EEAA WELCOMES A NEW ERA FOR EXHIBITIONS IN VICTORIA

By Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia, 7 May, 2015

MEDIA RELEASE

 

EEAA WELCOMES A NEW ERA FOR EXHIBITIONS IN VICTORIA

 

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has commended the Victorian Government on its decision to fund the expansion of exhibition facilities at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

 

The much needed space will be funded through the 2015-16 Victorian Budget handed down today by the new Andrews Labor Government.

 

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, said the statement issued by the Hon. Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria, indicates the project is expected to cost between $190-210 million.

 

“We welcome this investment as it paves the way for the expansion of Melbourne’s outstanding Business Events facilities and will enable venue-bound shows to grow as well as free up the Victorian calendar to provide capacity for new shows. This will herald a new era for the exhibition and events sector in Victoria.” She said.

 

“For the Business Events Sector to thrive and be internationally competitive, we need fit-for-purpose infrastructure on the scale befitting world cities.

 

“EEAA has been campaigning for a number of years for this expansion, most recently in our submission to the Victorian Visitor Economy Review, and we warmly welcome today’s announcement.

 

“On behalf of the Members of the EEAA, we also congratulate MCEC Chief Executive and EEAA Board Member, Peter King, and his team for mounting a compelling business case for the funding of this expansion.” She said.

 

“We will be taking a strong message to the Victorian Government that the construction of the expanded facilities should be planned in such a way as to minimise the disruptive impact on the events sector.

 

“If there is one lesson Governments should take from the closure of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre (SCEC) it is that disruption due to construction must be managed with the highest regard for its flow on effects to the industry.” She said.

 

ENDS/

Source: Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia