Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

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5 Ways to Turn Your Next Meeting into a Launchpad for the Next Big Idea

By Bree Pagliuso|

Big ideas don’t happen by accident. Whether it’s a strategy day, planning session or creative reset, how your team meets makes all the difference. At MCEC, our spaces are designed to support collaboration and help ideas grow. You’ll find flexible layouts, seamless tech and some of Melbourne’s best coffee (yes, really).

Ready to rethink your next meeting? 

Here’s how to turn it into a launchpad for something bigger. 

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1. Change the Space, Change the Thinking 

If you want innovative ideas, don’t put your team in a stale room. 

The right space does more than just hold a meeting; it sets the tone.  

Our meeting spaces are here to facilitate teamwork. Natural light, flexible layouts, and modern design help shift your team’s mindset from just another meeting to let’s do something amazing. 

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Every meeting has its own energy. Luckily, we’ve got a space to match

Small Cantilevered Room (up to 63) Big ideas meet Yarra River views. Light, bright and made to inspire. 

Small Meeting Room (up to 70) Perfect for focused huddles and sharp presentations. 

Medium Meeting Room A flexible space for workshops and creative sessions. 

Large Meeting Room (up to 234) For bigger teams with bold plans and plenty to say. 

Clarendon Room (up to 100) Skyline views, smart tech and standout style. 

Clarendon A + B Combined Natural light, foyer access and space that moves with you. 

Clarendon Room C A breakout space that connects straight to the main stage. 

Clarendon D + E Combined Spacious, light-filled and ideal for mid-sized meetups. 

Clarendon Room F Minimalist and calm. Perfect for sharp strategy sessions. 

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2. Ditch the Energy Zappers 

Let’s be real; nothing kills creativity faster than a lousy room setup and a weak cup of coffee. If you want your team fully engaged, set them up for success.  

Don't worry we’ve thought of everything: 

  • Flexible seating and standing options to keep energy levels up. 

  • Cutting-edge AV and tech so presentations run smoothly. 

  • The city's best coffee from Melbourne's own Padre Coffee

  • Natural light and open spaces that actually make you want to be in the room. 

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3. Feed the Brain 

A great meeting starts with great fuel, plus this is Melbourne; food is serious business. That’s why our chefs create fresh, vibrant on-trend menus built to power your people. 

Menu Highlights: 

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4. Make it Interactive  

Nobody gets inspired by back-to-back slides and inbox multitasking. The best ideas come when people feel part of something, not just present. That's why we have made sure our spaces are equipped with technology designed to keep you people engaged. 

  • Interactive screens and whiteboards to make ideas visible. 

  • Breakout rooms for smaller, focused collaborations. 

  • Seamless hybrid and virtual setups so no one is left out. 

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5. Give Ideas Room to Grow 

The best ideas don’t always happen in the meeting. They happen in the in-between. The casual chats, the unexpected connections, the what if moments over coffee. 

That’s why MCEC is the right place. We’ve got breakout spaces, open foyers and plenty of spots by the Yarra to keep the conversation flowing. 

Great meetings aren't just about the agenda. They're about creating space for ideas to show up anywhere, anytime. 

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Bonus Tip: Make It Easy for Everyone to Be There 

Nothing stifles creativity like the stress of getting to a meeting. Given how central we are, we make it simple: 

  • 20 minutes from the airport. 

  • Trams, trains, and parking options right outside. 

  • Bike-friendly and accessible for all attendees. 

Ready to Rethink Your Next Meeting? Book your space or explore MCEC’s meeting spaces .  

Enquire now

Interested in hosting your next event at MCEC? Find out more about how we can bring your event to life.

Reach out to the team