Crown Resorts is launching something new for Corporate Melbourne. The Crown Melbourne Pride Luncheon represents the company’s first major LGBTQ+ corporate event in Victoria.
Over 250 Corporate Melbourne members will attend the June 20 gathering. Crown Melbourne CEO Ed Domingo called it a chance to “honour and support the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.”
Two special guests will headline the event. Comedian Rhys Nicholson and Michelle Sheppard will speak about activism and social change.
The company isn’t starting from scratch with LGBTQ+ events. Crown Perth has run its PrideFest Luncheon for six years already.
That Perth event focused on “promoting awareness, education, and support for LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion in the workplace.” Melbourne’s version reportedly follows the same blueprint.
Rhys Nicholson stressed the timing matters. “These types of events are so important for our community, especially at this moment in time,” he said.
The goal goes beyond just networking. Crown wants to “facilitate conversations to share experiences” and create supportive forums for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
The June 20 event centres around guest speakers sharing personal stories. Nicholson and Sheppard plan to discuss “their journeys of self-discovery” and workplace support networks.
Tickets cost $250 for individuals or $2,500 for a table of ten. Part of ticket sales will go to The Pinnacle Foundation, though Crown didn’t specify the exact percentage.
The speakers promise “honest, authentic, meaningful conversations” rather than typical corporate presentations.
Crown Melbourne is positioning this as more than a one-off event. CEO Domingo described it as part of their “continued commitment to celebrating diversity.”
The company wants to reach beyond just their own employees and guests. They’re targeting “the entire Victorian community” with this inclusion message.
Crown Perth’s six-year track record with similar events gives Melbourne a proven template. The Perth luncheon successfully built corporate awareness around LGBTQ+ workplace issues.
But Melbourne represents a bigger corporate market than Perth. With 250+ attendees confirmed, Crown’s betting on strong demand for LGBTQ+ corporate networking.
The event also lets Crown demonstrate social responsibility credentials during Pride month. Corporate Australia increasingly expects companies to take public stances on inclusion issues.
Following the news, Crown Perth has confirmed key leadership changes within the organisation. Former Treasurer of Western Australia, Ben Wyatt, will take John Van Der Wielen’s place as Chair-Elect of the Crown Perth Board. Meanwhile, Crown Perth’s current CFO and former CFO of Perth Airport, Brian Pereira, will succeed as CEO.
These latest appointments arrive shortly after Ed Domingo was made CEO of Crown Melbourne, replacing former CEO Mike Volkert.
Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai commented on the leadership changes, stating: These appointments are aligned with our vision to lead Crown Perth into its next phase of growth.”
