Premier

VidCon: Connecting Victoria To The Digital World

20 February 2018

The Andrews Labor Government has locked in the world’s largest online video conference, VidCon, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) for another two years.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren welcomed the new deal following its successful debut in Australia’s creative capital in 2017.

Last year’s inaugural VidCon in Melbourne attracted more than 7,000 attendees, delivering a $9 million boost to our economy.

Melbourne is the only city in the Asia Pacific region to host the convention, which will see thousands of more digital content creators, online video fans and businesses come together later this year.

VidCon is a coup for Victoria’s digital creatives, giving them direct access to key global professionals and entrepreneurs in the online video community, including representatives from YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

The Labor Government’s $205 million expansion of MCEC is paying dividends, having already helped secure up to 50 events from mid-2018 once it’s complete.

The new spaces and facilities are expected to bring an extra 74,000 international visitors to Victoria each year, spending on average around $693 a day at local cafes, restaurants and gift stores.

Not only will this redevelopment boost tourism, it will also create more than 900 new jobs and provide a massive boost to our economy each year.

VidCon will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 31 August – 2 September 2018. For more information or to buy tickets visit vidconaustralia.comExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“VidCon’s choice to expand internationally to Melbourne proves why we’re the creative capital of Australia. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of our creative talent to the world.”

“Our MCEC expansion is an absolute game changer – we’re talking three and a half MCG’s of new space to attract more events and thousands more visitors to Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis

“Victoria is gaining a reputation as the technology hub of the Asia Pacific, and world class events such as VidCon play a big role in enhancing that reputation.”

Quotes attributable to VidCon Chief Executive Officer Jim Louderback

“Bringing VidCon to Victoria, Australia in 2017 was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”

“We are overjoyed to be partnering up again with the Victorian Government who are committed to extending and expanding our work to democratising the creative economy by supporting online video creators, their fans and the industry around it.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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