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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Beds and Business Unite at The Harvey Norman Showcase

By Bree Pagliuso|

What do you get when you combine the allure of an exhibition, the refinement of a gala, and the thrill of a live interactive experience? The answer is...The Harvey Norman Showcase.

In September our meeting rooms transformed into a sanctuary filled with beds and the latest furniture innovations, where guests were encouraged to "try out" the products in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. This fun twist left a lasting impression on those attending and perhaps even led to a few well-deserved moments of relaxation!

The showcase marked the first collaboration between The Comfort Group and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), welcoming over 144 Harvey Norman staff to view the latest furniture collections from three well-known suppliers, Sleepmaker, A. H. Beard, and xRocker. The exhibition and gala dinner provided a platform for these suppliers to display their new furniture ranges.

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A team effort

The event setup spanned across several different spaces, including two large meeting rooms, a medium-sized meeting room, a small cantilevered room, and the Level 1 foyer, all coming together to create a stunning backdrop for the showcase.

With less than a month for planning, our primary focus was on three key areas: logistics, catering, and technology. We provided early access to make the event setup smooth and accommodate the concurrent furniture conference. We also created a flexible beverage package to fit the customer's budget.

Making the most of our spaces

  • The standout moment was the Level 1 foyer transformation into a glamorous gala dinner.

  • Our meeting rooms were reimagined as vibrant exhibition spaces filled with mattresses.

  • Pre-installed technology, including a stage, lectern, sound system, and a 98" presentation screen, was used in rooms.

  • To add a sweet finishing touch, dessert was served in the foyer, making it the perfect conclusion to a truly memorable event.

"This event was a fantastic partnership. We're all about breaking the mould when organising unique meetings. We love collaborating closely with our clients to deliver something extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression on guests long after the event ends. It's all about pushing boundaries, creativity, and making sure your event becomes an unforgettable experience." - MCEC Sales & Events Executive, Matt Bromell.

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Fast Facts!

  • Bed-testing fun. With guests encouraged to test out the beds making for a truly unique event, blending a fancy exhibition with a playful twist.

  • A first-time collaboration. The Comfort Group and MCEC unite for the first time.

  • Top suppliers reveal. Sleepmaker, A. H. Beard, and xRocker, showcased their latest furniture collections.

Partnering with MCEC is all about thinking outside the box! Start planning your 2024 meetings today.