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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Made in Melbourne: Padre Coffee

By Bree Pagliuso|

Melbourne Is coffee. Why? Well, for starters, we're a city that takes our coffee as seriously as our culture. From hole-in-the-wall spots to bustling roasteries, Melbourne’s coffee scene isn't just a casual affair—it's an obsession.

If you’re not enjoying your current cup, you’re already planning where to grab the next one. Catching up with friends over the weekend? It’s likely happening over a coffee. Contemplating your next big life move? Odds are, it began with a coffee in hand. It’s a Melbourne love affair that’s been brewing for years, and at the heart of it is the perfect blend of passion, innovation, and a dash of curiosity. 

Enter MCEC—more than just a venue; we're a place where the world's forward thinkers come to connect and innovate. And, when it comes to coffee, you better believe MCEC brings its A-game. Every event is paired with a cup that's as rich and diverse as the city itself. The secret ingredient? A partnership with none other than locally loved Padre Coffee . 

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South Melbourne Market
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Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Melbourne’s Best 

Not just a name in the coffee world but a legacy. Since 2008, they've been roasting specialty coffee with a keen focus on ethical, sustainable growth. With roots in Melbourne and a branch in Noosa, Padre has always been about more than just coffee—it's about the people, the process, and the passion that goes into every cup. They’re committed to quality produce, sustainability, and fostering relationships that go the distance. It's no wonder their beans have become a staple in cafes across the city. 

Bringing the Two Brands Together  

So, what happens when you bring together two iconic Melbourne brands like MCEC and Padre Coffee? You get a blend that’s —vibrant, diverse, and oh-so-satisfying. 

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Ben White, National Sales Manager
1 Minute with Padre Coffee’s National Sales Manager, Ben White  

"Padre Coffee started in Brunswick East as a café and roastery," says Ben. "Since then, we've opened a store in South Melbourne, moved to a bigger roastery here in Melbourne, and a couple of years later, we opened a roastery in Noosa. More recently, we opened a retail store in Sydney." 

What makes Melbourne the perfect ground for specialty coffee? According to Ben, it's the people. "Melburnians love coffee the same way they love all food and beverage. They're conscious consumers who have been extremely supportive of the specialty coffee movement." It’s this ingrained passion that allows the coffee scene to flourish here, making Melbourne the coffee capital it is today. 

When it comes to MCEC, Padre's Lucky Boy blend is a star. "It's a really versatile, well-rounded blend and one of our most popular," Ben explains. "It's perfect for a venue like MCEC because there are so many different ways you can consume coffee within the venue. Its flavour notes of milk chocolate, nuttiness, and super sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser, whether you like it with milk or as a black coffee." 

Working with MCEC was a natural fit for Padre, especially with sustainability in mind. "MCEC already has so many amazing sustainability measures in place," says Ben. "We're local to MCEC, so we provide all of the coffee in recyclable 8-kilo tubs. It's important for us to save on all of the packaging that would usually go into producing that coffee, especially with the volume MCEC goes through." 

Padre's commitment to doing good doesn't stop at the cup. Their "Good Coffee Doing Good" initiative gives back to social businesses, non-profits in Melbourne, and producers at origin. It's coffee with a conscience, making every sip a step towards something better. 

Curious? 

Fancy a taste? Come and try a freshly brewed Padre coffee at Goldfields Café + Bar at MCEC. More than just a coffee; it's a piece of Melbourne , served with a side of curiosity. Connect with like-minded thinkers, share ideas, and be part of the buzz.