MCEC an economic driver

For the third year in a row, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) end of financial year figures have exceeded all previous year-end results.

The Southbank institution recorded a total operating revenue of $76.3 million and pumped almost $1 billion into the Victorian economy.

For the first time MCEC has, through an exclusive report conducted by Ernst and Young, measured the economic and social value of its business events over a 12-month period.

In 2014/15, MCEC played host to 918 events and welcomed 724,000 business event visitors through its doors.

MCEC trust chairman Bob Annells said the encouraging results and the forthcoming expansion of the centre meant the business had never been in better shape.

“We are committed to continually providing a strong return on investment made by the Victorian State Government, which sees us play a key role in supporting the local economy while remaining Australia’s venue of choice for business events,” he said.

In post-event surveys conducted in 2014/15, exhibitors overwhelmingly reported that the major benefits of exhibiting at MCEC included improved brand awareness as well as leads for future business.

MCEC chief executive Peter King said the results further highlighted the positive impact that the centre was having on the local business community everyday.

“It’s pleasing to see that our exhibitors are realising the value of networking to produce better research and business investment outcomes locally, nationally and globally,” he said.

“MCEC really is a valuable community asset and a world class venue. All Victorians should be delighted to see evidence of this success story and the contribution the venue makes to the economy.”