Event Planning Resources

Event planning resources

A large theater filled with people. The view is from the back top corner of the theater, looking down onto the stage. The stage is brightly lit, and there is a performance happening on it. The audience is sitting in the seats, and they are all paying attention to the performance.

Home|Event planning resources

Looking for the info you need to plan an iconic event at MCEC? You're in the right place. Whether you're organising a conference, exhibition, gala dinner, cocktail or live music event, show or meeting, you'll find everything you need from bump in to bump out and beyond. Our resources and documents will help your planning, from scoping out the right space in our venue to promoting your event, assisting wayfinding, booking catering, security and more.

Guides to help you plan

There's a space in MCEC to suit any style of event. Our floor plans and space capacities guide provides an overview of all rooms and spaces within the venue.

We've got smaller rooms for meetings and workshops, a grand Plenary theatre seating up to 5,500, pillarless exhibition space spanning 39,000sqm and banquet spaces for special occasions.

Download our floor plans and space capacities guide [9mb]

Guides to help you plan

There's a space in MCEC to suit any style of event. Our floor plans and space capacities guide provides an overview of all rooms and spaces within the venue.
We've got smaller rooms for meetings and workshops, a grand Plenary theatre seating up to 5,500, pillarless exhibition space spanning 39,000sqm and banquet spaces for special occasions.
Download our floor plans and space capacities guide [9mb]
This is the big one. Our Operations Manual provides all the information you need to know to plan and deliver your event at MCEC.
Keep this manual handy to look up anything that you think of, any time. Chances are, the answer's in there.
Download our operations manual [2mb]
We're passionate about our impact, which is why we created a resource to help enhance your event's positive impact.
Learn how our team can amplify your event and showcase your support for inclusion, diversity, and sustainability through our community partners, eco-friendly resources, and Club Melbourne Ambassadors.
Explore our Positive Impact Guide
Looking to integrate sustainability specifically into your event?
Check out our Sustainable Events Guide
Our menus are diverse, inclusive and sustainable. They champion the best of Australian produce while pushing the boundaries to deliver extraordinary food and beverages for any event. You’ll find indigenous ingredients as highlights throughout the menus.
Check out our unmatched offering for your next event below.
Breakfast menu
Start your day right with wholesome, wholefood breakfast options made with native Australian ingredients.
Download our breakfast menu [1.23mb]
Cocktail menu
Celebrate in style with our delicious all-inclusive food and beverage packages. Full of flavour to excite your guests, and the perfect addition to your event.
Download our cocktail menu [1.04mb]
Conference menu
Refresh and inspire your delegates with a well-balanced and inclusive menu that offers a warm welcome to Melbourne.
Download our conference menu [2.92mb]
Exhibitor menu
Exhibit in style with boast-worthy food that will keep you and attendees satisfied.
Download our exhibitor menu [1.18mb]
Gala menu
Elevate your event with the best Victorian produce and beautifully crafted dishes, designed to wow your guests.
Download our gala menu [1.06mb]
Tasting notes
Be guided on a tour of the tastebuds with expert knowledge of perfect pairings.
Download our tasting notes [0.47mb]
MCEC is a future-proof venue with state-of-the-art AV, lighting and production capabilities, as well as sophisticated solutions for virtual and hybrid events.
No matter the tech you need, our expert team will be with you every step of the way. The guides below detail everything that's possible for your next event.
Meetings
When you hire MCEC, you get so much more: great solutions, the latest tech and tools, plus support from our team. We make meetings and seminars exceptional and easy.
Download our meetings tech guide [1.94mb]
Conferences and exhibitions
We bring innovation, design and technology together to elevate your event above the pack and make it a memorable experience for your team and guests.
Download our conferences and exhibitions tech guide [1.76mb]
Gala and cocktail events
From cocktails on the terrace to banquets overlooking the Yarra River, you name it, we can make it epic with sound, lighting, broadcasting, recording and beyond.
Download our gala and cocktail tech guide [1.46mb]
Concerts and entertainment
With the best minds in entertainment, the latest technology and equipment, we deliver extraordinary experiences for everyone – on stage, backstage and in the crowd.
Download our concerts and entertainment tech guide [4.64mb]
You've booked your event with us, and now it's time to let people know. Connect with over three million potential attendees through our pre-event signage and digital marketing channels.
Check out our guide below then chat with your MCEC event planner or email marketing@mcec.com.au to find out more.
Download our marketing opportunities guide [5mb]
Immerse, inform and inspire your audience with signage that makes a statement while your event is in venue. There are print and digital opportunities available in high-traffic locations throughout the venue.
Have a read of the guide below, then chat to your MCEC event planner to plan and book. Signage is subject to availability, so get in with as much notice as possible.
Download our event signage guide [8mb]
Our media library features images that can be used for promotional purposes. You can use these assets on your own channels to help build up hype for your event at MCEC.
To get access to our media library, you'll need to register for an account. It's super easy. Just follow the link below.
Register for a MCEC Media Library account

Loading docks and deliveries

MCEC has two loading docks, one for the Convention Centre and one for the Exhibition Centre. Both loading docks:

Are accessed from Normanby Road.
Do not allow vehicles to park at any time.
Have a 30-minute parking limit for drop-off/pick-up of goods during the move-in/move-out period.

To be accepted, all event deliveries must:

Be delivered by courier or freight forwarder to the loading docks.
Be received on-site by an exhibitor stand representative. We are unable to sign possession of goods on your behalf.
Have the correct delivery label attached. If you are an exhibitor or supplier, your event organiser will supply this.

A man on a forklift talks to a woman standing next to it. They both are wearing high visibility orange vests.

Loading docks and deliveries

MCEC has two loading docks, one for the Convention Centre and one for the Exhibition Centre. Both loading docks:
- Are accessed from Normanby Road.
- Do not allow vehicles to park at any time.
- Have a 30-minute parking limit for drop-off/pick-up of goods during the move-in/move-out period.
To be accepted, all event deliveries must:
- Be delivered by courier or freight forwarder to the loading docks.
- Be received on-site by an exhibitor stand representative. We are unable to sign possession of goods on your behalf.
- Have the correct delivery label attached. If you are an exhibitor or supplier, your event organiser will supply this.
The Convention Centre loading dock:
- Is located on the lower ground level of the Convention Centre.
- Is completely weather protected.
- Allows vehicles to load and unload at floor level for the Plenary via three loading dock levellers.
- Provides easy access to all levels of the Convention Centre via truck lift.
Download the Convention Centre loading dock delivery label [0.13mb]
Do you have a storage request?
You'll need a freight company, a porter and forklift. Usually, your event organiser will assign these. If that hasn't happened, please complete the Convention Centre Services form [0.27mb] and return it to mccdockenquiries@mcec.com.au .
Download the MCC loading dock map [0.38mb]
The Exhibition Centre loading dock:
- Is located at the rear of the Exhibition Centre.
- Runs the full length of the building.
- Allows traffic to flow in one direction only.
Download the Exhibition Centre loading dock delivery label [0.15mb]
Do you have a storage request?
You'll need a freight company, a porter and forklift. Usually, your event organiser will assign these. If that hasn't happened, please complete the Exhibition Centre Services form [0.29mb] and return it to mecdockenquiries@mcec.com.au .
Download the MEC loading dock map [0.47mb]

Additional information

Resources for exhibitors

Are you planning an MCEC exhibition? Elevate your exhibit and dive into our valuable resources, covering everything from timelines and catering to technology options and on-stand activities.

The go-to page for exhibitors

Venue induction

Safety is our priority. Whether you're an event organiser, contractor, exhibitor, or onsite during setup/breakdown, ensure a secure work environment by completing the venue induction 72 hours before arrival.

How to complete compulsory venue induction

Emergency procedures

Explore safety protocols at MCEC through our emergency procedures. Follow these guidelines to respond promptly and effectively to fire medical emergencies and find our designated evacuation assembly areas.

Be prepared with our emergency procedures

VenueSafe information

MCEC is using the VenueSafe plan to keep things COVIDSafe. The guidelines allow events to take place securely with flexible safety measures. Download the VenueSafe plan for a quick reference.

Explore our VenueSafe plan

Ticketing and registration

On the day of your event, we've got you covered—handling ticketing and cash onsite. Our services include benches for box office facilities, staffing, EFTPOS lines and terminals, and cash and transport services.

Explore our ticketing and registration processes

Cleaning procedures

IKON Cleaning Services handles waste removal for all events. Exhibition-only bookings may need an extra cleaning contractor for kiosks and toilets, with costs based on size and type. If your exhibition is part of a convention, no extra charges apply.