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
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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