador Program’s inception in 2005, Ambassadors have secured 51 international business events which are expected to generate more than $380 million for Victoria.
