During 2024, the harbourside venue in Sydney’s Circular Quay underwent considerable change in its event hosting capabilities.
Its long-term in-house AV partner, AV1, made significant hardware upgrades to both its rooftop level spaces – the Quayside and Harbourside Rooms – in addition to a significant technology redevelopment for the ground level Foundation Hall.
MCA also took on a new culinary partner in the Big Group, who already have an established presence in Melbourne. The Big Group have stamped their mark firmly on the venue, transforming the former cafeteria style space on level 4 into an elevated dining room, in which they intend to cycle through a variety of chefs in residence.
In addition to helming the culinary offering for events throughout the MCA, the Big Group have also played a part in the transformation of Foundation Hall, with addition of an impressive bar, reaching all the way to the 7m ceiling.
AV1’s Long Summer Lunch was an opportunity to show all these new elements in action, with the lunch held in Foundation Hall for the first time in the event’s 10-year history.
“The Long Summer Lunch is a fantastic demonstration of the versatility of Foundation Hall and the possibilities created by our new AV setup,” said MCA’s head of venue and events, Kirsty Esson.
“It’s a privilege to partner with AV1 to deliver such a dynamic and memorable event.”
Pre-lunch drinks were held on the outdoor terrace which comes with Foundation Hall, before attendees moved through to the indoor space where they were greeted by an aerial singer suspended from ceiling truss. Throughout the afternoon, the T-shaped space allowed for both conversation and a jazz quartet to take place simultaneously.
With AV1 celebrating 20 years in business in late 2024, the lunch with themed in emerald, from the “Emeral Elixir” arrival cocktail to the table-runners and the vibrantly green desserts. Even the aerial performer’s rendition of Defying Gravity from Wicked fit the theme.
The newly installed audio system, new dynamic lighting and the room’s new truss were all on show. Three flexible projection screens and a “digital backbone” bringing together all of Foundation Hall’s technology have also been installed in the space.
“We’re incredibly proud to unveil the upgraded AV capabilities in Foundation Hall,” said AV1’s managing director, Nigel Mintern.
“This investment reflects our commitment to raising the bar in event production and ensuring our clients have access to cutting-edge tools for their most important moments.”
The AV1 team also added their own tech installations for the lunch, a custom three-metre ring and an emerald screen, with both used to bring various personalised elements of the event into the room, with attendees asked during the registration process to share favourite event memories as well as predictions for the future of events. This matched AV1’s own position, reflecting on two decades in business while also looking forward to what lies ahead.
“2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for AV1,” said Mintern.
“Last week, I visited a trusted supplier of AV equipment in China, and we have an exciting new product coming to our shores in just a few months that promises to be a game-changer for client productions. Watch this space!”
