First four events at Nyaal Banyul announced

THE Victorian government has revealed the first four events that will take place at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre when it opens in less than a year’s time.

The debut event will be the Associations Forum National Conference in July 2026, described as one of the largest association management conferences ever held in the Southern Hemisphere with an 400 expected attendees to discuss industry challenges, management, and innovation.

Associations Forum group general manager Fatima Sunderji said her organisation was delighted to be holding the first association’s conference at Nyaal Banyul in its opening month.

“It is our 20th year for the conference and we couldn’t be more pleased to be bringing it to the stunning new state-of-the-art centre, with its focus on sustainability and community engagement it makes it a perfect event destination for association conferencing.”

This will be followed in July 2026 by the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Week Dinner and the Business Managers Victoria Conference, followed by the Victorian Principals Association Conference in August 2026.

These inaugural events are expected to have a significant impact on the local economy through delegate spending on accommodation, dining, and local attraction.

The $450 million venue on the Geelong Waterfront, developed as part of the Geelong City Deal, will feature 3,700sqm of flexible event space and a 1,000-seat theatre.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced the first four events for the venue earlier this week.

“These events are a sign of how valuable Nyaal Banyul will be to the Geelong region ─ bringing visitors, boosting the local economy and showcasing what the region has to offer,” he said.

Nyaal Banyul is being delivered as a partnership with the Plenary Conventions consortium and will be operated by the Victorian Convention and Event Trust.

“These four events show exactly what Nyaal Banyul stands for: thought leadership, cultural connection, and community impact,” trust chief executive officer Natalie O’Brien said.

“It’s the perfect beginning to a venue built to bring people together in meaningful ways.”