2024: What a year!
By Bree Pagliuso|
What a year it’s been—alive with energy, overflowing with creativity, and fuelled by community and connection.
At MCEC, everything felt bigger, brighter, and more vibrant. From hosting global milestones to celebrating quieter moments that made an impact, we brought the world to Melbourne—and Melbourne to the world.
Curious?
Let’s rewind and relive the moments that made 2024.
The World’s Eyes on Us
This year, the spotlight turned to us as we became the setting for some of the most influential events on the global calendar. From industry-defining conferences to cultural celebrations, we brought the world to Melbourne.
ASEAN Summit
March saw our venue buzzing with the energy of world leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from nine Southeast Asian nations and Timor-Leste. Over three action-packed days , discussions tackled everything from trade and clean energy to leadership and investment. With the Australian Prime Minister in the mix, it was diplomacy at its finest, all unfolding in our venue.
AIATSIS Summit
With over 2,150 attendees, this transformative gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples became a vibrant exchange of stories, ideas, cultural pride, and shared futures. The exchange of ideas resonated far beyond our walls, leaving a lasting legacy.
IMPACT 2024 and INSAR Annual Meeting
These two groundbreaking events brought together global pioneers in autism research and accessibility. We worked closely with organisers to create inclusive spaces, from quiet zones to Auslan interpreters and welcoming assistance animals like guide dogs and therapy animals to height-adjusted food stations, raising the bar for what events can be. These gatherings were a reminder that progress starts when people come together.
AIME 2024
AIME celebrated with its biggest event in a decade —a true highlight on the global business event calendar. More than 600 buyers, 3,500 visitor buyers, and 570 exhibitors from 33 countries came together to turn ideas into action and showcase the best the industry has to offer. For our team, it was an incredible opportunity to show off Melbourne’s world-class credentials, and this year, we took it even further, spotlighting not one but two venues with the launch of Nyaal Banyul, the future Geelong Convention and Event Centre .
PAX Australia
In October, our venue became a playground for gamers, creators, and fans. From high-tech rigs and VR experiences to indie treasures and tabletop classics, PAX Aus celebrated every corner of gaming culture. Esports tournaments brought high-energy competition, while panels and workshops highlighted the innovation shaping the industry. With vibrant cosplay and a true sense of community, PAX Aus cemented Melbourne as a creative powerhouse.
EduTech 2024
This year EduTECH brought over 10,000 educators and innovators to MCEC, where the latest in EdTech and education collide. With 400 exhibitors, inspiring talks, and hands-on workshops, it was the place to be for anyone shaping the future of learning. EduTECH 2024 not only highlighted technological advancements but also sparked important conversations on social issues, demonstrating the power of collaboration in shaping the future of learning.
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, presented by WeBuild
At THE LUME Melbourne , Leonardo da Vinci’s brilliance came to life in ways never imagined. Visitors were captivated by larger-than-life projections of the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, creating a completely immersive experience. This exhibition redefined how we experience art and history.
What Changed the Game?
2024 was a year of reinvention—inside our venue and out. We turned ideas into reality and created new spaces and partnerships that redefined what we’re all about.
Skyline Melbourne Precinct
Right on our doorstep, Skyline Melbourne became the city’s go-to for fun. Ferris Wheel views, a mini-golf course with a cheeky ‘Straya Mania theme, and food trucks brought adventure and indulgence together. It’s Melbourne in a nutshell, and it’s just getting started.
Technology Upgrades
This year, we reimagined how events come to life . Our Plenary theatre now features two ultra-modern LED screens that double in size for immersive visuals, offering better views for everyone and using 50% less energy.
In our meeting spaces, new AMX control panels make it easy for presenters to adjust lighting, blinds, temperature, and sound at the touch of a button. With smarter, more sustainable tech, we’re setting the stage for events that do more and feel effortless.
Padre Coffee Partnership
Melbourne doesn’t just do coffee—it lives and breathes it. Thanks to our new partnership with Padre Coffee , that passion is now brewing right inside our venue. Think sustainably sourced, expertly roasted, and unmistakably Melbourne in every cup, because we know that all good ideas start with great coffee.
Accessibility Action Plan
This year, we launched our Accessibility Action Plan . Focused on improving employment, access, event participation and challenging discrimination, the plan addresses the diverse needs of people who interact with MCEC. We’ve already made moves, with accessible features, assisted hearing support, and a website designed to WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards—complete with virtual tours to make planning a breeze. And we’re just getting started. Over the next three years, we’re focused on doing even more to make every experience inclusive.
Positive Impact Guide
This year, we expanded our Positive Impact Guide with new partnerships, including Travellers Aid and Alkira Disability Services, and introduced a First Nations cultural guide . By enhancing accessibility and weaving respect for Traditional Owners into every event, we’re creating spaces where more people feel recognised, valued, and connected to something bigger.
Moments That Stuck
We brought what Melbourne lives and breathes to our venue—culture, diversity, inventiveness, and connection.
Summer at the Shed
With the Skyline Melbourne Ferris Wheel spinning, live music playing, and Four Pillars Gin cocktails flowing, this summer celebration at the Yarra’s edge brought great company, summer cocktails, and good times.
Student Runway
Melbourne Fashion Week’s Student Collections turned THE LUME Melbourne into a dynamic runway. Bold designs met immersive projections, with a figure-eight layout and digital art creating an impressive showcase of creativity and vision. We continue championing emerging voices in the creative arts, giving future leaders a platform to shine. It’s part of our commitment to supporting Melbourne’s reputation as a global hub for creativity and helping young talent.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program helps visitors with invisible disabilities signal they may need extra assistance. By recognising sunflower lanyards, our trained team ensures everyone feels supported—whether it’s offering a quiet space, clear communication, or just a little extra understanding.
Birrarung Riverfest
As part of Birrarung Riverfest 2024, we welcomed visitors to Melbourne Skyfarm—a 2,000-square-metre rooftop turned urban farm and environmental oasis in the heart of the city. This unique space offered a fresh perspective on sustainability and innovation while celebrating the Yarra River’s vibrant ecosystem.
The Skyfarm experience was just one of over 30 events held during September, all designed to honour the Birrarung’s cultural and ecological significance. It was a chance to connect with nature, explore new ideas, and be part of a broader celebration of our city’s lifeblood.
A Year of Recognition
Venue of the Year
MCEC won Venue of the Year at the inaugural Australian 2024 Business Events Awards, recognising our sustainable, forward-thinking approach and dedicated team.
Business Event Venue of the Year
We took home the top prize at the Victorian Tourism Awards—for the second year running.
EarthCheck Platinum Status
Achieved this global benchmark for sustainability for the second consecutive year.
By the Numbers
Over 3 million visitors brought energy and life through our doors.
692 events celebrated Melbourne’s culture, innovation, and creativity.
Achieved 6-Star Green Star accreditation, setting a new standard in sustainability.
With OzHarvest, we rescued 3,373 kg of food from MCEC events, creating 6,746 meals for those in need.
What’s next?
Stick with us—you’ll want to see what’s coming. See you in 2025.
