In a world that is changing at a forever quicker pace, the ability to invent, innovate, and capitalise on new ideas are key to business success, whatever the size or the industry. The Bendigo Invention and Innovation Festival (BIIF) is a week-long event that promotes Bendigo as Australia’s regional innovation hotspot. The festival celebrates and promotes local invention and innovation, helps create the environment for great ideas to flourish and brings world-class innovation thought leaders to Bendigo. Our vision is that Bendigo is internationally regarded as an innovation hotspot that quickly identifies and offers solutions to issues. A place where problems are shared, ideas are freely discussed and solutions are collaborated on. We want to foster our strong entrepreneurial culture with support through local government policy, infrastructure, access to funding and networking opportunities. BIIF is an initiative of Be.Bendigo and directly supports our strategic aim of supporting local business, our community and economy. BIIF attracts a wide range of attendees, seeking a global perspective on regional challenges. These include CEOs, founders, change-makers, innovators, provocateurs, disrupters, entrepreneurs, students and government sector representatives. Be a part of the conversation. “Bendigo is a model for other regional Victorian cities considering ways to boost innovation.” AECOM BRILLIANT CITIES REPORT “Regional Australia is becoming a major driver of economic output and productivity growth (and) innovation in regions will be crucial to embrace this cultural shift. Innovation will be the major driver of any productivity growth.” REGIONAL AUSTRALIA INSTITUTE