Set on the shores of picturesque Port Phillip Bay, the southern-most city of mainland Australia is rich in aesthetics, with its beauty enhanced by the meandering Yarra River, immaculate parks and gardens, public art, classical buildings and innovative design. The vibrant, multicultural population, temperate climate and outstanding quality of life makes Melbourne an ideal destination for conference organisers, meetings planners and delegates alike. Melbourne has an outstanding track record of success for securing and hosting some of the world’s largest and most prestigious international conferences.
STABLE AND PROSPEROUS
Only western economy to achieve growth during the global financial crisis and continuing 17 years of uninterrupted prosperity.
Global top 10 countries for ease of doing business.
ENVIABLE LIFESTYLE
Over 200 countries and 180 languages represented.
World’s Most Liveable City 2011-2017
GETTING AROUND
A Walking City - Melbourne is set in a compact grid layout, making it very easy to find your way around by foot. The City of Melbourne offers a series of self-guided walks to help delegates explore the city. Free Tram Travel - There are ample public transport options for groups to explore the city and Docklands, and free year-round tram travel is provided within the city centre. Bike Share – The RACV Melbourne Bike Share System makes 600 bikes available for hire from 50 docking stations located around the city centre. River Cruises - With the Yarra River running through it and a bay next door, Melbourne is a great city to experience by boat. Delegates can jump on a Melbourne Water Taxi or take a scenic cruise departing from Southbank.
AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER CONFERENCE CITY
Australasia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination 2011-2016 (World Travel Awards) Australia’s highest concentration of conference facilities
THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE
Victoria is home to 7,900 technology companies generating AU$29 billion in revenue.
10 Medical Research Institutes 10 Teaching Hospitals 9 Universities.
KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS
Medical research
Biotechnology
Science
Innovation
Education
Engineering
EXCELLENT CONNECTIVITY
33 international airlines fly direct to Melbourne from 32 destinations, 425 times per week.
HIGH LEVEL SAFETY AND SECURITY
One of the world’s safest, friendliest and cleanest destinations.
Accredited as an international ‘Safe City’ by the World Health Organisation.
EASY VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
The Australian Government is committed to making conferences in Australia easy to attend, facilitated by the International Event Coordinator Network (IECN) – a designated group of immigration experts
EASY ACCOMODATION ACCESS TO CONVENTION CENTRE
Over 4,300 rooms available within a ten-minute walk of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
FREE WI-FI
Melbourne’s city centre has Australia’s largest and fastest free Wi-Fi network.
VENUES
Melbourne has a wide variety of flexible meeting and special event venues, from warehouse conversions to historic homes. The ‘Six Star Green Star’ rated Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is recognised as Australasia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre from 2012 - 2017 by the prestigious World Travel Awards. Boasting a event space of over 40,000sqm on one level, three self-contained plenaries capable of hosting up to 1500 guests each, 52 meeting rooms and the sophisticated Melbourne Room – the only banquet room of its size in Melbourne to feature floor-to-ceiling windows. The MCEC expansion project will create even more multi-purpose spaces, growing the total size to more than 70,000 square metres.
ACCOMMODATION
Major international hotels include: Hyatt, Westin, Marriott, Sofitel, Novotel, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Sheraton Over 4,300 hotel rooms within 10-minute walk from MCEC and over 5,100 serviced apartments within 20-minute walk from MCEC 25,000 rooms within a 10-minute commute from MCEC Over 4,400 additional rooms will be available in the city area by 2021 17,500 Airbnb Melbourne listings within five to seven kilometres of the city centre.
SAFE CITY
Melbourne has become the first major city in the Southern Hemisphere - and only the third major city in the world to be recognised as a Safe City by the World Health Organization.
SECURE MEETING VENUE
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has full-time patrolled security across all areas of the precinct, supported by a CCTV network. A detailed risk assessment report is developed by the MCEC in consultation with the meeting organisers to ensure the safety of all delegates, exhibitors, visitors and guests.
COVIDSafe plans and resources have been developed by the industry to ensure health and safety measures are in place to give confidence that business events can be held safely in Australia.