Bringing back the BIF

THE Bendigo Invention and Innovation festival is returning next year, with a new name.

To be simply known as the 2022 Bendigo Innovation Festival, it’s set to be the first of a series of biennial events celebrating local pioneering businesses and bringing world-class leaders to the city.

Last year’s virtual festival was a “resounding success” according to City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Jennifer Alden.

“We had 90-plus speakers and 5000 sessions booked with people watching from across Australia, the United States, Chile and New Zealand who embraced our festival theme Optimism Through Innovation,” she said.

“The pandemic has been the great disruptor and now more than ever the ability to invent, innovate and manufacture and capitalise on the enormous opportunities being presented to business, educators and our community is essential during the pandemic recovery.

“The festival demonstrated Greater Bendigo’s place as a leading city in innovation and why regional growth is imperative for Australian manufacturing and innovation.

“I am delighted that the event was publicly recognised by national and state political leaders, together with high profile business specialists.”

Chair of the festival Paul Chapman said next year’s event will be even bigger, with an increasing global audience.

“2022BIF will showcase our many inspiring local, national and international businesses and promote Greater Bendigo as a city of the future,” he said.

“It will be another stand-out in the region’s event calendar, designed to inspire innovative thinking, build pathways between education and industry and encourage regional businesses to seek a stronger competitive edge and collaboration across sectors nationally and globally.”