The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) launched its First Peoples Engagement Guide today.

Created as a resource to assist event planners in creating culturally enriching business events and fostering positive social impact, the guide includes practical information around when and how to organize a “Welcome to Country” or “Acknowledgement of Country,” a curated Indigenous Business Events Supplier Guide, and useful tips on how to put the information into practice.

Speaking at the opening press conference at the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meeting Event (AIME) 2024, MCB chief executive Julia Swanson highlighted the rising demand for experiences that recognize and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Victoria’s First Peoples.

“Event planners are increasingly seeking to integrate First Peoples-led suppliers into their programs, recognizing the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the social outcomes of Victoria’s First Peoples and their future generations,” she said. “Melbourne and Victoria boast thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, providing a profound backdrop to enrich delegate experiences. By incorporating Indigenous-owned and operated suppliers into a business event program, it not only celebrates this cultural heritage but also positively impacts the social fabric of Victoria’s First Peoples and contributes to the well-being of future generations.”

Highlights of the First Peoples Engagement Guide include:

• Interviews with contemporary Indigenous businesses delivering outstanding services, such as Niyoka Bundle, owner of native fusion Pawa Café & Bar at Arts Centre Melbourne, Pawa Catering and Taka Gin Co.
• Sample one-day and multi-day incentive itineraries incorporating Victoria’s rich Indigenous history, culture and contemporary experiences with outdoor adventure, nature, art, food and wine.
• Introduction to local talent, from acclaimed Indigenous singer, songwriter and Soprano Shauntai Sheree, talented graphic designers, DJs, MC’s, florists and promotion merchandising suppliers.
• Showtime Event Group (and Kinaway Chamber of Commerce partner) shares how to create a culture-rich gala event, weaving Indigenous flavors and suppliers into the program.
• Saxton Speakers Bureau and ICMI Speakers and Entertainers showcase some of their speaker talent, including Owner-Chef Nornie Bero from Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and Todd Fernando, the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities.

“International associations hosting their conference in Melbourne can learn how to respect local traditions and discover easy ways to increase their social impact outcomes, support their company’s sustainability policy or for Australian organizations, their company’s Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives,” added Swanson.