A global leader in venue and event management, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust has been confirmed as the operator for the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) that will open in 2026.
As the existing Government operator of convention and exhibition services in the state of Victoria, the Trust already manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will manage both GCEC and MCEC to leverage expertise and opportunities to collaborate.
The centre will be a major driver of jobs and economic growth for the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding areas, supporting 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs through operation. Every event at GCEC will benefit a local ecosystem of hoteliers, event organisers, food providores, chefs and casual wait staff, cleaners, technicians, logistics and transport operators and more.
Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre said: “We have more than 25 years of experience hosting and delivering world-class business events and we’re excited to start operating in Geelong and the Bellarine. We look forward to engaging the local community, businesses, and event organisers as the Centre is developed.”
“The new facility will expand Geelong’s annual events offering and provide extraordinary experiences to the community and wider region.”
The Trust will work closely with the local community, businesses and key stakeholders in Geelong and the wider Bellarine region to secure as many local jobs, produce and supply chains as possible in the centre’s ongoing operation.
Source: MCEC