Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust (MCET), operators of the globally renowned Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, have released their Annual Report and Impact Report, highlighting their important role in driving economic, social and environmental impact.
In 2023-24, MCET generated $777 million in economic impact for the State of Victoria, as well as achieving important climate change, water, procurement, equality and recognition targets.
MCEC proudly hosted 720 events, including the high-profile ASEAN Commemorative Summit, Lions International Convention, the largest AIME in a decade, and the BBC Earth Experience, direct from its world premiere in London. 3.2 million people visited MCEC, a 23% increase from last year.
In an important milestone, MCET launched its latest Accessibility Action Plan in 2023-24, which was developed with input from people with lived experience along with expertise from accessibility consultants in the tourism industry.
MCEC’s innovative returnable coffee cup program served over 894,000 delegates with reusable stainless-steel cups, preventing thousands of disposable cups from ending up in landfill.
During the year, MCEC developed a carbon emissions inventory, calculating Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. By including Scope 3 emissions, MCEC is extending its responsibility beyond its direct operations and encouraging sustainable practices along the entire value chain. The carbon inventory will also be used to develop a roadmap to achieve net zero by 2050.
Continuing its commitment to supporting leading Australian charities and community organisations, MCEC celebrated a decade of support for the Good Friday Appeal and OzHarvest, and workplace giving increased by 297%.
In Geelong, Nyaal Banyul project partners have established a gold standard for social procurement during the construction of Nyaal Banyul, providing fully funded training for 28 trainees or apprentices who have experienced barriers to employment.
MCET also collaborated with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to develop the award-winning brand identity for the future venue, which takes inspiration from the venue’s gifted name and the landscapes and heritage of Wadawurrung Country.
Quote attributed to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos
“MCET plays a key role in our booming visitor and events economy, which keeps our hotels and hospitality venues thriving and backs local businesses and jobs.”
Quote attributed to Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM
“As leaders in the events industry, we play an important role in contributing to a better future through our commitments to people, planet and economic prosperity. We’re proud of the innovative sustainability programs we’ve implemented at MCEC over the year, as well as the progress we’ve made in Geelong, in collaboration with our project partners and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. We look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
Quote attributed to Sustainability and Impact Manger Kristen Gillespie
“We’ve made important progress towards our ambitious impact goals, be that through waste reduction efforts, sponsorship for community organisations, or improving access for people with disabilities. We know many of our customers, partners and stakeholders share our commitments to sustainability and community impact, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure it remains a top priority.”
Read the Annual Report here: https://www.mcec.com.au/who-
Read the Impact Report here: https://www.mcec.com.au/our-
About Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust operates the globally recognised Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will soon operate a new venue, Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre (opening in 2026).
ABOUT MCEC
At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), visionary ideas come to life, and the world’s thought leaders gather. The iconic venue hosts dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves inspired and excited.
MCEC loves all communities and interests, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Blending trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech, it creates mind-blowing, globally recognised events.
Thanks to its progressive sustainability practices, choosing MCEC means making a positive environmental impact. Feel Melbourne’s vibe, discover the next big thing, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future.
About Nyaal Banyul
Welcome to Nyaal Banyul, where we gather on the waterfront of Wadawurrung land, continuing traditions of knowledge-sharing and gathering.
Embedded in layers of Country, Nyaal Banyul immerses you in sky, sea, and land. Experience discovery and connection in Geelong/Dijlang’s newest venue.
With a 1,000 seat-theatre and 3,700 square meters of versatile space, this venue hosts everything from community gatherings to large-scale conferences. The precent enhances Geelong with shops, diverse eateries, a public plaza and a 200-room hotel.
So come gather with us.
Open your eyes to the hills.
Open your hear to community.
Open your mind to a new perspective.
Acknowledgement of Country
Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.
As operators of the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, we Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Djilang (Geelong), the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay respects to their Elders past and present, and thank them for gifting the centre its name, returning language to Country. Meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, once open Nyaal Banyul will encourage visitors to the centre to look deeply and appreciate the landscapes and history of Wadawurrung Country.
INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.
Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au
Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!
www.nativeshop.com.au
Advertisement
