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.

A captivating view of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from the South Wharf precinct. Bathed in sunlight, the scene showcases people leisurely riding bikes and strolling along the promenade.
Back to Stories and ideas

MCEC and Startup Victoria partner to foster innovation and entrepreneurship

This bespoke partnership is a strategic alignment that will strengthen industry relationships, provide a forum for sharing experiences and expertise, and inform potential products and services to help shape the MCEC customer experience.

Natalie O’Brien AM, recently appointed CEO of MCEC, said the partnership can help MCEC progress the innovation journey it has embarked on over recent years. “We have lots of ideas to explore and we want to embed creativity, innovation and an entrepreneur mindset into our business,” Ms O’Brien said.

“The partnership with Startup Victoria will help us navigate the large and complex start up ecosystem and connect with people who can help us achieve our innovation goals.”

Dickie Currer, Head of Partnerships at Startup Victoria, is pleased to be associated with an icon of Victoria’s business and tourism infrastructure.

“We look forward to connecting with MCEC’s people and community partners and tapping into the expertise and influence of its Club Melbourne ambassadors and thought leaders,” Mr Currer said.

The first Startup Victoria event to be supported by MCEC as venue partner is the Health & Wellbeing Pitch Night. The pitch night on 28 February will showcase startups that are making the world a better place by improving health and wellbeing in innovative ways. Further pitch nights will be held throughout the year.

Living up to its brand as ‘Home of the Unconventional’, MCEC seeks opportunities to develop and deliver new products and experiences.

MCEC created new opportunities to transform the business in response to the pandemic. Examples included partnering with Village Cinemas to open Australia’s first indoor drive-in; teaming the venues award-winning chefs with premium Victorian food distributor Flinders + Co. to create a Home Chef Series range of delicious products; and using space as a film studio for production of a major Hollywood film.

In 2021, MCEC partnered with THE LUME Melbourne, Australia’s first multi-sensory, immersive, digital art gallery which has since welcomed over 850,000 visitors.

Looking forward, MCEC is preparing to host the Global Entrepreneurs Congress when it comes to Melbourne for the first time in September 2023. This event will bring together more than 2,500 delegates from 170 countries to share success stories and foster collaboration.