The Australian city of Melbourne is set to stage the inaugural C2 Melbourne at one of the Victorian capital’s most unexpected locations.
Business conference C2 Melbourne will take place 30 November-1 December 2017 and will transform the historic Berth No.5 North Wharf on the northern banks of the Yarra River into an intellectual playground.
Incorporating the heritage No.5 Goods Shed, C2 Melbourne will convert the neglected indoor and outdoor car park precinct into a hotspot for some of the world’s most innovative business leaders, in a setting reminiscent of an outdoor summer festival, yet with creative business outcomes at the core of the event.
This will be first time ever the North Wharf precinct has been used as a pop-up event space.
C2 Melbourne originates from Montreal and was founded by the creators of Cirque De Soleil. After six editions, the iconic C2 Montreal now takes the event offshore for the first time, choosing Melbourne as its second home.
Karen Bolinger, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau which steered the proposal to secure the event for Melbourne, said: “This is the event that was missing from Melbourne’s event calendar. It is unlike any tech, innovation, business, cultural or creative arts event previously seen in Australia. It brings Victoria’s major events calendar into the next generation by delivering a business conference that feels nothing like a traditional business conference and is at the cutting edge of innovation and business.”
The Victorian State Government’s minister for tourism and major events, John Eren said: “C2 will be a great opportunity to showcase the best of Melbourne’s innovation and creativity to the world, and for our local businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with global leaders.
“I look forward to seeing how C2 will transform this unique venue for a truly special event that we’re proud to be hosting in Victoria.”
Bolinger noted business events were “quiet achievers for the state” and the highest yielding sector of the visitor economy, delivering A$9.98bn (US$7.59bn) and 65,000 jobs annually. “C2 Melbourne has shone a light on the importance and impact of business events,” she said.
C2 Melbourne is designed to be immersive, engaging, thought provoking and push attendees out of their comfort zones. The event design drives participants to form new networks, identify commercial opportunities, and utilise creativity to solve business problems.
MCB facilitated the submission to secure the inaugural event for Melbourne through a partnership with the Victorian State Government and global PCO MCI.
Caption, L-R: Tim Ada, deputy secretary of the department of economic development, jobs transport and resources; Lord Mayor Robert Doyle AC, City of Melbourne; Karen Bolinger, CEO of the MCB; Richard St Pierre, president C2 International; Genifère Legrand, VP creation and content, C2 International; Cindy-Lee Bakos, MCI Australia, director special projects
