The four day event in March 2023 is expected to deliver US$9.2 million in economic contribution to the state. Photo Credit: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has won the bid to
host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in 2023, the first time
the annual event will be held in Australia.
To be held over four days from 27 – 30 March 2023, the event, managed
by professional conference organiser MCI Australia, is expected to
attract more than 2,500 delegates from more than 170 countries, and
deliver AUD$12.9 million (US$9.2 million) in economic contribution to
the state.
Julia Swanson, MCB Chief Executive said the "successful bid
proposition" was made possible by the combined efforts of the "Victorian
State Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund
Program, MCB and Global Entrepreneurship Network’s (GEN) Australian
Chapter [which] brought together key stakeholders across the Australian
startup ecosystem, including Startup Victoria, Invest Victoria, and
Melbourne Connect".
The gathering is typically hosted in rising entrepreneurial cities,
and attended by entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders and
policymakers.
Regarded as Australia’s knowledge, and innovation capital, Melbourne
boasts more than 1,800 technology-based startups. The Victorian
Government has also pumped AUD$45 million into grants, research,
sponsorship, events and various programmes, supporting more than 386
organisations and 4,800 entrepreneurs.
Dr. Chad Renando, GEN Australia Managing Director said, “The GEC 2023
is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring leaders from around the
world to showcase Australia’s innovation ecosystem as we collectively
leverage innovation and entrepreneurship to address global challenges.
It could not happen at a better time, as Australia builds on
year-on-year record venture investment coming out of a global pandemic.”