Come Closer. 5 Things to Know About Hosting an Event in Geelong
By Bree Pagliuso|
Geelong has always been a place of gathering, shaped by coast, culture and community. Now, that story is opening to the world.
On Wadawurrung Country, where knowledge has been shared for generations, Nyaal Banyul will soon open its doors. Thousands will be welcomed into spaces designed for connection, new perspectives and experiences shaped by the rhythm of the region.
To understand the heart of this vision, Chief Sales and Customer Experience Officer Angie Becker shares five things every organiser should know about Nyaal Banyul—and how events here will leave a lasting impact on delegates.
1. Backed by Experience
Nyaal Banyul is operated by the Victorian Convention and Exhibition Trust, the same team behind Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“Our point of difference as a multi-site operator is the ability to share learnings across both venues, strengthening operations and modelling best practice for our industry,” Angie explains.
This means confidence for organisers: experienced teams, streamlined systems and the reassurance that events are backed by people who know how to deliver at scale.
2. A Venue That Feels Different
A render can only take an impression so far. The real surprise comes when stepping inside.
“What often surprises conference and event organisers about Nyaal Banyul is how the venue feels when they visit,” Angie says. “A website can show layouts and images, but it cannot capture the genuine sense of place this venue creates.” Designed with Woods Bagot and in close collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, every space is layered with light, texture and meaning. A gallery shares Wadawurrung stories, room names are gifted in language and the flow between rooms feels natural.
From the 1,000-tiered seat Wala Mirr Theatre to light-filled meeting rooms and the waterfront plaza, these are spaces that move people, perfect for everything from conferences to gala celebrations.
3. Sustainability That Works
At Nyaal Banyul, sustainability is not a box to tick, it is the foundation of our venue.
“This is not just about energy efficiency, it is about the bigger picture,” Angie explains. “From menus that celebrate locally sourced produce to the way we manage waste and emissions, sustainability is embedded in every decision.”
Every element supports a bigger purpose; from catering delegates will remember to systems that minimise impact and certifications that align with ESG goals. Nyaal Banyul is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating and will be carbon neutral for building operations from day one.*
*Certification applies to Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from the operation of the building, not the events themselves.
4. A City Delegates Will Love
Geelong is evolving into one of Australia’s most event-ready regional cities. With $449.1 million invested through the Geelong City Deal, the waterfront precinct is becoming a hub for business events, culture and community with Nyaal Banyul at its heart.
“For organisers, that means infrastructure you can rely on paired with the coastal lifestyle delegates are craving,” Angie says.
The 200-room Crowne Plaza Geelong will soon open beside the venue, joining more than 1,500 rooms within easy walking distance. Beyond the precinct, experiences abound: wine and long lunches on The Bellarine, fine dining at Igni and Bistrot Plume (in Belmont, Geelong), Wadawurrung cultural tours, art and markets, and post-event escapes along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road.
5. An Event Story That Lasts
Nyaal Banyul is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and generate millions in economic benefit. But the real impact is more personal.
“This is a civic and cultural investment in the future of regional events,” Angie says. “It is a chance to deliver something truly memorable while contributing to a bigger story, one of growth, inclusion and connection.”
Accessibility has been prioritised from the beginning, with Universal Design principles shaping every detail—tiered wheelchair seating, sensory rooms, Changing Places facilities and all-gender bathrooms. Every delegate will feel welcome and included.
Nyaal Banyul is a living promise to this place. Events here connect people, celebrate community and create legacies that grow over time.