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The annual event celebrates excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, from attractions to accommodation, food tourism and events, showcasing the breadth of exceptional experiences across Australia. 
Since opening in 1996, MCEC has hosted over 20,000 events and welcomed millions of delegates from around the world, delivering incredible experiences that move industries forward and profile Victoria as a leading events destination. 
In the last year, MCEC hosted 714 events and welcomed more than 3.2 million visitors to the venue. With a significant focus on accessible and inclusive experiences, MCEC appointed a permanent external Accessibility Advisory Committee, the first convention centre operator in Australia to actively consult lived experience experts and incorporate their insight into venue planning and operations. 
Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive, recognised the significance of this award as MCEC celebrates its 30th anniversary. 
“We’re thrilled to be acknowledged on the national stage as Australia’s best venue for business events. MCEC is a gateway for people to experience Victoria, and I’m immensely proud that we reflect Melbourne in every aspect, from sweeping views of the Birrarung and CBD to our menu showcasing Melbourne’s vibrant food culture.” 
As Victoria’s Business Event Venue of the Year, MCEC competed with the best venues around the nation. 
“This award reflects the dedication and professionalism of MCEC’s wonderful team to deliver excellent customer experiences. It’s an honour to be nominated amongst some of Australia’s best venues. Congratulations to all the finalists.”
 Ms O’Brien said. 

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre was proudly awarded Gold at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards on Friday night for Best Business Event Venue in Australia.

MCEC Takes Top Honour at Australian Tourism Awards 

The signature hot cross bun display, baked by MCEC’s experienced pastry team, delighted thousands of visitors at this year’s Kids Day Out, where families enjoyed Easter festivities while contributing to vital fundraising efforts for The Royal Children’s Hospital.  
“MCEC is proud to play a role in this much-loved event. The Good Friday Appeal is a special day when we open our doors to thousands of families who come together to enjoy the Kids Day Out and support vital fundraising efforts for sick children across Victoria," 
said Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien AM. 
“We baked 6,000 hot cross buns to create the 40-metre display – doubling last year’s 20-metre table – and it sold out in just a matter of hours,” 
said Alessandro Bartesaghi, MCEC’s Executive Pastry Chef.

To bring the impressive installation to life, 12 pastry chefs spent 48 hours preparing 500kg of spiced chocolate dough, incorporating 90kg of chocolate chips, 220kg of flour and 500 eggs. The large-scale bake resulted in light, chocolate-filled buns that delighted crowds throughout the event.  
“There’s so much joy in creating something special that brings families together, and doubling the length of our hot cross bun table this year was an exciting challenge. We wanted every bun to feel like a little moment of delight,” 
Alessandro added. 
The event raised a record-breaking $25,268,485 to fund life-saving care for children across Victoria. All funds raised through the Good Friday Appeal support ground-breaking research, family care programs and state-of-the-art equipment at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.  
“We are incredibly grateful for the generous and long-standing partnership with MCEC, who have been supporting the Good Friday Appeal for 12 consecutive years. Their commitment goes above and beyond, by generously providing in-kind venue hire for all GFA requirements and hosting the return of the Channel 7 Telethon at MCEC,” 
said Good Friday Appeal Executive Director, Rebecca Cowan. 
MCEC’s 12-year partnership with the Good Friday Appeal continues to play a vital role in bringing the Kids Day Out and the Channel 7 Telethon to life. Through in-kind venue support, the expertise of its event and culinary teams, and donations, MCEC helps create an unforgettable community event that unites Victorians in support of The Royal Children’s Hospital. 

MCEC has teamed up with the Good Friday Appeal, serving a 40-metre hot cross bun table at Kids Day Out, taking ‘raising dough’ to new heights.

MCEC Raises Dough for Good Friday Appeal - 12 Years Running

As Australia’s largest exhibition and convention centre, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has been connecting the world’s forward thinkers since 1996.  
The venue has hosted more than 20,000 events - from international summits and global conferences to community celebrations, cultural events and immersive art experiences.  
Many world leaders and cultural identities have been welcomed at MCEC over its three decades of operation, such as Bill and Hilary Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda and Carole King. 
MCEC has also played a vital role in emergency relief and coordination during times of crisis, such as the 2020 bushfires and during the COVID 19 Pandemic. 
MCEC is a major driver of economic activity and thought leadership, having played host to major events like the groundbreaking World AIDS Conference in 2014 and the world’s first Malaria World Congress in 2018. 
Its impact continues to grow - in 2024/25 the venue welcomed over 800,000 delegates and generated $686 million in economic impact to the Victorian economy. 
The outstanding success of MCEC continues to be recognised at the Victorian Tourism Awards, awarded as the top Business Event Venue for the last three years running. 
Beyond economic impact, MCEC has maintained a strong commitment to supporting the community, including hosting the annual Good Friday Appeal for eleven years. 
MCEC is proud to share this milestone moment with Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), who are marking their 60th anniversary in 2026. Since its founding in 1966, MCB has gone from strength to strength in a city that has flourished to become a globally recognised business events destination.  
With a strong partnership and rich history of collaboration, MCEC and MCB work together to put Melbourne on the world stage for major events and drive economic growth across Victoria. 
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive of MCEC and Nyaal Banyul, Natalie O’Brien AM: 
“Over the past 30 years this venue has welcomed some of the world’s most preeminent forward thinkers, while at the same time showcasing Melbourne’s incredible culture. 
MCEC is woven into the fabric of Victoria and has evolved to become a core part of Melbourne’s identity. "
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson
  
“MCB and MCEC have shared a successful partnership for thirty years. This strong collaboration over three decades has resulted in economic growth for Melbourne and Victoria as well as a legacy of business events that have created lasting change.  
Together, we have strengthened Melbourne’s reputation as a leading global destination for business events.” 

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is proud to celebrate 30 years in 2026.

MCEC Celebrates Three Decades of Moving Ideas Forward 

Designed to feel unmistakably Melbourne, the new menus focus on more than traditional catering. Guests can expect interactive food moments, premium local partnerships and flavour-led experiences.
Executive Sous Chef of Culinary Development, Karl Edmonds said, 
“We want to celebrate the city around us. Melbourne isn’t passive. It’s active, fast, social. Everything we’re doing with the 2026 menus leans into that. The suppliers, the stations, the flavours. It all points back to Victoria.”
The menu focuses on unexpected food and beverage experiences including bubble tea bars, gelato scooped to order and Hawker Lane Singapore noodles - all designed to create guest interaction throughout the venue.
Customers can expect familiar flavours, elevated with native ingredients and modern technique, grounded in MCEC’s core menu philosophy that everyone is welcome at the table. Dietary requirements like vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free are incorporated within the menu design, rather than as a side option.
“Quality ingredients, treated with care - that never changes. Now we’re also looking at how people interact with our food and how they move around the space,”
 he added.
One of the biggest menu shifts is cocktails on tap, a first for any convention centre in Australia. In collaboration with Straight up Cocktails and Campari, guests can enjoy delicious Aperol Spritz, Spicy Margharita or Blood Orange Americano cocktails, consistently poured even at the largest events.
Sher Wagyu and Lard Ass Dairy are just some of the artisan producers highlighted throughout the menu, and beverages feature the best of Victorian wines and beers.
When asked about the beverage offering, Head of Food and Beverage, Paul Kanaan said,
“Local gives our menu the pulse of the city. Subtle Tea is a perfect example. It’s creative, surprising, Melbourne to the core. It’s the kind of product that makes people lean in and ask, who makes this?”
“We’re seeing an unstoppable rise in low-and no-alcohol options, and we’ve expanded into that space significantly. Sugar-free options, non-alcoholic alternatives, mocktails in cans, guests want choice without compromise.”
When visiting MCEC in 2026, guests can expect food and drinks that feel distinctly Melbourne. Bright, social, seasonal and full of character. The menus have evolved, but the real change is giving delegates a reason to move and a moment to interact.
Get a taste of what’s in store 
here

MCEC brings the city’s energy to the table, unveiling bold new 2026 menus, featuring premium cocktails on tap, a first for any convention centre in Australia.

Melbourne on the menu at MCEC

The Business Event Venue award honours venues that significantly contribute to the tourism industry by delivering high-quality events, services and facilities, underscoring the important role of business events in Australia’s tourism landscape. The Excellence in Accessible Tourism award acknowledges businesses that provide exceptional experiences and services to people with disabilities.
“At MCEC, we’re proud to welcome people from all communities and of all abilities through our doors. Our team works incredibly hard to create a space where everyone feels included. This award is recognition for the entire MCEC team who go above and beyond to deliver memorable experiences for every guest.
We’re thrilled to receive the Business Event Venue award and be recognised amongst such a fantastic group of finalists,” 
said Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos congratulated the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre team.
“Victoria is Australia’s major events capital and there is no place quite like the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre when it comes to hosting the latest conference or event,” 
he said.
“Its continuous recognition in this category is a testament to its world-class facilities and services trusted by industry and business leaders worldwide.”
MCEC has continued to champion accessible and inclusive event experiences, delivering on several Accessibility Action Plan commitments over the last year. This included the appointment of an external Accessibility Advisory Committee, making MCEC the first convention centre operator in Australia to draw on committee experience and ensure insights from lived experience are incorporated in venue planning and operations.
MCEC’s 2025 With Purpose and Something for Everyone menus were thoughtfully designed to highlight seasonal, locally sourced produce, with sustainability and inclusivity top of mind. The menus showcase Melbourne’s vibrant food culture and cater to diverse dietary needs, ensuring every guest enjoys a flavour-rich experience.
Supporting the development of industry capability, MCEC established an Audio-Visual Technician Graduate Traineeship Program in partnership with RMIT University.
During the year, the program was awarded for providing trainees with practical, on-the-job experience across a range of audio-visual disciplines, helping them build in-demand skills and increase employability upon completing their studies. To date, five graduates have completed the traineeship, and all secured ongoing employment in MCEC’s audio-visual team.

For the third consecutive year, MCEC took home Gold in the Business Event Venue category at the VTIC Victorian Tourism Awards last night.

Victoria’s Best Business Event Venue

Melbourne has today been announced as the first Asia-Pacific city to host the award-winning Formula 1® Exhibition, following successful runs in Madrid, Vienna, Toronto, Buenos Aires, London and most recently, Amsterdam where it was extended due to overwhelming demand.
Brought to Melbourne by Sony Music and TEG Experiences, The F1 Exhibition’s Asia-Pacific debut follows record-breaking visits across the European and Americas tours.
Melbourne will become the eighth city to host The F1 Exhibition and provides the perfect opportunity for fans to experience the internationally acclaimed exhibition ahead of the F1 season opener at Albert Park.
Opening Saturday 29 November 2025 at the iconic Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Yarra River, The F1 Exhibition will take fans on an extraordinary journey through the captivating world of Formula 1 — exploring its rich past, thrilling present and exciting future.
Packed with extensive contributions from F1’s greatest teams, drivers and experts, the exhibition is an immersive experience no F1 fan will want to miss.
The Formula 1 Exhibition Melbourne highlights:
Legendary F1 cars:
 Get close to iconic Formula 1 cars from different eras, each a masterpiece of engineering and design.
Australian history: 
Fans and motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to a brand-new and exclusive experience, as the Melbourne exhibition celebrates the significant contribution Australia has made to motorsport, highlighting its legendary drivers and iconic race track.
State-of-the-art racing simulators:
 Fans will get a chance to race around the iconic Albert Park track in state-of-the-art F1 driving simulators.
Interactive installations
: Explore the world of F1 technology through hands-on activities and innovative displays.
Exclusive content:
 View exclusive archive video footage, interviews with the sport's greatest contributors, and historic memorabilia that bring Formula 1’s greatest moments to life.
Visitors start their journey in 
Once Upon A Time In Formula 1
, a gallery experience showcasing the sport’s most defining moments. 
Design Lab
 then takes fans inside an F1 factory, featuring contributions from Pirelli, Williams
Racing, McLaren Racing, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, and Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber.
Drivers and Duels
 tells the stories of legendary drivers and rivalries, with highlights including the Hall of Fame, that features over 60 helmets and the most iconic race suits from Formula 1’s 75-year history.
Revolution By Design
 explores the sport’s groundbreaking innovations and the future of F1, with contributions from Classic Team Lotus, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes AMG Petronas, Honda and F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff, plus more.

Visitors then enter 
Survival 
where previously unseen remains of parts of Romain Grosjean’s burnt out HAAS race car including the steering wheel and tyre, as well as Romain’s boots and gloves from his dramatic 2020 crash in Bahrain will be displayed.

The show then reaches its climax at 
The Pit Wall 
– a cinematic and immersive experience that allows fans to relive the greatest moments in Formula 1 history.

Details of a seventh room dedicated to the significant contribution Australia has made to Formula 1 will be revealed in the coming weeks.


Sign up to the waitlist at f1exhibition.au to receive an exclusive pre-sale on Friday 3 October at 10am ahead of the full public on-sale at 11am on Monday 6 October via Ticketek.


Ticket prices start from $49.90 for Adults and $24.90 for Children. Group bookings and premium ticket packages are also available, as well as opportunities for exclusive corporate events - please email: 
f1exhibition@teg.com.au
.
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer at Formula 1, said:
 “Every time Formula 1 comes to Melbourne we feel the passion for the sport throughout this amazing city, so it’s only fitting for it to be the destination for the first F1 Exhibition show in Asia-Pacific. The Exhibition celebrates the sport’s rich history and Australia’s outstanding contribution to Formula 1. I’m really excited for fans to go on an incredible immersive journey through our sport’s most memorable moments. "
Vanessa Picken, Chair and CEO of Sony Music Australia and New Zealand, said:
 
"Bringing the Formula 1 Exhibition to Australia has been an important initiative for us, and we’re pleased to present this global event in Melbourne for its Asia-Pacific debut as part of our MASTERWORKS LIVE! experiential events activities. Formula 1 is known for its strong connection to innovation, storytelling, and technological advancement — themes that align with the focus of Sony Music and MASTERWORKS LIVE! This exhibition offers an in-depth look at the sport’s history, technology, and key figures, and we look forward to sharing it with Australian audiences."
Shane Harmon, Managing Director of TEG Experiences, said: 
“We’re thrilled to bring the Formula 1 Exhibition to Melbourne; one of the world’s most passionate motorsport cities. Australia has long played a vital role in the sport, and we’re proud to celebrate that legacy with a world-class exhibition worthy of its racing heritage.”
Jonathan Linden, Co-CEO of Round Room Live and Producer of The Formula 1® Exhibition said: 
“We’re excited to launch The Formula 1 Exhibition in the APAC region, with Melbourne as the perfect starting point. Australia’s rich motorsport legacy—home to legendary drivers and both historic and modern-day circuits—makes it an ideal location. We can’t wait for fans to explore the world of F1 through this immersive and cutting-edge experience.”
For any media enquiries, please contact 
media@bursty.au
.


The official F1® Exhibition debuts at MCEC, bringing Australian fans an immersive racing experience and the chance to be part of the F1 action.

F1 Exhibition Debuts in Melbourne This November

Inspired by the event’s Imagine theme, MCEC’s Executive Chef Peter Haycroft served up colourful choux pastry puffs filled with Meredith Goat’s Cheese and Melbourne Rooftop Honey.
This year’s event raised over $580,000 to help bring happiness to seriously ill children receiving care at Monash Children’s Hospital and The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
MCEC’s Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the Starlight Five Chefs Dinner is a highlight for everyone involved in the event.
“We’re proud to partner with Starlight to bring together Melbourne’s top chefs under one roof for a night of incredible food, wine and fundraising, with each course thoughtfully curated to inspire. It’s always fantastic to see our community come together for such an important event.”
“Every team member involved, from our expert kitchen team to front-of-house, ensures the event not only delights attendees but makes a real difference to children and families that need it most.”
Starlight’s Chief Executive Officer, Louise Baxter, said, “Starlight Five Chefs Dinner has always been a celebration of the theatre of fine food and wine.”
“The MCEC team is simply outstanding in helping us bring this vision to life and enabling us to share the life-changing impact of Starlight with our guests. It is only with generous and ongoing support that Starlight can continue to be there to ignite imaginations and create the happiness that seriously ill kids need every day.”
“We truly appreciate our amazing partnership with MCEC and look forward to many more years of this incredible partnership.”
Find out more about 
MCEC’s impact commitments
.

MCEC proudly sponsored the Starlight Children Foundation’s Five Chefs Dinner last Thursday to raise enough funds to grant 29 life-changing Starlight Wishes.

Dishing up dreams at Starlight Five Chefs Dinner

“We love opening our doors every year to welcome thousands of families to enjoy a day of fun and celebration, while raising much-needed funds for sick children across Victoria,” Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien AM said.
“It’s a truly rewarding experience and you can see how much joy this event brings to the local community and the MCEC team,”
 Ms O’Brien added.
MCEC’s talented chefs played a crucial role in this year’s success, baking an astonishing 20 metres of hot cross buns, made up of nearly 3,000 buns. 
Alessandro Bartesaghi, MCEC’s award-winning pastry chef said, 
“The Good Friday Appeal event is really close to my heart and I love creating something special for the children every year.”
“This year I really wanted to push the boundaries and try something we’ve never done before. And what a better way than baking the longest table of hot cross buns you’ve ever seen! I was inspired by Japanese baking techniques to create a very soft, delicious bun that everyone can enjoy,”
 he added. 
In addition, MCEC’s interactive Ice Cream-o-Rama served 1,200 house-made ice creams. All profits from the sale of the hot cross buns and ice creams were generously donated to the Good Friday Appeal, further contributing to the remarkable total raised this year.
All funds raised from the event will contribute to groundbreaking research, family care programs and state of the art equipment at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
This year’s appeal also extended its impact across the state, providing a significant boost to regional paediatric health services at Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Grampians Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Albury Wodonga Health and Latrobe Regional Health.
"For over 10 years MCEC has generously supported the Good Friday Appeal, providing the venue and services for our family fun event, Kids Day Out, the all important Phone Room and Money Counting Room"
, Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal said.
"Thank you to Natalie O'Brien and the team at MCEC who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth delivery of this huge event, which allows the community to make a difference to the lives of sick children and their families".
The collaboration between MCEC and the Good Friday Appeal continues to demonstrate the power of community spirit. 

MCEC and The Good Friday Appeal have joined forces for the 11th consecutive year, raising a record $23.8 million for life-saving care for Victorian children..