Considered one of the most valuable business events secured for Victoria in the past 10 years, the convention is expected deliver $91 million to the local economy – significantly, during the off-peak season.

The 114^th Rotary International Convention takes place from 27 May to 1 June across Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Rod Laver Arena.

Described as a “mini-United Nations” because of its global scope and cultural diversity, the theme of the five-day conference is Imagine What’s Next and includes keynote speeches, workshops and networking opportunities focused on how to improve lives and bring positive change to communities around the world.

Hundreds of ancillary events will take place across venues such as the Plaza Ballroom, Eureka89 and Flemington Racecourse.

Rotary’s House of Friendship Exhibition Hall at MCEC, where more than 100 Rotary humanitarian projects will be on display, will be open to the public for free from 29 May to 1 June.

Victorian and Melbourne Chamber members can enjoy a free three-day pass to the Exhibition Hall, valid Monday-Wednesday, 29-31 May, warmly welcomed by Rotary members from countries around the world. Members can connect with thousands of leaders, activists, and Rotary members from around the world and enjoy hundreds of Rotary project booths, vendors, foods, and entertainment options.

Highlighting the mutual support for our organisations, Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra was recently the guest speaker at Rotary Southbank’s ESG Forum, talking about the Victorian Chamber’s ESG journey and how it can positively shape business.

The Rotary Convention returns to Melbourne for the second time, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1993 convention. The bid was led by Melbourne Chamber member Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia.

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said: “We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s Rotary International Convention in Melbourne.

“The city has been preparing for this event for many years, and we are confident that our world-class facilities, exceptional events supply chain, and city-wide collaboration will ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees.”

MCEC Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said: “We’re excited to welcome the Rotary International Convention to Melbourne this month. The convention will take over the entire venue, with MCEC hosting the House of Friendship exhibition hall, breakout sessions, luncheons and pre-convention events.

“It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase not just our iconic venue, but the best of what the city has to offer, strengthening Melbourne’s reputation as a leading destination for international conferences and events.”

For more information, visit www.convention.rotary.org

In an increasingly busy time for MCB, Melbourne is also set to host the global Green Energy Summit in August, bringing more than 1,000 delegates to Melbourne for discussions aimed at advancing the uptake of offshore wind and green hydrogen production in the region.