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The guide is a valuable resource for business event planners to drive social impact and deliver rich cultural experiences. The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is proud to announce the launch of its First Peoples Engagement Guide, an essential tool for event planners seeking to create culturally enriching business events and foster positive social impact.
The introduction guide is tailored exclusively to the business events sector. It contains practical information on when and how to plan a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country, a curated Indigenous Business Events Supplier Guide, and helpful tips on how to put the guidance into practice.
MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson spoke at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meeting Event’s (AIME) 2024 opening press conference on the growing desire for experiences that respect and promote Victoria’s First Peoples’ rich and diverse culture.
“Event planners are increasingly looking for ways to include First Peoples-led suppliers into their programmes, seeing the chance to significantly contribute to the social outcomes of Victoria’s First Peoples and future generations.
“Melbourne and Victoria boast thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, providing a profound backdrop to enrich delegate experiences. By incorporating Indigenous-owned and operated suppliers into a business event program, it not only celebrates this cultural heritage but also positively impacts the social fabric of Victoria’s First Peoples and contributes to the well-being of future generations,” said Swanson.
The First Peoples Engagement Guide highlights extraordinary local talent and Indigenous-owned and operated businesses prepared to add cultural depth and diversity to business events.
From professionals accredited to perform Acknowledgements of Country to caterers delivering native fusion food to merchandise suppliers contributing to Social Impact Funds, the handbook provides planners with the resources they need to create unforgettable events. Business event planners will be inspired by the example incentive itineraries that include Victoria’s Indigenous heritage, culture, and modern experience.
MCB hopes the book will serve as a regular reference tool for business event planners while leaving a lasting legacy. It supports the bureau’s sustainability strategy and aligns with Experience Victoria 2033, Victoria’s 10-year strategic plan to shape the future of the visitor economy by empowering the First Peoples community in the tourism and events sectors and positioning Victoria as a leading destination for diverse, First Peoples-led experiences.
“International associations hosting their conference in Melbourne can learn how to respect local traditions and discover easy ways to increase their social impact outcomes, support their company’s sustainability policy or for Australian organisations, their company’s Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives.
“Corporate meeting and incentive planners will find inspiring speakers and outstanding entertainment for their gala welcome event or use the guide to discover meaningful, culture-rich experiences to infuse into their itinerary,” Swanson added.
While MCB encourages using Indigenous event suppliers, it also partners with over 120+ suppliers, including hotels, venues, PCOs, transport providers, tour operators, and others, to ensure successful and memorable business events.
MCB will continue to update the supplier directory, providing ongoing inspiration to business event planners in the future.
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