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.

Long table with people sitting along either side in front of floor to ceiling windows. People sit at the table eating dinner with servers delivering them drinks. The room is filled with pink lighting.
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Which One of Our Meeting Room Types is Best for You?

By Deni Kirkova|

Our venue is iconic. And so are our spaces. Here at MCEC, we're known for our huge theatres and exhibition bays, but our smaller meeting rooms and breakout spaces are just as impressive. Think meetings set in the centre of the city with plenty of natural light and cracking views. It’s all here.

MCEC has a perfect room for every kind of meeting and small event for hire. From planning session spaces for a handful of delegates to a corporate cocktail solution for 250 pax, look no further than our venue's portfolio set in the heart of Melbourne.

We chat to Courtney Jorgensen, MCEC Manager - Meetings & Events, who knows what our customers want. Courtney briefs us on 5 of our exquisite meeting rooms, who they're best for and why.

Headshot of blonde woman smiling.
Clarendon Room

With floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking panoramic views from Melbourne's South Wharf to the CBD, Clarendon Room is the space to make an impression. Ideal for an intimate crowd of up to 100, Clarendon Room makes for magnificent cocktail parties and smaller dinner events. The space is great for a breakfast, lunch, meeting, lecture, or keynote speaker address.

Guests will look out onto the Yarra River, its gorgeous bridges, and surrounding landmarks, including our dramatic steel blade, bringing the city into the room. This iconic design resembles an aeroplane wing, referencing the transatlantic significance of MCEC. Architects Benton Corker Marshall have replicated this silhouette at other heritage buildings along the horizon so delegates can feel immersed in Melbourne from within the building.

Meanwhile, our event experts will help to create a unique lighting, audio, and multimedia experience. With sights to behold and state-of-the-art technology, your meeting will make an impact at Clarendon Room.

Long table with people sitting along either side in front of floor to ceiling windows. People sit at the table eating dinner with yellow lighting filling the room.
Clarendon Auditorium

If you’re looking for a venue hire to accommodate a small conference, presentation, keynote speaker address, or educational lecture, Clarendon Auditorium and Foyer is the perfect space.

A second-to-none solution in Melbourne, Clarendon Auditorium features a clever layout that lends itself to interactive, walk-around formats. The spacious seated theatre accommodates up to 466 pax. Meanwhile, the adjacent open foyer provides space for your guests to register, mingle, eat and drink before or during proceedings - it's perfect for a trestle table or poster board display. Supporting meeting rooms and breakout spaces are also available on the same level.

You’ll get our world-class event technology included, with options to increase additional tech. Our future-proof solutions include screens, microphones, HD and widescreen projectors, presentation computer with internet access, PA and audio control system, and adjustable stage lighting. Make your presentation come alive at Clarendon Auditorium. It's the perfect space for both in-person and hybrid events.

Large empty theatre with rows of chairs facing an empty stage with a lectern on it. The room is under blue and green lighting.
Sovereign Room

Stylish and sophisticated with hi-tech capabilities, Sovereign Room is an outstanding option for your next awards night or conference. A perfect gala dinner space for 250-350 pax with a dancefloor, or a conference for 250+, this is the place to host a new launch or annual celebration.

With deep blue carpets, grand staircase and stunning feature ceiling plus customisable lighting and displays, the space creates a true sense of occasion for an awards night or ceremony. Behind the scenes, Sovereign Room comes with inbuilt event technology and presentation tools, including an intelligent lectern, multimedia audio system, internet, and projectors, plus pre-installed lighting and rigging.

Treat guests to cloak room, foyer space, and VIP lounge hospitality. Plus, we offer options for welcome cocktails on the terrace or a pre-function event in a stunning dedicated area.

Empty room of distanced round tables, set for a gala dinner. The room is filled with blue lights and green spotlights on each table.
Clarendon Meeting Rooms A and B

As the names suggests, the Clarendon rooms are accessible via the Clarendon Street entrance of the building. Clarendon Meeting Rooms A and B are the go-to hires for small to medium-scale meetings, smaller events like strategy and planning sessions, presentations, educational lectures, or keynote speaker address. With pre-installed event technology and technical support included, they can be hired individually or combined.

Courtney says: “The best thing about Clarendon Meeting Rooms A & B is the beautiful natural light that floods through the huge windows. These spaces are fantastic for 1–2-day conferences accommodating 50-120 pax. They are also close to public transport making them easy to get to."

Natural light is just the thing to keep delegates engaged through an event that takes a full day or more. But Clarendon Meeting Rooms A and B are made for more than just meetings: they make great spaces for dinners. A blank canvas, they can be dressed to your preference, brand, or type of event. With different room configurations available, adjacent foyer, and an abundance of natural light, you’ll find a set-up to suit you.

Empty room of tables and chairs lined in a classroom configuration. Chairs are facing the front of the room where two large screens are out. Floor to ceiling windows line the far wall letting in lots of natural light.
Courtyard Meeting Room

Our hero team building spaces, Courtyard Meeting Rooms 1 and 2 make great locations for strategy days. With plenty of natural light, fresh air, and access to an adjoining outdoor area for breaks, these adaptable spaces are great for getting your delegates together to work on a project. The accessible courtyard gives them a unique indoor-outdoor vibe.

Courtney says: “These rooms are great for a business meeting, workshop, or seminar. They provide complete comfort and flexibility with their easily retractable walls so you can alter their size to meet the needs of your event.”

No matter your layout you’ll get access to technical support and our inbuilt event tech and presentation equipment. Accommodating up to 50 pax individually or up to 100 together, Courtyard Meeting Rooms 1 and 2 are exceptional spaces, and they're right next to our Goldfields café for post-event drinks. Designed for meetings, presentations, corporate cocktail events or intimate dinners, you’ll get access to technical support and the adjacent foyer.

Empty room of table and chairs set up in a u-shaped boardroom. The chairs face a screen at the front of the room, Windows are situated in the far corner letting in some natural light.

Our iconic venue is incredibly convenient with plenty of car parking options and proximity to public transport. Work with our culinary team to curate an exceptional menu inspired by Melbourne. Your dedicated event planner will support you every step of the way.

With world-class room options for every taste and event type, reach out today and start planning your meeting or intimate event at MCEC.