Victoria’s event powerhouses celebrate milestone anniversaries
Victoria is celebrating 2 important anniversaries; the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) turns 60, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) marks 30 years of hosting events.
The 2 organisations have cemented Melbourne's global reputation as a top events destination and have helped grow the economy and make the city a global focus.
Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB): 6 decades of global excellence
Since 1966, the Melbourne Convention Bureau has played an important role to make Melbourne a top choice for business events. Over the years, the Bureau has brought thousands of events to the city. This support jobs, tourism, and the local economy.
In the past 25 years alone, MCB has brought $7 billion to Victoria’s economy. These events showcase Melbourne as one of the best cities in the world for large international gatherings.
In 2025, Melbourne was ranked as the top destination in Oceania and fifth globally for average delegate attendance at international business events. MCB continues to attract major conferences and events from a wide range of sectors with offices in key markets such as:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- China
- South-East Asia
- India.
Looking ahead, MCB has over 100 events confirmed up to 2030. They expect to welcome more than 90,000 delegates, generate over 240,000 room nights, and contribute an estimated $505 million to Victoria’s economy.
Learn more about the Melbourne Convention Bureau on their website.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC): 30 years of strong partnership
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, an iconic venue at the heart of the city, turns 30 in 2026. MCEC first opened on 14 February 1996. It is Australia’s largest exhibition and convention centre.
In the last 3 decades, MCEC has hosted over 20,000 events. These include major international conferences, cultural celebrations, and community festivals. Millions of people have attended events at MCEC, including famous speakers such as:
- Bill and Hillary Clinton
- Oprah Winfrey
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Jane Fonda
- the Dalai Lama.
MCEC is a place where big ideas and important innovations are shared. It has hosted major events such as the 2014 World AIDS Conference, and the first-ever Malaria World Congress in 2018. Last year alone, 800,000 visitors attended events, contributing $686 million to Victoria’s economy. Most of the venue's suppliers - 96% - are Victorian businesses, helping to boost local jobs and industries.
Learn more about the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on their website.
A legacy of impact
MCB and MCEC have both driven innovation, economic growth, and cultural exchange. They deliver world-class events that position Melbourne and Victoria as a preferred destination for business and cultural events on the world stage.