Run by the City of Greater Bendigo, the festival will become a biennial event and be renamed as the 2022 Bendigo Innovation Festival.

BIF showcases the successes and opportunities in manufacturing, exciting pathways for the next generation, regional entrepreneurship, and provides a platform for innovative business owners and global thought leaders.

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City mayor Jennifer Alden said last year's free virtual event was a resounding success during the COVID-19 pandemic and attracted a wider global audience.

"We had 90-plus speakers and 5,000 sessions booked with people watching from across Australia, the United States, Chile and New Zealand who embraced our festival theme 'Optimism through Innovation'," she said.

"The pandemic has been the great disruptor and now more than ever the ability to invent, innovate and manufacture and capitalise on the enormous opportunities being presented to business, educators and our community is essential during the pandemic recovery.

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"The festival demonstrated Greater Bendigo's place as a leading city in innovation and why regional growth is imperative for Australian manufacturing and innovation. I am delighted that the event was publicly recognised by national and state political leaders, together with high profile business specialists."

Festival chair Paul Chapman said scheduling BIF biennially allowed the festival to capitalise on its success and offer an inspiring program for an increasing global audience in 2022 and beyond.

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"2022BIF will showcase our many inspiring local, national and international businesses and promote Greater Bendigo as a city of the future," he said.

"It will be another stand-out in the region's event calendar, designed to inspire innovative thinking, build pathways between education and industry and encourage regional businesses to seek a stronger competitive edge and collaboration across sectors nationally and globally.

"I'd like to thank last year's partners Bendigo Manufacturing Group, La Trobe University, Bendigo Tech School, The Centre for Optimism, the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Digital Innovation Futures Victoria and Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network and hope to see them together with new partners for another superb festival next year."

If you would like to get involved in 2022BIF or become a sponsor, email BIF@Bendigo.vic.gov.au.

For more information on the festival, visit bendigoinnovationfestival.com.au

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