Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre welcomed more than 12,000 visitors during its first month, supporting business events and regional tourism growth in Victoria.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre welcomed more than 12,200 visitors during its first month of operation, hosting 15 community, business and conference events throughout July 2026.
The new regional business events venue in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, opened its calendar with a combination of local celebrations, industry gatherings and national conferences, highlighting its role in supporting the region’s visitor economy.
First month features business and community events
During July, Nyaal Banyul Geelong hosted several major events, including the Community Open Day, Geelong Careers Expo, Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, Business Managers Victoria Annual Leadership Conference, Associations Forum National Conference and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Ball.
Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett said the venue had established a strong foundation during its opening month.
“We’re thrilled with how well the first month has gone. We’ve welcomed more than 12,000 people through the venue and successfully hosted everything from major conferences and gala events to community celebrations and expos,” Mr Aylett said.
He added that the early-event programme demonstrated the venue’s ability to serve both local communities and national business event organisers.
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“One week we’re welcoming thousands of local residents through the doors, the next we’re hosting a national conference. That’s exactly what Nyaal Banyul was designed to do,” he said.
Business events support Geelong visitor economy
The venue’s opening month has contributed to increased activity for local accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, suppliers and tourism operators.
Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Executive Director, Tracy Carter, said the centre had already attracted delegates from national conferences, thereby supporting visitor spending across the destination.
“It’s been particularly pleasing to welcome delegates for large national conferences who have filled hotel rooms across the city, found their way into hospitality and cultural precincts, and toured further afield before and after their events.”
Business events are a key component of regional tourism strategies, as conferences and corporate gatherings generate overnight stays and support spending across multiple sectors.
Venue positions Geelong as regional events destination
Victoria’s Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Natalie Suleyman said the first month of operations had strengthened Nyaal Banyul’s position as a business events venue for Geelong and regional Victoria.
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“Nyaal Banyul is already providing a major boost for regional Victoria, drawing strong interest, and helping grow the region’s visitor economy,” she said.
She added that the venue was creating benefits for local businesses and workers through increased demand for accommodation, dining, retail and event services.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP said Nyaal Banyul was designed to connect Geelong with national and international audiences while providing a community-focused venue for the region.
With its first month of events completed, Nyaal Banyul Geelong is set to continue expanding its role in the regional business events market, attracting conferences, exhibitions and community gatherings to Victoria’s second-largest city.