Thousands of jobs and new export markets are at risk if Victoria doesn't respond to the aggressive targeting of major events by other states, according to some of Victoria's leading companies and industry associations.

The organisations, which represent major event venues, organisers and suppliers, have banded together to form the Victorian Event Industry Council (VEIC) with the support of the Victorian Employer Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI).

VEIC Chief Executive Wayne Kayler-Thomson said the formation of VEIC was designed to ensure Victoria didn't fall back into the bad habits of times past.

"There have been many people concerned at some of the recent reporting of Victoria's event strategy," he said.

"It is this strategy that has helped deliver Victoria the prosperous economic times it currently enjoys, with an estimated $1.2 billion in economic activity generated last year alone across metropolitan and regional Victoria, or $3.3 million each day.

"But the value of events cannot be measured in dollar terms alone. Major sporting, cultural and business events also deliver a range of other spin-off economic benefits, including:

• Innovation – Victoria's cutting edge event management skills are now being exported to other countries such as India, for example the Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010.
• New industries – the early growth of major waste management company Cleanevent was underpinned by the Melbourne Grand Prix and other events. Cleanevent has become a major international company with operations on three continents on the back of Victorian major events.
• Synergies – Victoria's security readiness and transport contingency plans have been improved by the holding of major events such as the Commonwealth Games. The ability of Melbourne's public transport system to fill the gaps with 300 extra tram services the day after the recent Burnley Tunnel accident is a prime example.

"Make no mistake, Victoria's highly successful events strategy is under direct threat from other States, especially New South Wales. With the establishment of a specialist body seeking to procure existing or prospective Victorian events in New South Wales and the Gold Coast possibly seeking to host the Grand Prix, we are seeing a far more aggressive approach coming from our northern neighbours.

"If they are successful, Victoria risks a return to the glum days of the past, when the state had no profile, little pride and no strategy.

"In light of this, we believe the Victorian Government should make a significantly higher commitment to funding of events in next month's State Budget

"Currently, the Victorian government invests $50 million in events through its funding of the Victorian Major Events Company - this cap should be raised by at least $10 million per year.

"Events are a proven winner for Victoria and everyone else is waking up to their value, so now is the time to press home our advantage."

About VEIC
The Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) is a peak industry Council of associations, corporates and government agencies representing event organisers, venues, suppliers and service providers for Melbourne and regional Victoria. The role of VEIC is to provide leadership for Victoria's events industry.

Comments from Industry:

Australian Hotels Association
Industry Association representing 8,500 3,4 and 5 star hotels across Australia

"The AHA recognises Victoria as one of the best exponents of a successful events strategy.
Without it, many of our large hotels – with their thousands of staff – would sit there empty during non-holiday periods."
Darryl Washington, CEO

Cleanevent
Event company established in 1987 in Melbourne who has since worked across globe at winter and summer Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and is the cleaning provider to 39 of the largest venues in the world

"Cleanevent started out as a small Australian business in 1987, specialising in cleaning services for major events and large sporting and entertainment venues. Our success has come off the back procuring many of Victoria's successful major events including the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Major events provide companies like mine appreciate the opportunity to show case products, expertise and services to a national and international audience. For us, this has resulted in Cleanevent being contracted to 36 of the world's largest sporting and entertainment venues as well as international sporting events like Winter and Summer Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Wimbledon, US Open, and the list goes on.

Cleanevent is now a truly multi national company that was built from annual Victorian events.

Cleanevent is now embedded in the event industry world-wide. I can say from experience that the event industry abroad perceives Melbourne and Victoria to be the best. Television broadcast and print media coverage of events like the Commonwealth Games, Australian Open and the Formula 1 Grand Prix consistently paint Melbourne as an international, cosmopolitan destination where you can catch some of the world's greatest sporting and cultural events."
Craig Lovett, CEO

General Travel Australia
Australia's leading sports event management travel operator

I can't emphasise enough the importance of Victorian major events to General Travel Australia and the hospitality industry in Melbourne and throughout Victoria.

Since the World Police and Fire Games were held in 1995, and in particular, since the relocation of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix to Melbourne in 1996, major events staged within Victoria have provided our business with significant opportunities.

General Travel Australia has gone on to work with the USPGA (The Presidents Cup), World Masters Games, Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 12th FINA World Championships and recently we have been approached by offshore major event promoters interested in importing our services; an opportunity that would not have presented itself without working on such high profile and successful events.

The hotel industry is just one of many which have gained from Melbourne and Victoria in general, hosting major events. Through General Travel Australia alone, the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games provided hotels throughout the State with 5000 rooms per night; a total of 65,000 room nights across the entire event.

While General Travel Australia is involved in major events right across Australia, Victoria's know how, expertise and international respect has meant that our Company has been presented with business opportunities both nationally and internationally."
Andrew Coplestone, CEO

Hotel, Motel and Accommodation Association (Victoria)
HMAA is the voice of the accommodation industry in Victoria, representing establishments from 5-star hotels and motels through to B&Bs.

"Victoria's events success has produced enormous growth throughout the accommodation sector in Melbourne and beyond.
Carol Douglas, Chair