Geelong has joined the ranks of Australia’s leading conference destinations following the opening of the new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, a project that has been years in the making and is expected to reshape the city’s visitor economy. With Minister Dimopoulos announcing that the 56 booked forward events are estimated to bring $13 million in economic value to the Geelong region.
Located on Geelong’s waterfront, the $450 million precinct combines a purpose-built convention and exhibition facility with a new hotel, creating a conference destination capable of attracting events that have traditionally gravitated towards Melbourne and other capital cities.
The venue includes a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition halls, meeting rooms and flexible event spaces designed to accommodate conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners and corporate functions. Its waterfront location offers organisers a compelling alternative to city-centre venues, while remaining within easy reach of Melbourne Airport and the Victorian capital.
The opening also comes at a time when many organisations are looking beyond traditional CBD locations for conferences and meetings. Regional destinations offering high-quality facilities, accommodation and memorable delegate experiences are increasingly attractive to associations and corporate event planners.
Several significant industry events are already scheduled for the venue over the next two years, helping to establish Geelong’s credentials as a serious player in the national conference market.