Thursday, February 22, 2024
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has unveiled its inaugural First Peoples Engagement Guide, aimed at assisting event organizers in creating business events that provide cultural immersion and drive positive social outcomes.
This guide, tailored for the business events sector, offers practical advice, including tips on organizing a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country, a comprehensive list of Indigenous Business Events Suppliers, and strategies for effectively implementing the guide’s recommendations.
During her speech at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meeting Event (AIME) 2024’s opening ceremony, MCB CEO Julia Swanson highlighted the increasing demand for authentic experiences that honor and celebrate the deep-rooted and diverse culture of Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
Swanson noted that event organizers are increasingly interested in incorporating services from First Peoples-led businesses into their agendas, recognizing the significant impact this can have on the social wellbeing of Indigenous communities and their descendants.
“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 Ms. Swanson.
The guide highlights the exceptional local Indigenous talent and businesses available to enrich business events with their cultural depth and diversity.
Featuring experts in conducting Acknowledgements of Country, culinary specialists in native fusion cuisine, and vendors contributing to Social Impact Funds, the guide equips event planners with resources to organize compelling events. It includes sample itineraries that integrate Victoria’s Indigenous history, culture, and modern experiences into business events.
MCB hopes that this guide will become an essential tool for event planners, helping to create enduring legacies. It aligns with the bureau’s commitment to sustainability and Experience Victoria 2033, the state’s vision for its visitor economy. This vision seeks to empower the Indigenous community in tourism and event industries, making Victoria a premier destination for inclusive, Indigenous-led experiences.
“Global associations planning conferences in Melbourne will find guidance on honoring local customs and identifying opportunities to enhance their social impact, aligning with their sustainability goals or, for Australian companies, their 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,” Ms. Swanson added.
While advocating for the engagement of Indigenous event providers, MCB collaborates with over 120 suppliers, including accommodations, venues, professional conference organizers, transport services, tour operators, and more, to ensure the success of memorable business events.
MCB is dedicated to regularly updating the supplier directory and inspiring event planners in the future.
Discover the First Peoples Engagement Guide online now or find out more about partnering with MCB for your next business event.
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