Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre ups event capacity to 75%

Following the recent return of live events, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has increased event capacity to 75%, with a maximum of 5,000 attendees allowed.

The moves follows December's announcement whereby planners could once again book MCEC venues for live events, subject to the Victorian Government’s Public Events Framework and in conjunction with stringent health and safety measures. 

As of 29 January, Victoria has achieved 23 consecutive days without a locally transmitted Covid-19 case, although one new case has emerged in hotel quarantine.

On top of MCEC's VenueSafe Plan, safety measures such as contact tracing, changes to food and beverage service, and physical distancing have also been implemented. Visitors from from designated "Covid hotspots" will also not be permitted to attend events at the venue.

MCEC has also invested in a studio to host virtual and hybrid meetings. “We are seeing the needs of event organisers changing as they now need to craft different experiences for virtual and in-person events," said director of sales, Darren Waite.

"There are more robust conversations regarding the blend of virtual and in-person and this hybrid format is a way to address the current volatile travel restrictions and mass gatherings (although we are seeing positive movement in larger groups being able to come together but mindful of the volatility of this).”

Additional safety procedures will see venue access restricted to event attendees, with no general public access allowed. Entry and exit points will be reduced to allow for health check stations, which will include hand sanitising and temperature checks. Attendees can expect frequent routine cleaning, and prominently displayed signage to enforce 1.5-metre physical distancing.