Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

Plenary (Entire)

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ConferenceGala and cocktailConcert and entertainment

Plenary is our venue's centrepiece, accommodating conferences and single-speaker presentations through to gala dinners and full-scale stage productions. Its generous space seats up to 5,500 guests and can be divided into thirds. It has dressing and VIP rooms, motorised blinds and acoustically treated walls. With full theatrical capabilities, Plenary has hosted many successful events since the Convention Centre opened in 2009, becoming the first in the world to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating.

Explore our floor plans and space capacities guide

Capacity range

  • Theatre

    5564 people

  • Theatre exclude balcony

    3892 people

  • Theatre sub-divided

    2409 people

  • Classroom

    846 people

  • Cocktail

    1500 people

  • Banquet

    1270 people

  • Cabaret

    1016 people

  • Foyer space

    2655 sqm

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Room details

Room features

  • Ideal for large events with fully automated retractable seats

  • Flexible space with theatre and flat floor options

  • Adjustable acoustic walls

  • Blinds can be lowered at the rear to create a more intimate setting

  • Large connected foyer for pre-event registration, catering and retail outlets

  • Dressing rooms, green room, and VIP suites

  • Support of a dedicated event planner

  • Specialist lighting, vision, audio, multimedia, and rigging support

  • Pre-event marketing support

  • Signage and branding opportunities

  • Plenary Café, exhibition bays, banquet and meeting rooms nearby

Plenary is a unique space. Download its specifications below.

Download the Plenary specifications document
Accessibility features

  • Accessible parking and lift at Door 6 and 10, Exhibition Centre Basement Car Park

  • Lift nearby to access the upper levels

  • Braille door signage

  • Guide dog friendly

  • Hearing assisted devices available for hire

  • Designated wheelchair seating arrangement, with companion seating

  • Stage ramp available

  • Wheelchair accessible toilets nearby

  • Ambulant toilets nearby

  • Prams and strollers must be stored in the Cloak Room at the Customer Service desk next to Goldfields Café

Technology features

Pre-installed technology:

  • Intelligent lectern with fixed microphones and presentation computer

  • High definition projector and screen

  • Supplementary LED screens

  • Vision control system

  • PA system for sound amplification

  • Audio control desk

  • Basic stage lighting with control

  • Multifunction touch panel

  • Large in-built stage

Optional extras:

  • Wireless microphones

  • Display screens

  • Recording or streaming equipment

  • Concert equipment

  • Rigging and lighting

  • Lectern branding

  • Wireless internet

Please note this space requires a minimum of two operators.

Room location

Spaces that mean business

When the office isn’t enough, we’re here with breakout spaces perfect for side chats, brainstorming big ideas, or finding quiet moments.

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Small Cantilevered Room

Accommodating up to 63 people, our Small Cantilevered Room offers stylish interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Yarra River.

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Small Meeting Room

Small Meeting Rooms accommodate up to 70 people for business meetings, presentations, cocktail events or dinners. Connect adjacent rooms for more space.

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Medium Meeting Room

Maximise productivity in our Medium Meeting Rooms. Perfect for business meetings, presentations or dinners. Foyer space available.

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Large Meeting Room

Large Meeting Rooms are ideal for business meetings, presentations or dinners. Accommodate up to 234 people. Foyer available for registration and catering.

Enquire now

Interested in hosting your next event at MCEC? Find out more about how we can bring your event to life.

Reach out to the team

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