MCEC exceeds expectations in 2022-23 as business bounces back

In 2022-23, the first full year of operation since the pandemic, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) hosted 694 events, welcomed more than 2.6m visitors and generating AUD $805m (USD $517m) in economic impact for Victoria. As highlighted in its 2022-23 Annual Report, tabled by minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, MCEC experienced a faster-than-expected business recovery. Twenty-one international, 70 national and 124 local meetings, conferences and exhibitions were hosted during the year and 79 concerts and ticketed events. These included a Business Leaders lunch with president Obama, the Global Botanic Gardens Congress, the International Air Transport Association and THE LUME Melbourne’s Monet & Friends experience. May 2023 saw 89,000 visitors entering the doors to attend 76 events, breaking a record for MCEC. The major May drawcards were Spineweek, Australian Manufacturing Week, The Good Food & Wine Show and the Rotary International Convention. MCEC also sponsored over $2.2m of in-kind value for community organisations. This included hosting the Good Friday Appeal Kids Day Out for the ninth year, raising a record-breaking $23 million for the Royal Children’s Hospital. The Centre additionally launched a reusable cup program that will save over 1.3m disposable cups each year, helping to achieve the goal of eliminating single-use plastic and diverting 90% of its waste from landfill by 2025. On the results, MCEC chief executive, Natalie O’Brien, says: “As demand for in-person events returned stronger than expected, MCEC was able to once again welcome events from across the nation and the globe and contribute to the Victorian economy. We’re proud of the MCEC team and our partners, who delivered extraordinary events and exceptional customer experiences throughout the year.”