National support for new Melbourne Convention Centre at all time high
03 Jul 2008
National support for the new Melbourne Convention Centre continues to go from strength to strength with a predicted 97 conventions to date expected to inject more than $515 million into the Victorian economy.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) chief executive Leigh Harry says
the projected national support will bring more than 120,000 business delegates to the convention centre precinct.
‘As word spreads about the capabilities of the new Melbourne Convention Centre, national and international support is growing and Melbourne is positioning itself as the business events capital of Australia.’
Twenty-five major international conventions are booked for the new centre which will see over 58,000 international business travellers visit the city, pouring a massive AUD$371 million into Melbourne and Victoria.
Opening in 2009, the new centre is confirmed as one of the world’s ‘greenest’ buildings after being awarded a ‘6 Star Green Star’ environmental rating by the Green Building Council of Australia for its innovative environmental design and operational features - the first in the world for a convention centre.
When fully integrated with the existing Melbourne Exhibition Centre, the new Melbourne Convention Centre will be the most advanced exhibition and convention space in the southern hemisphere and one of the most impressive architectural and environmentally sound buildings in Australia.
‘This will be a truly fantastic building,’ Leigh says. ‘To ensure people enjoy the most comfortable, natural and healthy environment possible when they visit, we’ve incorporated a balanced mix of design, functions and operations. We expect our clients will walk away feeling they have experienced something really special.’
Uniquely located on the banks of the Yarra in the heart of inner city Melbourne, the new centre is the centrepiece of the developing South Wharf area that will complete the link between Federation Square, Southbank and Docklands.
Complete with a brand new Hilton hotel, cafes, restaurants and retail shops of its own, South Wharf is located just a stone’s throw from some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants and hotels, world-class entertainment, arts and sporting precincts, the central business district, restaurants and well-known shopping precincts.
To view the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) on-line interactive guide and take a virtual tour of the new Melbourne Convention Centre, log on to www.mcec.com.au and explore the rooms and spaces.
By regularly visiting the MCEC website you’ll be able to keep up-to-date with all the latest news and information and watch the progress of this exciting new development right in heart of Melbourne.
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For further information please contact:
Suzi O’Dell
Communications Manager
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
T: 03 9235 8216
M: 0419 387 242
E: sodell@mcec.com.au
www.mcec.com.au