Australia's First Business of Comedy Conference Launches in Melbourne

Melbourne hosts the inaugural Business of Comedy Conference from April 16 to 18, 2026, at Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Co-created by Morry Morgan and Lily Geddes, the event aims to enhance the comedy sector's economic value across Victoria and Australia. Over 450 attendees are expected, including government representatives, creative industry professionals, NGOs, social media influencers, and the public. The conference coincides with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Morgan emphasizes building relationships through 'planned serendipity' to grow the comedy economy, which touches vertical industries like film, TV, theatre, radio, podcasting, advertising, animation, and keynote speaking. Notable comedians like Dave Hughes, Kitty Flanagan, and Eric Bana are cited as examples of business-savvy entertainers. Presenters include Elliot Goblet (Jack Levi), Trevor Marmalade, Wilbur Wilde, Stephen Hall, and Nina Taylor MP, with organizations such as Humanitix, Eventbrite, Buxton Walker, The Chaser, and The Onion participating. Morgan's background includes founding The Hard Knock Knocks Comedy School, with graduates becoming professional comedians and moderators at the conference. Success is defined by networking, idea generation, and enlarging the comedy economy, with the event poised to become a regular feature on the comedy calendar.