Melbourne CEC steps up the virtual pace with Stage 4 restrictions in place until 13 September

As Victoria state appears to be the worst affected region of Australia for coronavirus currently, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is leveraging its technical expertise to push its virtual event offering to the fore to help customers connect with their audiences. From ticketed online events to corporate launches, large-scale conferences and even virtual gala dinners, MCEC is offering an elevated virtual experience with high production values to match. MCEC has invested in purpose-built studios that allow for scalable events – from a more intimate fireside chat, to a panel discussion of up to six presenters. There’s also has the capacity to host live-streaming across multiple spaces that allow for a hybrid of virtual and in-person events, for when restrictions ease. MCEC chief executive Peter King says: “While we can’t meet in person or use our studios under current restrictions in Melbourne at the moment, we’re offering our customers solutions on the other side of our city’s Stage 4 restrictions.” “Even when we are able to come together in-person, virtual will give customers access to new audiences and audience-insights, while making it easier for international delegates and presenters to take part,” he said. MCEC quotes recent EventMB research that has shown that up to 60% of event organisers aren’t confident running virtual offerings* Its offer will be one of broadcast-quality streaming delivered by high-speed internet, on a software platform that’s both customisable and secure for customers. “Our experienced and passionate team of event specialists will guide you through the creation of your virtual events and later, once we can gather again, hybrid events,” said Joshua Bryce, MCEC manager of technology sales. “At MCEC, our knowledge, passion, top-of-the-range technology and dedicated studios are all under one roof, ensuring a seamless experience from planning to delivery,” King added. “That means we can continue to be your best partner to deliver events online, offline and a combination of the two. We have the capabilities to adapt from virtual to hybrid and back again, and the passion to make your event shine no matter the circumstance.” Stage 4 restrictions are in effect in Melbourne until midnight 13 September 2020, therefore bookings for MCEC’s virtual event offering and studios are only available beyond this date. For more on virtual events, visit mcec.com.au/virtual-events *Event MB ‘The Virtual Event Tech Guide’, audience research 2020