Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) hosted 720 events over the 2023-2024 financial year, which generated $777 million in economic impact, slightly short of its $800 million target.
Large events like the Lions International Convention, the ASEAN Commemorative Summit and the largest Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event in a decade culminated in 3.2 million visitors to the venue over the year, a 23 per cent increase. The long-staying BBC Earth Experience, targeted at the general public, also contributed to MCEC’s big numbers.
The centre also launched its accessibility action plan, completed an inventory of its carbon emissions across scopes one, two and three in preparation for development of its path to net zero carbon emissions and increased its workplace giving by 297 per cent compared to the previous year.
Further achievements included decreasing the gender pay gap at the centre to 5.1 per cent. The centre also donated over 9,000kg of unused food to OzHarvest while Melbourne Skyfarm, on the roof of an MCEC-owned car park, donated 546kg of food grown onsite.
“As leaders in the events industry, we play an important role in contributing to a better future through our commitments to people, planet and economic prosperity,” said MCEC chief executive, Natalie O’Brien AM.
“We’re proud of the innovative sustainability programs we’ve implemented at MCEC over the year, as well as the progress we’ve made in Geelong, in collaboration with our project partners and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.”
Through the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), operators of the MCEC will also run the under-construction Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. MCET recently appointed the centre’s first general manager, Rick Aylett, ahead of its expected 2026 opening.
In collaboration with the local Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, MCET launched the brand for the new Geelong venue during the financial year. In the construction phase of Nyaal Banyul MCET has also developed a social procurement policy and provided funded training for 28 apprentices and trainees who have experienced barriers to employment.
