By James Wilkinson

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) have announced a new service that combines venue hire and accommodation for small- and medium-sized meetings and events.

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf

The ‘South Wharf Meetings and Events’ service for MCEC events is the flagship product of the new meeting and events packages offered by the 5-star hotel.

Michael Bourne, General Manager of Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, told SpiceNews the hotel is very excited to be working with the MCEC to develop a competitive conference package offering.

“For Hilton Melbourne South Wharf to be able to offer this state-of-the-art centre to our loyal clients and guests is a wonderful addition to Hilton’s offering, not just in Melbourne but Australia-wide,” he said.

“The location of the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf to the MCEC is why our meetings and events offering is not just compelling — it is unique in the national market. Conference delegates will find access to the meeting and events space quick, easy and convenient.”

The new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is scheduled to open in April 2009 and is being built on the same site as the MCEC’s new conference, events and meeting facilities.

MCEC chief executive, Leigh Harry, said the new service will be beneficial for the local conference and events market.

“The MCEC is looking forward to working with Hilton hotels. Hilton understands the small to medium meetings market in Australia,” he said.

Hilton Melbourne South Wharf will launch the new service this month with the release of its day delegate packages.

Day delegate packages will be available from $99 per person, including a comprehensive audiovisual offering.