Business Event Sponsorship Program 2027

This is a preview of the Business Event Sponsorship Program 2027 | Application Form form. You will be able to start a submission when the round opens at 9:00am 1 October 2026 (AEST)
 

Program Overview

Overview

The Business Event Sponsorship Program (BESP) is designed to provide financial support to business events such as conferences, showcases, workshops, symposiums, seminars and exhibitions that are held within the City of Melbourne municipality.

The proposed business event must take place between 1 February and 31 December 2027 within the City of Melbourne municipality boundaries.

 

City of Melbourne Municipality

Our geographic footprint compasses the following suburbs:

  • Docklands
  • East Melbourne
  • Fishermans Bend
  • Jolimont
  • Kensington
  • North Melbourne
  • Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD)
  • Parkville
  • South Wharf
  • West Melbourne

Including areas of:

  • Carlton
  • Carlton North
  • Flemington
  • Port Melbourne
  • South Yarra
  • Southbank

The municipality does not cover the full Melbourne metropolitan area. If in doubt about your event venue location check our interactive boundaries map or contact us for more information.

Before you start your application ensure that you:

 

Program objectives and priority considerations

The program aims to support business events that align with Council’s strategic priorities:

Leverage economic strengths

Leverage business events to position Melbourne as a globally competitive, inclusive knowledge and innovation hub by attracting investment, enabling cross-sector collaboration, strengthening industry–academia ties, and driving growth, capability, and jobs.  

Vibrant and Creative Melbourne

Boost Melbourne’s vibrancy and global reputation through a year-round calendar of high-quality business events that attract delegates, activate the city, and reinforce Melbourne’s identity as a dynamic, globally connected destination. 

Healthy, safe, clean and connected communities

Enhance Melbourne’s liveability and foster inclusive participation by supporting business events that deliver economic, social and environmental benefits, while creating opportunities to engage diverse communities.