The Greater Geelong economy received a $93 million boost in 2024-25 from hosting 12 major events sponsored by Geelong Major Events (GME).

These events attracted 499,000 participants and spectators, with 91 per cent offering free community access.

The City of Greater Geelong’s investment of just over $1.5 million delivered a return on investment of $56 for every dollar spent.

Highlights included the Avalon Australian International Airshow, Festival of Sails and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race – all drawing significant crowds, national attention and reinforcing Geelong’s reputation for hosting world-class sport and entertainment events.

The biennial Avalon Airshow was one of four anchor events in the GME calendar, attracting 203,571 attendees, including about 90 per cent who travelled from outside Greater Geelong. The event generated $45.9 million in economic impact and supported an estimated 523 full-time jobs.

The 2025 Festival of Sails added a further $8 million to the regional economy, with attendance of more than 70,000.

The 2024-25 financial year also marked the first year of the Geelong Major Events Strategy 2024–2029, a five-year roadmap to strengthen sponsorships and position Geelong as Australia’s leading regional destination for events.  

The GME committee currently includes councillors Andrew Katos, Elise Wilkinson, Eddy Kontelj and Trent Sullivan along with City chief executive Ali Wastie, executive director Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine Tracy Carter and six external members representing the community.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

Our City is standing tall as a destination for world-class events. We can be proud of the economic benefits and the opportunities these events bring our community.

The Geelong Major Events Committee plays a vital role in attracting and supporting major events, and with the launch of our Geelong Major Events Strategy, we look forward to delivering even greater benefits for the region.

Geelong Major Events Committee chair Councillor Andrew Katos

This success is thanks to the hard work of venues, organisers, volunteers and the broader Geelong community.

With the arrival of Nyaal Banyul, the Geelong Convention and Event Centre, we’ll unlock even more opportunities for diverse events and international audiences.