MCEC Celebrates Three Decades of Moving Ideas Forward

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.”