Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre enhances accessibility for events

In recognition of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has announced new collaborations and initiatives to help event organisers deliver more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming events as part of the venue’s Positive Impact Guide. The Australian Disability Network IMPACT Conference was held last week. The event featured accessible technology, Auslan interpreters, sensory rooms, and accommodations for assistance animals, ensuring a truly inclusive experience. Catering options included tray service and table service, with a range of menu selections available at every station. For presenters with mobility needs, ramps equipped with handles on each side provided easy access to the stages. Travellers Aid, a recent addition to MCEC’s Positive Impact Guide, operated a buggy service for attendees with mobility needs, ensuring easy travel to and from the conference. Rohan Astley head of advocacy, impact, and reputation said: “We’re proud to work closely with event organisers and collaborate with leading accessibility service providers like Travellers Aid to improve inclusivity and support delegates to meaningfully participate and engage in events at MCEC.” Travellers Aid CEO, Elias Lebbos, said: “Our partnership with MCEC reinforces a shared commitment to accessible and inclusive events in which everyone can participate. Travellers Aid looks forward to this collaboration to better facilitate the practical needs of the 4.4m people with disability within Australia, as well as our international visitors to Melbourne.” MCEC will also collaborate with Travellers Aid at the upcoming Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Conference, hosted by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council in August, to provide a buggy service, motorised wheelchairs, and personal care support for attendees.