Exhibitor resources

To distribute sample servings of food and beverage, you must adhere to the guidelines below:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get MCEC approval, please complete the sampling and selling approval form [0.13mb] and return it to exservices@mcec.com.au no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

• Sample portions must be of tasting style and size only, no larger than 50g or 50ml.

• Samples must be directly related to your core business either demonstrating a food product or equipment.

• Alcohol sampling portions must be no more than 10ml for spirits and 30ml for wine, beer and cider.

• Samples must be offered free of charge.

• It is your responsibility to be fully self-sufficient in terms of storage and service equipment specific to your food and/or beverage sampling.

• You will be charged for extra cleaning in case of spillage or for the removal of food or wet waste incurred at your stand.

• Please note: The Victorian Government has recently banned single-use plastics in the state due to the harm they cause to the environment. The ban includes the sale and distribution of single-use plastic items like straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, cotton buds, foodware, and cups at exhibitor stands. Instead, you should use or stock sustainable and biodegradable natural versions like wood or metal. Visit vic.gov.au/plastics for more info.

Motor vehicles on display at events, including electric and hybrid cars, must adhere to the guidelines below:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get MCEC approval, please email exservices@mcec.com.au .

• Vehicles cannot be started and run without prior permission from MCEC.

• Flooring must be protected by drip trays under each vehicle.

• Fuel must not be decanted, nor vehicles filled anywhere in MCEC or the loading docks.

• Exhibitors must control ignition keys and not leave them in the vehicle.

• Vehicles must have at least 1 x 2.3kg, A:B (E) dry powder extinguishers mounted in a prominent location as per Australian Standards.

• All bump in/out must be discussed with the event organiser and approved by MCEC.

• Fuel filter cap must be either sealed or secured to prevent easy removal by unauthorised persons.

• Vehicles powered by flammable gas (LPG) may be displayed only if their systems are fitted in accordance with relevant Australian Standards for LPG gas fuel systems for vehicle engines.

To use gas cylinders, you must adhere to the guidelines below:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get MCEC approval, please email exservices@mcec.com.au .

• Submit full details to your event organiser and the MCEC Event Planner at least seven days before the event.

• The safety of the public is the main priority, and each application will be evaluated accordingly. The following information is required:

  • How many gas cylinders will be onsite?

  • What will the gas cylinders be used for?

  • What are the dates when the gas cylinders will be onsite?

  • When will the gas cylinders be delivered?

  • When will the gas cylinders be collected?

• If gas cylinders are delivered without prior approval or if the representative of the exhibitor is not present to accept them, they may be refused. LPG cylinders cannot exceed 9kg in size, and there can only be a maximum of two per 3m x 3m stand.

• You must follow Australian Standard AS/NZS 1596:2008 and AS 5601-2004 for the installation and use of gas appliances and cylinders.

• All LPG cylinders must be removed from the exhibition area overnight and stored in the gas cage in the Exhibition Centre's loading dock. The exhibitor is responsible for moving the cylinders to and from the gas cage.

• For events at the Convention Centre, your Event Planner will provide information on the storage location.

Any activity requiring the use of a naked flame, such as candles and cooking demonstrations, must adhere to the guidelines below:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get MCEC approval, please email exservices@mcec.com.au .

• Check if you require Fire Warden. Please liaise with your event organiser to discuss any applicable charges.

Animals or pets are not permitted in MCEC except Seeing Eye Dogs and companion dogs. In special circumstances, approval may be granted under the following conditions:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get MCEC approval, please email exservices@mcec.com.au . If approval is granted, you must provide a copy of your animal management plan to your event organiser.

• The use of an animal must be legitimately required for an activity or performance.

Any use of helium within MCEC may be allowed under the following conditions:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get MCEC approval, please email exservices@mcec.com.au .

• Be securely tethered to the stand.

• You'll be liable for a retrieval fee for any balloons that come loose.

• This needs approval from your event organiser only.

• What is a trade promotion lottery?

  • This includes any scheme that gives away prizes by any means that include an element of chance at any stage.

  • Even if partially skills-based, it will still have to be conducted in accordance with current regulations.

  • Check out a full list of the conditions on the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation trade promotion lotteries FAQs page .

Supercharge your stand with indulgent treats that celebrate Melbourne/Narrm.

Our exhibitor stand catering menu has an enhanced focus on plant-based and allergy-friendly offerings made with fresh, sustainable ingredients.

Check out our Exhibitor Stand Catering Guide and complete the form at the end of the guide no later than seven business days prior to your event.

Download and complete the exhibitor stand catering order form [1.21mb]

We’re the exclusive food and beverage provider to the venue, so you’ll need to submit a request. Be sure to complete it no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

Complete the sampling and selling request form

Need internet or phone services?

Our resilient, state-of-the-art network connects the most complex events.

Be sure to complete it no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

Complete the internet order form

Want to hire an MCEC coffee cart?

Book a machine or coffee cart by Coffee Mob, our exclusive trusted provider.

Complete the MCEC coffee cart order form no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

Need approval for your external coffee cart?

Whilst MCEC provides coffee cart packages, you can use another supplier.

Complete the external coffee cart request form no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

Easily manage your team’s food and beverage expenses with one centralised account.

Be sure to complete it no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

Complete the account card order form

Want tech equipment or need support?

We can provide a range of screens, mics, speakers and help with configuration.

Be sure to complete it no later than 7 business days prior to your event.

Complete the AV equipment order form

Organise access to and use of water, compressed air and/or gas from your stand.

Contact our licensed plumber F.Wood & Sons on 03 9459 6628 or admin@fwoodplumbing.com.au .