What makes for a great corporate events venue? Few will doubt that food has a major role to play. But what about aesthetics? Location? Accessibility to technology? Thankfully, Melbourne’s burgeoning reputation as a world-class city means that it features some of the most up-to-date and sophisticated venues for corporate parties, gala dinners, international summit meeting and more.
And what better city to showcase the best that Australia has to offer? Melbourne has recently been declared Australia’s favourite city, with many people rating it their favourite local holiday destination. It’s easy to see why. Melbourne features some of the most impressive examples of architecture in the country, merging the old with the new. Whether it’s galleries you’re looking for, or live music, art, theatre and film, Melbourne has it all in one of Australia’s most thriving nightlife scenes. Let’s take a look at what Melbourne has to offer in terms of corporate hosting.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
This futuristic building has showcased some of Melbourne’s most high profile-events. Its sleek, functional interiors encapsulate the spirit of innovation that drives not only the MCEC, but Melbourne itself. From small meetings to large conferences; exhibitions, concerts, cocktail affairs and gala dinner functions, the MCEC has the resources to host them all.
Each room in the MCEC features state-of-the-art audio/visual aids to facilitate the most sophisticated of presentations. There are high-definition 16:9 data projectors in every area, and the whole building has access to 24/7 free Wi-Fi. The rooms also have Intelligent Lecterns, which allow the presenter to have full control of his/her material.
What makes the MCEC unique is its commitment to sustainability. This is why it’s regarded as one of the most important “green” venues is Australia. In 2010, it received the Australian Interior Design Award for Environmentally-Sustainable Design. It’s heating and cooling systems are powered by solar power and other renewable energy sources. Its food is always locally-sourced and provided by organisations that share the MCEC’s green ethos.
In terms of location, the MCEC is hard to beat. It’s situated right in the heat of the city, on the banks of the Yarra on South Wharf. Here, delegates and guests can enjoy Melbourne’s bustling bar and restaurant areas, as well as access to the country’s best shopping.
Five-star accommodation is also right on the MCEC’s doorstep. It’s near the luxurious Hilton South Wharf and The Langham. More affordable accommodation options are also close by, namely the Holiday Inn on Flinders. The MCEC can be easily accessed from the West Gate freeway, with the Exhibition entrance located on 2 Clarendon Street.
The Crown Conference Centre
This flexible hotel features top facilities and the ability to host 840 delegates. Popular events at the Crown include gala dinners, awards evenings, weddings, as well as corporate breakfasts and lunches. This venue is appreciated for its sophisticated approach to corporate hosting, which always features five-star elegance.
The Crown has two main plenary rooms, 16 breakout rooms and a large exhibition area. The Palladium is the Crown’s most prized feature. It’s a vast hall boasting plush carpeting, glossy panelling and evocative lighting possibilities. It’s flexible enough to host any large event.
Smaller rooms include the Promenade Room, which is ideal for seminars and business meetings. It’s loved for its clean lines and high ceilings. The River Room is perfect for that corporate lunch, and has large windows offering impressive views of the Melbourne city skyline and bay area. The River Room, on the other hand, is an elegant and intimate venue for smaller, more exclusive business functions. Each venue comes equipped with the very latest in audio/visual technology.
At the Crown Conference Centre, you can be happy with the knowledge that a comfortable room is within easy reach. Relax in a sumptuous room in the Crown Towers, the Crown Promenade Hotel or the award-winning Crown Metropol. Nearby affordable options include the Travelodge Southbank Melbourne. From these hotels, the buzz of downtown is simply a stroll away. To access the Crown Conference Centre, head to 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, Melbourne.
The Park Hyatt
This venue represents all the sophistication and elegance of the Hyatt brand. Indeed, if you choose to hold your venue at the Park Hyatt, rest assured that all of your needs will be attended to in typical, five-star Hyatt style.
This venue is dedicated to hosting a range of events. These include weddings, business meetings, talks, seminars and others. The events-co-ordination team at the Park Hyatt is renowned for being attentive, meticulous, and flexible enough to ensure that your event has a personalised touch. The attention to detail that has given the Hyatt such a reputable name in the corporate world thrives here. Seven prominent rooms are on offer.
Let’s take a look at two of important rooms. The first is the Ballroom, a lavish, grand venue that has hosted some of the most glamorous weddings and sit-down gala dinners in the city. The Library Boardroom, on the other hand, is conducive to smaller events like seminars and business meetings. It comes fully equipped with all of the vital technological requirements for a stellar presentation.
The food of the Park Hyatt is of an expectedly high standard, inspired by the progressive and outstanding culinary heritage of Melbourne. It employs award-winning chefs from all over the world, including specialised chocolatiers, sommeliers and craft brew masters.
Find the Park Hyatt at 1 Parliament Square, off Parliament Place. It has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 240 guests in some of the country’s most luxurious rooms.
These three venues show that Melbourne has plenty to offer the corporate and diplomatic world in terms of hosting. Wherever you stay, your experience of Melbourne is bound to be unforgettable.