At the moment, the venue will only open to events and visitors in attendance, and will not be open to the general public. Photo Credit: MCEC Instagram
The wait is finally over for Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
(MCEC), which has been given the go-ahead to welcome delegates back for
live events, subject to the Victorian Government’s Public Events
Framework.
Earlier in July, as the city grappled with re-imposed lockdown
restrictions, MCEC launched a VenueSafe Plan to prepare for a safe
re-opening, but as lockdown continued the team explored new ways to use
the venue, including the filming of a Hollywood blockbuster starring
Liam Neeson, and the training of Victorian Guide Dogs.
Now the time has finally come to reopen for live events, capped at
250 people — 25% of the venue's seating capacity. For non-fixed seating
events, a density limit of one person per four square metres applies.
Free-standing events are currently not permitted.
At the moment, the venue will only open to events and visitors in
attendance, and not as a public thoroughfare to the surrounding
precinct. Entry and exit points will be reduced to allow for stringent
health check stations, which will include hand sanitising and
temperature checks.
To guide visitors, safe-distancing signage has been placed throughout
the venue; while routine cleaning has been heightened at the venue as
well.
For planners looking to book events at the venue, MCEC's VenueSafe
Plan will be implemented in line with each event's own Covid-safe plan —
and on-site 'VenueSafe advisors' will ensure these safety measures are
adhered to.
The 250 cap on attendees is expected to increase with the future
easing of restrictions, and the current situation bodes well. As of 7
December, major Australian cities have reported significantly fewer
cases — including the 38th consecutive day of zero new cases in
Victoria.