Nyaal Banyul Opens in Geelong, Expanding Victoria's Business Events Capacity

The new Geelong Convention and Event Centre begins operations with more than 80 events already confirmed, positioning regional Victoria to attract new conferences, exhibitions and business events in the years ahead.

A new chapter for Victoria's business events industry officially began today with the opening of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, a waterfront venue expected to strengthen the state's capacity to host conferences, exhibitions and corporate events beyond Melbourne.

Operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust (VCET), which also manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the venue launches with more than 80 confirmed events and a pipeline of over 250 proposed events, expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Geelong over the coming years.

VCET Chief Executive Natalie O'Brien AM described the opening as a landmark moment for both Geelong and Victoria's business events sector. "For VCET, this is the beginning of our journey operating a regional venue in Victoria's second largest city that is right-sized, distinctive, and embedded in its community," said O'Brien.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience operating MCEC, VCET has been responsible for developing not only the venue's operational model but also its long-term event strategy.

"Drawing on our experience at MCEC, we've shaped not only the physical spaces but how this venue will operate - delivering events that will bring more people to Geelong and its surrounding regions, support local businesses and create lasting impact."

Nyaal Banyul features a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition halls, conference facilities, meeting rooms, flexible event spaces, food and beverage outlets and a public outdoor plaza. The development was delivered in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring local Indigenous stories and cultural heritage are embedded throughout the architecture and visitor experience.

"Nyaal Banyul reflects the cultural significance of this place and the stories connected to it, while also creating a contemporary venue that welcomes visitors from across Australia and beyond," O'Brien added.

The venue is expected to broaden Victoria's business events offering by complementing MCEC with a regional facility capable of hosting conferences and events of varying size and format.

Its event calendar already reflects that ambition, ranging from community events such as the Geelong Careers Expo to major gala dinners and national association conferences. The venue will host its inaugural major event, the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, on 3 July, followed later this year by the Professional Conference Organisers Association Conference and the Australian Tourism Awards in February 2027.

According to O'Brien, the venue's impact will extend well beyond the conference halls: "Nyaal Banyul will play a critical role in bringing new audiences to Geelong - delegates, organisers and industry leaders coming from all over Australia, many of whom will be visiting the region for the first time."

"The flow-on effects are significant - increased tourism, stronger local supply chains, and new opportunities for businesses across hospitality, services and the broader visitor economy, in Geelong and the surrounding areas in the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road."

The centre is also expected to deliver local economic benefits through employment and procurement, with most of its workforce recruited from the Barwon South West region and more than 50 regional businesses engaged across catering, venue services and operations.

Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett said preparations are complete ahead of the venue's first event.

"The Geelong community has backed Nyaal Banyul from day one, and now it's our turn to deliver. Our team is ready to get started, working alongside local partners to create exceptional experiences that not only showcase this venue, but position Geelong as a global destination."
 

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