Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre confirms operator

The centre will be managed by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, the current government operator in Victoria, Australia.

Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre will have a 1,000 seat plenary venue and at least 3,700 sqm of flexible event space.
Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre will have a 1,000 seat plenary venue and at least 3,700 sqm of flexible event space.

To be opened in 2026, Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) will be managed by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, Victoria’s government operator for convention and exhibition services.

The Trust also manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will manage both GCEC and MCEC to leverage expertise and opportunities to collaborate. 

GCEC will be developed on the Geelong Waterfront precinct as part of the Geelong City Deal – a partnership between the Australian and Victorian Governments, together with the City of Greater Geelong. 

The AU$294 million project includes the construction of a purpose-built convention and exhibition centre, incorporating a 1,000 seat plenary venue and at least 3,700 sqm of flexible event space to allow large and small events to run concurrently. 

The centre will be a major driver of jobs and economic growth for the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding areas, supporting 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs through its operation.  

Every event at GCEC will benefit a local ecosystem of hoteliers, event organisers, food providores, chefs and casual wait staff, cleaners, technicians, logistics and transport operators, and more.