'Melbourne's Major Events - Rebounding from COVID'
Rotarian Bruce Davidson received a Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Club for his sustained service above self. Click here to read the citation and his entertaining address in response.
Our guest speaker was Rotary Melbourne member, Peter Jones AM. Peter delivered an impressive presentation focussing the importance of events and their contribution to the Victorian economy, and the devastating impact pandemic restrictions had on everything planned for the 2 years since March 2020, including the Grand Prix, Australian Open and AFL Grand Final.
In highlighting the competitiveness of the events “industry” Peter nevertheless stressed the resilience and commitment of Victorian leaders to maintaining Melbourne’s reputation as the events capital of Australia and the likelihood that going forward many of Melbourne’s signature major events will be larger and better than ever. He stressed that the industry is not only about sport - the annual NGV Winter masterpieces event, globally significant musical shows such as Harry Potter and Hamilton, as well as major conventions such as the 2023 Rotary International Convention play a major part.
Peter reminded us that of the $5.1 billion economic impact of the events industry in Melbourne through tourism, hospitality, retailing and transportation This exceeds manufacturing and rivals international education and medical services in its contribution.
All present left understanding why Peter Jones is such an important figure in the events industry.
