LOADING AWESOME
LOADING AWESOME
MELBOURNE
AUSTRALIA
INNER WHEEL CONVENTION 2018
LOADING AWESOME
MELBOURNE
AUSTRALIA
INNER WHEEL CONVENTION 2018
Fast Facts
Melbourne served as the host destination for one of the world’s largest women’s service voluntary organisation, International Inner Wheel (IIW), to connect and display the diversity of projects they are involved with.
The organisation has over 100,000 members in 103 countries, including representatives on United Nations committees, who collaborate on global projects as well as local community initiatives.
After seven years in the making, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) secured the 17th IIW Convention 2018 in 2015 by working closely with Inner Wheel Australia from bid phase through to delivery.
ICMS Australasia was the appointed professional congress organiser, who ensured the successful delivery of the event.
EVENT
17th International Inner Wheel Convention Australia (IIW Convention 2018)
WHEN AND WHERE
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), 10-14 April 2018
DELEGATE ATTENDANCE
1,528 delegates from 50 countries
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION
7.5 million
ICONIC MELBOURNE
Why Melbourne was chosen
The collaborative ‘Team Melbourne’ approach, strong support from Victorian State Government and City of Melbourne and world-leading facilities at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) were leading factors in Melbourne winning the bid.
Melbourne and Inner Wheel share community contribution objectives. IIW focuses in creating long-term impact and delivering real contributions through the many initiatives they support.
Melbourne is renowned for bringing business events to the city that not only have an economic impact but that also positively contribute to local communities, leaving lasting legacies that go beyond the dollars.
Melbourne’s success factors as a business event destination also played a key role in the successful bid for this event.
On Show
IIW Convention comes together every three years and Melbourne provided the ideal destination in 2018 to exhibit the diversity of global projects, discuss relevant changes to the organisation and explore new ways of collaboration.
“Promote true friendship, encourage the ideals of personal service and foster international understanding”
These are the values IIW stands by, with focus on creating long-term impacts and delivering real contributions through the many initiatives they support.
IIW is involved in numerous projects supporting charities and causes globally, including programs for women’s rights, poverty, education, disease and many others.
The Inner Wheel Australia Project is in ’Support of Cord Blood Research’ and this was showcased during the meeting. Two Rotary projects were exhibited during the convention, ‘Disaster Aid Australia’ and ‘Wheel Chairs for kids’. Additionally, many other initiatives were on display during the meeting, from empowering mothers and supporting women going through cancer, health and, sanitation issues and caring for the environment programs.
True Friendship, Real Impact and Inspirational Service on show during IIWC18
Melbourne went above and beyond delivering an inspiring program
The conference delivered a social program filled with surprises and lots of entertainment incorporating an Aussie flavour to every function.
An opening ceremony with an Australian flair to it was hosted in the plenary at MCEC. A dancing performance, a smoking ceremony to light the ‘Flame of Friendship’, a concert by the Australian Girls’ Choir and music by the Royal Australian Navy Band were some of the highlights at the opening party.
IIW VIPs enjoyed an experiential dinner onboard Melbourne’s famous Tram Car Restaurant, a historical colonial tram that offers innovative and unique dining while cruising iconic city streets.
A ‘Friendship Party Night’ was hosted by Showtime Event Group, experts in curating unique experiences, across seven of the venues in South Wharf.
Delegates were treated to a stunning event showcasing Melbourne’s famous distinctive food, drinks and festival culture, incorporating open-air and enclosed spaces with spectacular views of the city. A red-carpet arrival, a tailored menu and lots of entertainment made the night highly memorable.
Other highlights of the social agenda included a glamorous ‘Melbourne Cup’ themed gala dinner at MCEC’s Melbourne Room and a Civic Reception in the Yarra Room at Melbourne Town Hall hosting the IIW President along with VIP guests. IIW delegates also enjoyed a memorable personalised experience of the best of Melbourne and its beautiful regions.
A project and poetry competition
All Inner Wheel member countries were invited to participate, requiring submissions to showcase each country’s efforts to ‘Leave a Lasting Legacy’. 45 entries were received and displayed in the House of Friendship during the convention, while winners and runners-up were compiled into a stunning book presented as a tribute to IIW President, Dr. Kapila Gupta during the closing ceremony.
What they said
Inner Wheel members were highly satisfied with the high standard of programs offered during the convention, emphasising how this convention had created meaningful memories.
Feedback from the convention committee was overwhelmingly positive and acknowledged the tremendous dedication and professionalism ICMS Australasia and all stakeholders showed throughout the whole journey.
MCB is proud to have hosted such a significant and successful event and will continue to demonstrate how this city goes above and beyond when welcoming delegates from around the world.
Collaborators and Partners
melbournecb.com.au