FAQ's
What is a Convention Bureau?
You’ll find a convention bureau in almost every major and regional city centre across Australia. A convention bureau is dedicated to helping event organisers host the very best meeting, incentive, corporate event and exhibition possible. Business Events Geelong is the convention bureau responsible for servicing Greater Geelong, The Bellarine and Werribee. And we’re here to help match your needs to the best services, vendors and suppliers in our region so you can deliver a memorable event that sits within your budget guidelines.
How can event organisers work with Meet Geelong and The Bellarine?
We exist solely to make your life easier. Best part? Our services are completely free to access. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain when working with us. If you decide to run your event in Greater Geelong, The Bellarine or Werribee, you’ll get the following:
- Assistance with managing requests for proposals
- Development of tailored professional bid documents
- Firsthand experiences through participating in our regional familiarisation programs (they’re a lot of fun, we promise)
- Facilitation of venue site inspections
- Providing delegate boosting and event promotion support
- Help with sourcing local guest speaker gifts
- Assistance with putting together pre- and post touring options
- A wealth of local destination knowledge
Why should I host my business event in Geelong and The Bellarine?
Geelong and The Bellarine offer the perfect balance of accessibility, value, and unforgettable experiences. Just one hour from Melbourne and easily reached via Avalon Airport, the region provides all the convenience of a city location without the congestion.
From world-class conference venues and state-of-the-art facilities to boutique accommodation and unique event spaces, Geelong and The Bellarine cater to business events of every scale. The region is also renowned for its award-winning food and wine, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and immersive team experiences - ensuring your delegates enjoy an event that is both productive and memorable.
As a regional destination, Geelong and The Bellarine deliver exceptional value for money while maintaining the quality and professionalism expected of a metropolitan centre. Combined with the support of Meet Geelong and The Bellarine - our free, expert service to help plan and connect you with trusted local suppliers - you’ll have everything you need for a seamless and standout event.
How can I access the region?
Getting your delegates into the region is super simple. You’ve got four excellent options: air, rail, road and sea.
By Air: Regular domestic and international flights service Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport which is just an hour’s drive from central Geelong via a rental car or Gull’s transfer shuttle car. Coming in from Sydney, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast? Then fly straight into Avalon Airport, which is just 20 minutes away from Geelong’s CBD.
By Rail: Regular rail services operate between Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station and Geelong via the V-Line service. Buses also connect central Geelong with the suburbs and villages of The Bellarine.
By Road: Geelong is only an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD via the Westgate and Princes Freeways. Bellarine destinations are within half an hour of Geelong.
By Sea: Searoad Ferries connects Queenscliff and The Bellarine with the Mornington Peninsula, Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and Phillip Island. Check out the timetable here. Another exciting way to hit up The Bellarine and Geelong region direct from Melbourne CBD is via a cruise on Port Phillip Ferries. This mode of transport between Portarlington and Docklands (Daily) and Geelong and Docklands (weekends or via exclusive hire), departs just across the road from Marvel Stadium where you can enjoy gorgeous sea views.
Do you offer Famil programs?
Absolutely – and they’re always a highlight! We host corporate famils throughout the year, where we invite qualified buyers to discover the very best our region has to offer. Think wine tasting on The Bellarine, scenic helicopter flights, championship golf, and long lunches in historic mansions – each famil is designed to showcase experiences your delegates will never forget.
If you’re keen to join one of our famils, or there’s a specific venue or incentive experience you’d like to explore but can’t make our scheduled program, reach out to us. We’ll do our best to create an opportunity for you to experience it firsthand.
Absolutely, and they’re a whole heap of fun! We run corporate famils once a year as well as a media famil where we take qualified buyers out into our region to experience the very best of our product. From wine tasting in The Bellarine to scenic helicopter rides; golf on the green to lunch at a magnificent mansion -- it’ll be an experience you won’t forget.
If you’re interested in attending one of our famils use the button below to register. If there’s a specific venue or incentive product you’re interested in experiencing and you cannot attend our corporate famil, do get in touch here as we may still be able to assist.
Can you assist in funding our event or incentive if we host it in your region?
Yes, we can. Planners and Meeting Organisers who are interested in hosting an event in Geelong, The Bellarine or Werribee can apply for a cash incentives through Meet Geelong and The Bellarine - however terms and conditions do apply and it is also based on funding availability. Please click below for more information.
I am interested in organising an incentive program in Geelong and The Bellarine, how can you assist?
Let us know your plans, objectives and budget and we will assist to connect you with a number of venues and suppliers in our region to help create the best incentive itinerary ever. We’ll even gather all the quotes for you and assemble them in one place so you have all the information you need to make the right decision for your program. Click below to submit an enquiry.
What is a bid?
A bid is where different destinations put forward proposals to compete for the right to host large-scale business events.
Where can I find potential sponsors for my business event?
There’s a diverse range of sectors that call Geelong home. From manufacturing through to agriculture, horticulture and education through to health, the possibilities of finding a sponsor for your event are limitless. The Geelong Chamber of Commerce is well connected with the Geelong business community and could be a good starting point for you to get involved in.
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