Melbourne has announced its largest ever conference in after securing the Lions Clubs International Convention 2024 (LCIC24).
The mega event is set to deliver $84.4 million (£52m) in economic contribution for the state of Victoria, welcoming about 13,000 Lions Club members who will stay a total 48,000 room nights.
The five-day annual convention will take place in June 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Minister for tourism and major events, John Eren, said: "Melbourne has an enviable reputation for hosting world class events, attracting the highest number of attendees for conferences held in Melbourne.
"Our investment in the MCEC expansion is already paying dividends to the state by bringing more major events to Victoria, delivering more money and creating jobs for Victorians."
The conference was won following a partnership with the Victorian State Government, city of Melbourne, Lions Australia and Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).
MCB CEO Karen Bolinger said: "The size and reputation of this event will create further bidding opportunities from other worldwide associations that hold numerous major international conferences. This is the first time in the event’s history that it has been held in Melbourne, and only the second time it has been held in an Australian city since 2010.
"With community at the heart of Lions Clubs International MCB facilitated city-wide collaboration to work towards delivering a powerful legacy in Victoria, providing opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration between nations and community initiatives which will be felt long after the conference takes place."
