Why a Yarra Valley and Ranges Conference & Meeting Network
Prior to the Network forming in 1994, metropolitan and regional conference venues were encouraged to join the CBD based Melbourne Convention and Marketing Bureau. The Network was formed when it became obvious that the charter of the bureau was primarily to promote the CBD and inner Metropolitan facilities, where the conferences and events were most commonly large or flamboyant. Regional centres, wishing to secure smaller meetings and conferences, seemed to be left to their own devices.
A group of energetic conference venue operators were encouraged by the local Shire to form a business network, in order to collectively compete for meetings and smaller conferences, in what was to be a growing corporate marketplace. The Network was established in 1994 and became an Incorporated Association in 1995.
By 2002, 16 property members had joined the Network founders. In a region offering such diversity, and spanning several hundred kilometres, venues in various settings are now enjoying the advantages of membership. Locations of member venues include: Pinnacle Valley, Acheron, Marysville, the Yarra Valley, Yarra Glen, the Dandenongs, Kallista, Kilsyth, Mt Evelyn, Warburton, Healesville, and Ringwood.
What Does The Network Offer MY Business?
The Network is marketed in its own right. It has its own FreeCall No. 1800 246 816. As a financial member of the Network, you are entitled to a listing on the Network's website www.yarraconf.com.au
The Network publishes a Resource Guide every year or two. It is distributed to many thousands of corporate decision-makers. Although there is a cost associated with advertising your business in this publication, it continues to be a very effective selling tool in a highly competitive market.
Crucial to the viability of any business is the ability to identify potential clients and then to convert them into customers. Using a highly developed Infoline referral system, within minutes of any conference enquiry received at the Network, we send member properties details of qualified leads which best suit their facilities. This system, described in detail on a page following, gives each member a fair and equal chance of securing any meeting, conference or event.