Australia to celebrate first ever Global Exhibitions Day at MCEC

By Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 3 June, 2016

Australia’s diverse exhibition and event sector will celebrate its inaugural Global Exhibitions Day at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on Wednesday 8 June 2016, to highlight the impact the exhibition industry has on local economies – igniting innovation, trade and business development.

To mark the occasion an ‘MCEC Global Exhibitions Day Oration’ will be delivered by innovator and futurist, Justin Baird, who will explore how the changing pace in technology, coupled with the global nature of business, means the growth of the economy requires the power of exhibitions.

This free public event, designed to provide attendees with a different perspective on the Australian exhibition industry, is being delivered in partnership with the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) and forms part of their wider series of special events to celebrate the inaugural day.  

During 2013-14, over 2,000 exhibitions were held across Australia, attracting over 9 million visitors. These exhibitions generated an expenditure of $3.1 billion and contributed a direct economic value of $1.5 billion. 

MCEC’s Chief Executive, Peter King said the creation of a Global Exhibitions Day was significant in acknowledging the important role the exhibition industry plays in fuelling local and national economies.
 
“Most do not realise how powerful and influential the exhibitions sector is within our wider business events industry. In 2013-14 alone the sector generated over 21,000 jobs for exhibition organisers and exhibitors in Australia. 

“Victoria hosts the largest number of exhibitions in Australia, with exhibitions making up 20 per cent of MCEC’s total revenue,” Mr King said.   

MCEC recently unveiled its plans to expand, adding a new flexible event-space that will bring the venue’s total pillar-less exhibition space to 40,000 square metres. This provides an opportunity for current exhibitions to grow and to further accommodate an ever-increasing conference and exhibition market. 

“Within our additional exhibition space we’ll be adding retractable theatre seating for 1,000 people, which provides our exhibition customers greater versatility in staging their events,” Mr King added.  

Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre