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  Melbourne ’s meeting and events industry has joined forces to hold an inaugural joint industry Christmas Party, celebrating the city’s year of events success, and showcasing Melbourne ’s exciting new entertainment and lifestyle precinct, Waterfront City .

 The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and the International Special Events Society (ISES) have worked in collaboration to hold a joint industry Christmas Party, the first of its kind in Australia, providing the perfect opportunity for members of each of the organisations to network, and to recap on the events industry’s highlights and success throughout the year.

Held last night at one of Melbourne’s most exciting new venue spaces, the Star Room, the Christmas Party also provided a unique opportunity to showcase Melbourne’s new iconic retail, business, residential and leisure precinct – Waterfront City.

Sandra Chipchase, CEO of MCVB, said: “MCVB is delighted to have worked with MEA and ISES to promote Melbourne ’s burgeoning meetings and events industry.  By working together to attract and deliver world-class Business Events, we are further strengthening the appeal of Melbourne as a leading intern ational events destination. 

“We are also delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase the stunning new Star Room at Waterfront City .  This new precinct provides a great selling point in promoting Melbourne intern ationally for both Business Events and leisure tourism, and strengthens Melbourne’s intern ational reputation as a ‘city on the move’ – in fact, MCVB has had a record year of winning Business Events for our State.”

Linda Gaunt, Chief Executive, Meetings & Events Australia, said: “Whilst MEA rarely hosts joint events, on this occasion, due to the nature of the event and the opportunity to showcase this exciting new venue to its large membership base and industry as a whole, a joint venture is most worthwhile. 

“At its recent Annual General Meeting, MEA reported a profitable financial year with returns focusing on benefits to our members.”

Jennifer Trethewey, ISES Melbourne President, said: “We are extremely proud to be working beside MCVB and MEA for this ‘first’ joint celebration of our industry bodies for Christmas 2008. The Victorian event industry has experienced strong growth over the last 12 months, so it’s important for ISES and its members to be partnering with our key stakeholders for profile events to ensure we maintain this growth and success.

“ISES Melbourne is keen to support new venues such as the Star Room at Waterfront City and assist them in developing their profile with Victorian special event suppliers who can enhance Melbourne ’s reputation as the events Capital of Australia.”