Corporate Social Responsibility in Melbourne

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is growing within the Business Events industry and the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) is committed to leading the way. In 2009 and 2010, the Victorian branch of Australia's leading industry body, Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), awarded MCVB for its CSR initiatives.

Creating a Benchmark Business Event in Melbourne

Instituting a positive legacy beyond the event itself is a focus for MCVB and the international associations, societies and organisations holding Business Events in Melbourne. This can be achieved through a variety of CSR initiatives, as well as through the implementation of environmentally responsible practices.

CSR Donation Program

MCVB launched a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Donation Program in February 2009 - the first for any Convention Bureau in Australia. The program sees MCVB offer its guest speakers and clients the option of donating to a Victorian charity of their choice. Donations are made on behalf of the associations and societies meeting in Melbourne.

Charities range from health (including the Cancer Council of Victoria) to wildlife (including the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary) and environmental charities (including Trust for Nature).

Green Business Events Advice

MCVB continues to develop and expand its 'green' Business Events tool kit with a range of environmentally sustainable initiatives for event and meeting planners. MCVB works alongside industry leaders such as the Carbon Reduction Institute and Climate Neutral™ to improve its green strategies, many of which are Australian Convention Bureau firsts.

Resources available to event planners wishing to hold an environmentally friendly Business Event in Melbourne include the free online MCVB Event Carbon Calculator, MCVB's low carbon impact incentive travel website, and the annual Melbourne's 'Green Credentials' Report.

Leading by example, MCVB has run low carbon impact events locally, such as the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), and abroad, such as MCVB's Asia Roadshow.

Supporting Industry, Research and Education

MCVB has supported and sponsored a number of targeted industry and association-related events, which benefit the local community, ranging from Melbourne's Opera in the Market, which raised funds for a new cancer centre at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, to the Banksia Environmental Awards.

As Melbourne is renowned for hosting medical, scientific and innovation Business Events, MCVB is committed to supporting tomorrow's leaders within these fields. As an example, MCVB has sponsored the ENGenius Trade Fair, showcasing the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at RMIT University.

For information on how your Business Event in Melbourne can benefit from including CSR initiatives, contact the team at Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau via email: csr@mcvb.com.au.