The Victorian Government has given the green light to allow Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to increase its capacity for business events.
The venue is now permitted to host seated or standing events at up to 75 per cent capacity per event space, to a maximum of 5,000 attendees.
MCEC has an approved COVIDSafe Event plan from the state government, which includes contact tracing methods, changes to food and beverage service and physical distancing, and the ability to deny entry to delegates from designated red zones.
MCEC chief executive Peter King said the team is excited for the gradual return of events.
“Whilst we have been innovative throughout the pandemic to ensure continued use of the space, we are thrilled to be able to host exhibitions and other events again,” he said.
“At MCEC we are incredibly proud to be acknowledged as a standout venue for COVID-safety, as our customer health and comfort is our top priority.”
While MCEC was unable to host events for much of 2020, the centre discovered new, unconventional ways to utilise its large spaces, including turning exhibition halls into film sets, creating an indoor drive-in cinema and providing space for guide dog training.
Other measures included in MCEC’s VenueSafe Plan include the use of VenueSafe advisors to work alongside event organisers and contractors, restricting building access to event attendees only, health check stations at each entry point, employee training and frequent routine cleaning.
