Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has welcomed more than 12,200 attendees across 15 events in its first month of operation.

Throughout July, the venue hosted a mix of community, business and conference events, including the Community Open Day, Geelong Careers Expo, Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, Business Managers Victoria Annual Leadership Conference, Associations Forum National Conference and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Ball.

Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett said the venue had made a strong start since opening  and was fast establishing itself as one of the best regional events venues in Australia.

"We're thrilled with how well the first month has gone. We've welcomed more than 12,000 people through the venue and successfully hosted everything from major conferences and gala events to community celebrations and expos," Mr Aylett said.

"The response from organisers, delegates and the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, and it's a great foundation to build on."

Mr Aylett said the event program so far highlighted the venue's ability to attract visitors to the region while serving the local community.

"One week we're welcoming thousands of local residents through the doors, the next we're hosting a national conference. That's exactly what Nyaal Banyul was designed to do," he said.

"These events support local hotels, restaurants, suppliers and businesses, while helping showcase Geelong as a destination for major events.”

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine Executive Director Tracy Carter said it was exciting to see Nyaal Banyul open and operational.

“It's been particularly pleasing to welcome delegates for large national conferences who have filled hotel rooms across the city, found their way into hospitality and cultural precincts, and toured further afield before and after their events."

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Natalie Suleyman said the successful delivery of the venue's first month of events has helped position Nyaal Banyul as a key business events venue for Geelong and regional Victoria.

“Nyaal Banyul is already providing a major boost for regional Victoria, drawing strong interest, and helping grow the region’s visitor economy,”

“This early success has delivered real benefits for local small businesses and workers, with more people staying overnight and spending in local hotels, cafés, restaurants, shops and local suppliers across the region.”

Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens MP said Nyaal Banyul belongs to the people of Geelong to share with the rest of the world, all delivered by a Labor government.