The expansion of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre is necessary in order to meet current and future demand for exhibition space, and attract and retain major state, national and international events, says VEIC.
"Support for business events, including exhibitions, is vital to the growth of the Victorian tourism and events industry, as well as the broader State economy", says VEIC CEO Mr Wayne Kayler-Thomson.
"The Melbourne Exhibition Centre (MEC) is currently operating at full capacity during peak times and it is estimated that the new Melbourne Convention Centre, due to open in 2009, will draw more conferences to Melbourne resulting in a 20 percent increase in demand for exhibition space and the MEC will not be able to accommodate the demand.
"The Australian Exhibition industry conducted research in 2006, in conjunction with Victoria University, to quantify and qualify the benefits to the State of Victoria, immediately committing to the proposed extension to the MEC.
"The previously proposed extension adding 18,000 square metres to the MEC has been estimated to cost upwards of $180 million (depending on the scope of works required), producing an ongoing additional economic benefit of $150 million per annum ongoing.
The extension has been allowed for within the current construction of the new adjoining Convention Centre.
"The result for Victoria, if this extension is fast tracked to coincide with the building of the Convention Centre, will be a world class conference and exhibition precinct that will put Victoria ahead of all Australian capital city venues", says Mr Kayler-Thomson.
Expansion of MEC - Benefits to the State
- Tourism Economic Benefit
- The current exhibition centre contributes $260 million per annum to the business tourism market.
- The proposed extension will increase the business tourism by a further $150 million per annum
- Demand for increased exhibition capacity
- The existing MEC is currently operating at full capacity during peak timesIt is estimated that a 20% increase in demand for exhibition space will occur from new conferences attracted to the State from the completion of the new Melbourne Conference Centre. This will mean the State could lose 20% of current exhibitions being conducted at the MEC.
- Significant demand currently exists from existing business exhibitions for increased capacity to house demand and growth.
- Business Events
- Enhance Victoria's position as the business events capital of Australia
- The proposed extension will give Melbourne a 78% capacity advantage over the Sydney Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour
- The immediate commitment to the proposed extension, will give Victoria a 10 year competitive advantage over competing capital cities in attracting business events to the State.
- The ability to attract larger international trade shows to Australia's premier exhibition venue.
- Employment
- Significant demand for employment will be created from increased capacity
- Support the growth and sustainability of employment in key manufacturing industries in Victoria via growth of flagship exhibitions and business events at the MEC
- Significantly support the growth in the Victorian Retail & Hospitality sector with an estimated increase of 100,000 new business visitors annually to the State.
About VEIC
The Victoria Events Industry Council (VEIC) is a peak industry Council of associations, corporates and government agencies representing event organisers, venues, suppliers and service providers for Melbourne and regional Victoria. The role of VEIC is to provide leadership for Victoria's events industry.
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