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.

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MCEC Event Capacity Increases

By Sarah Burt|

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is now able to host events up to 75 per cent capacity per event space, to a maximum of 5,000 attendees, following the implementation of stringent health and safety measures to keep customers safe.

Following a comprehensive review of MCEC’s VenueSafe plan and COVIDsafe measures by the Victorian Public Health Advisory Panel, Chief Health Officer (CHO) and the Major Events Taskforce, the venue has been approved to hold seated or standing events of up to 75 per cent capacity.

These new operating conditions recognise the industry-leading health and safety measures MCEC has put in place throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

These measures including temperature checks on entry, contact tracing, changes to food and beverage service and physical distancing, as well as preventing interstate attendance at events by delegates from designated red zones.

Under these new conditions, organisers holding events at MCEC are still required to seek approval to run an event through the Victorian Government’s Public Events Framework.

Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, said MCEC is excited to see the gradual return of events to the venue.

“Whilst we have been innovative throughout the pandemic to ensure continued use of the space, we are thrilled to be able to host exhibitions and other events again,” he said.

“At MCEC we are incredibly proud to be acknowledged as a standout venue for COVID-safety, as our customer health and comfort is our top priority.”

One of the first large conventions to be held at MCEC this year will be the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) from March 15 - 17.

MCEC’s comprehensive VenueSafe Plan includes:

  • VenueSafe advisors to work alongside event organisers, employees and contractors to ensure all health measures are followed.

  • Restricting building access to event attendees only, with no general public access allowed.

  • Health check stations at each entry point, including hand sanitising and temperature checks.

  • Frequent routine cleaning and signage prominently displayed to indicate 1.5 metre physical distancing.

  • All employees trained on coronavirus (COVID-19) safety and sanitisation protocols. 

Event organisers must also have their own COVIDsafe plan, continue to reinforce mask wearing in indoor settings exclude any attendees from red zones and ensure registers of attendees that can be accessed by DHHS if required.