EEAA Applauds Expansion of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
July 11, 2018
The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) welcomes the expansion of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), making this venue Australia’s largest convention and exhibition space.
Acting Premier the Hon. James Merlino MP and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, The Hon. John Eren MP announced the opening of MCEC’s new event space July 8.
The $205 million expansion results in a 25 percent increase in event space, adding 20,000 square metres, taking MCEC’s total size to 70,000 square metres.
One highlight of the expansion is the Goldfields Theatre, a 9000 square metre multi-purpose event space with a retractable 1000 seat theatre. Other spaces include new exhibition halls, the Eureka meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace area, Sovereign Room banquet space and Goldfields Café and bar.
“We have delivered a world class facility that is functional, adaptable and aesthetically pleasing with a quality and sophistication that reflects Melbourne,” said MCEC chief executive, Peter King.
He added, “Customer experience was front of mind when planning the design – we wanted to ensure our facilities suited the needs of our customers, rather than constraining them to fit within our space”.
EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, says that the expansion will add further capacity and flexibility for both national and international clients.
“The increased event space is anticipated to attract more events to Australia and improve our business events competitiveness. Around the country State Governments are all being asked to consider the venue requirements for the business events sector in the future,” she added.
“This latest investment by the Victorian Government will help the exhibition and events industry enormously and demonstrates the State’s continued recognition of business events as a driver of the Victorian economy, “Joyce DiMascio said.
“It is an exciting time for MCEC and we look forward to working closely with them to leverage their expansion as an opportunity for the industry,” DiMascio concluded.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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