Mayor Bruce Harwood will press the case for a Geelong conference and exhibition centre during his visit to Canberra on Monday.

"Geelong is open for business and we're serious about encouraging government and private developers to invest in Geelong," Cr Harwood said.

Cr Harwood will be part of a delegation, including Member for Corio Richard Marles and Committee for Geelong Chairman Jim Cousins that will meet key ministers and Federal Government staff to lobby for Commonwealth support of major projects slated for the Geelong region.

The Mayor will present to parliamentarians a new publication titled Waterfront Geelong, Positioned for Success which has been produced to highlight the developments being promoted as part of a masterplan for Waterfront Geelong.

"From Osborne House through to the Mineral Springs on Eastern Beach there are a number of exciting developments that Council is promoting, including the reinstatement of Yarra Street Pier," Cr Harwood said.

"Back from the water but sharing the bay views there are a wealth of opportunities in the Western Wedge and a handful of strategic sites throughout Central Geelong."

The Mayor said the booklet would serve as an investment prospectus for developers.

"The booklet summarises the major investment appeal of Geelong, which combines a stunning waterfront, with ready access to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road along with the availability of key infrastructure, such as good quality schools, hospitals, a university and affordable housing," said Cr Harwood.

The Mayor said the publication of Waterfront Geelong Positioned for Success coincided with a critical stage in the waterfront's development.

"Changes to the planning scheme have been made to facilitate development in Central Geelong and this coincides with a buoyant mood amongst investors who see the considerable potential of the waterfront precinct," Cr Harwood said.

During his visit to Canberra the Mayor will also be having discussions about opportunities for raising the profile of soccer in Geelong following the staging of an 'A' League match in Geelong last year between Melbourne Victory and Newcastle Jets.

Cr Harwood will also be lobbying for funding on behalf of Deakin University with a view to establishing a Mammalian Cell Facility at the Geelong Technology Precinct.

"Such a facility will enable the Geelong region to capitalise on the world class research being done in Geelong rather than having to send its biotechnology production overseas for manufacturing," Cr Harwood said.