<< Back

There’s no doubt it is Melbourne’s turn to shine this year. First it was the buzz of the new $1.1 billion convention and exhibition centre project; then the raging success of the Commonwealth Games in March followed closely by the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and now AIME is upon the city once again. Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau general manager of marketing Trish Finnemore believes the Commonwealth Games highlighted Melbourne’s ability to run major events and showcased the city’s excellent meetings infrastructure to the world.

“The Games allowed Melbourne to be seen on the international stage as a wonderful city to visit and meet in,” Ms Finnemore said.
She said the bureau is already receiving enquiries for future meetings business as a direct result of the Games. And while it’s too soon to quantify, Ms Finnemore said there’s no doubt Melbourne’s exposure through the Games and other recent major events have helped promote the city and its burgeoning facilities and ability to host such events. With AIME underway this month at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre the city is expected to continue to thrive.

“We expect AIME to be very successful this year. The C&I market has been very strong this year and we expect that to continue to provide a record amount of business to exhibitors.”
AIME offered a record 850 exhibitors and 480 hosted buyers this year plus an increase in local corporate buyers, in spite of its date change from February to June to accommodate the Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile AIME 2007 will revert back to February and although attendees have just over six months to prepare for it at the conclusion of AIME 2006, Ms Finnemore said so far feedback to the date has been positive.

“There’s less time between shows but REED Travel Exhibitions had all its plans in place and expects it to run as smoothly as ever.”
Aside from the highly publicised major events taking place in Melbourne, other large MICE events have included ENVIRO 2006 held in May. The conference was expected to attract a whopping 5600 delegates and generate $19 million to the local economy. MCVB won the right to host the conference in 2004 following the support and co-operation of four state government departments working with key stakeholders such as the City of Melbourne, Environment Protection Authority, Echo Recycle and the MECC. To be held for the first time in the southern hemisphere, the 16th Annual V.M. Goldschmidt Conference will descend on Melbourne in late August while in September the city will host 1200 child psychiatrists and allied professions during the Congress of the International Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. The conference, which runs from September 10-14 is expected to generate $7.8 million. Meanwhile MCVB’s new CEO Sandra Chipchase started the job just six weeks ago, having taken over after Garry Kingshott left in February. Ms Chipchase was unavailable for comment before going to press.

Carlton Crest Hotel Melbourne

Overlooking peaceful Albert Park Lake, the Carlton Crest Hotel Melbourne is only minutes from the CBD and St Kilda Road. With 30 pillarless rooms the hotel has a convention capacity of up to 2000 people and the flexibility to host smaller conferences and meetings. One of its main function venues is the Grand Waldorf Ballroom which can hold conventions and meetings, awards, and more. For more information telephone (03) 9529 4300, or visit www.carltonhotels.com.au/melbourne

Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre

The Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre or MECC has 50 conference and meeting rooms, in excess of 10,000sqm of conference space, 7300sqm of carpeted exhibition space, another 30,000sqm of pillarless exhibition space, 8000sqm of public concourse and amenities, can hold more than 2000 people for a banquet dinner, has a 450-seat auditorium and numerous meeting rooms, organisers offices and more. Adding to this the centre will soon begin a $1.1 billion upgrade including a new convention centre to be built on the south west bank of the Yarra River. For more information telephone (03) 9235 8000, email enquiries@mecc.com.au or visit www.mecc.com.au

RACV Club

RACV Club has earned the esteem of generations of Victorians as one of the finest clubs in the world. Conveniently positioned in the heart of Melbourne, RACV Club’s new city venue features state-of-the-art conference and event facilities including meeting and function rooms with a capacity of 576 pax, exhibitor space, a 31-seat theatrette, six syndicate meeting rooms, 112 accommodation rooms and eight restaurants and bars. For more information telephone 1300 139 059, email cityclub@racv.com.au or visit www.club.racv.com.au

Sofitel Melbourne

Views from the Sofitel Melbourne take in the city, gardens, river, and bay. Situated above Collins Place shopping centre and surrounded by boutiques, art galleries, theatres and cafes, the Sofitel is just a short stroll from all the local attractions. The 363 rooms and 52 suites start at the 36th level and every guest enjoys splendid floor to ceiling panoramas. Its grand ballroom can hold 840 people for a banquet dinner or 1400 for cocktails and 1200 theatre-style. For more information telephone (03) 9653 0000 or visit www.sofitelmelbourne.com.au

Langham Hotel Melbourne

Located on the south bank of the Yarra River, Langham Hotel Melbourne – formerly the Sheraton Southgate Towers, is a five-star hotel nestled in the heart of the city’s art precinct. It has 387 guest rooms including 11 Club Suites. With panoramic views over Melbourne, the hotel is within easy reach of the city’s business district, as well as retail centre, parks and gardens, nightlife and al fresco dining. The property has nine conference and banqueting rooms catering for between 10 and 400 people as well as the Chuan Spa, a gym, and three restaurants/bars. For more information telephone (03) 8696 8888, or visit www.langhamhotels.com

Marriner Theatre Events

Five stunningly restored historic venues make up Marriner Theatres Events including the Regent Theatre, Plaza Ballroom, Princess Theatre, Forum Melbourne and the Comedy Theatre. Opened in 1929, the breathtaking Plaza Ballroom is able to accommodate up to 500 for a banquet dinner, and 800 for conferencing. The opulent Regent Theatre has a capacity of up to 2200 for conferences and also features two private suites which are ideal for dinners for up to 60 people. For information telephone (03) 9299 9870, email jasond@marrinertheatres.com.au or visit www.marrinertheatres.com.au.

Melbourne Observation Deck

A must see is the view from the Melbourne Observation Deck, a member of the prestigious World Federation of Great Towers. Located 253 metres above ground on the 55th level of the Rialto Towers, the deck offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding area.

AFL Hall Of Fame and Sensation

The AFL Hall of Fame and Sensation at QV Village is designed to educate, involve, inspire and excite via the images and interactive nature of the precinct. Even if visitors aren’t footy fans or followers they are still bound to find the Hall of Fame an interesting place. Some of the interactive activities include lining up a goal post kick and finding out at what speed you can boot the ball and whether your aim is straight. There’s also the chance to call a game on radio, pretend filming for The Footy Show, and receiving a pep talk from famed coaches and ex-players before a grand final game. The Hall of Fame also has two private function rooms, the largest with a capacity of 280 for dinner, or by combining all areas up to 800 guests can enjoy the ultimate cocktail party. For more information email contactus@aflhalloffame.com.au or visit www.aflhalloffame.com.au

Shopping

From Collins Street’s prestigious fashion and jewellery stores to Chinatown and funky Swanston St, Melbourne has got a huge range of retail therapy. In Swanston St you can shop until you drop. The variety of retail outlets includes affordable fashion and shoe shops, bookstores, games shops, sporting equipment and clothing outlets, souvenirs, travel agents and duty-free outlets. In Collins Street you’ll find a number of chain quality flagship stores and designer labels for the picking, or head to Chapel Street for more labels.

Federation Square

The centre of Melbourne, Federation Square features a creative mix of attractions including galleries, cinemas, award-winning restaurants, cafes and bars, making it a great place to relax, dine and socialise. The square is also home to festivals and events and open spaces embraced by some of the most striking architecture in the world. Opened in October 2002, Federation Square clocked up a staggering six million visitors in its first year alone. In 2004 it played host to returning Olympians for their parade through Melbourne and pop band Regurgitator who recorded an album while living inside a ‘bubble’ in the square. For more information visit www.fedsq.com

National Gallery of Victoria

Now split between The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square and NGV International at St Kilda, this collection of art comprises some inspiring artists and designers. The Ian Potter Centre is home of Australian art and presently features an exhibition of work on the 2006 Contemporary Commonwealth, top student artists, The Altered Land Environmental Trail and more. Meanwhile, the original redeveloped NGV building holds international works. For more information on the galleries telephone (03) 8662 1553.

CLICK TO READ MORE ON MELBOURNE >>