About Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia is a city of vibrant culture, where the old and new collide in perfect harmony. From its stunning 19th-century architecture to its modern street art, Melbourne is a place that has something for everyone. Located on the country’s southeast coast, Melbourne is renowned for being the cultural hub of Australia and has become an increasingly popular destination for meetings and conferences thanks to its lively atmosphere and diverse range of venues.
From grand historic buildings with ornate interiors to sleek contemporary spaces, there are plenty of options for any type of gathering. Event planners can also take advantage of one-of-a-kind venues that draw on Melbourne’s unique history and culture—old churches transformed into chic event spaces, art galleries set against industrial backdrops, or rustic warehouses inspired by the city’s rich maritime past.
With its sunny climate, parks, and gardens offering outdoor relaxation areas, plus an abundance of locally sourced fresh produce from nearby farms and markets—it’s no wonder Melbourne has become one of the most sought-after destinations for events in all of Australia.
Meeting Options in Melbourne
- Technology Solutions
Technology has become increasingly integrated with day-to-day meetings. From video conferencing platforms to virtual whiteboards and augmented reality tools, there are plenty of solutions for enhancing communication in meetings and events. Technology solutions can also provide data about how people interact during these events, allowing you to make adjustments accordingly.
- Event Staffing Companies
Hiring event staff is one way to make sure that meetings run smoothly by having people available to provide assistance when needed, such as setting up furniture, serving food/drinks, or providing technical support. This can be especially useful if you're organizing a large meeting where having extra hands on deck will ensure that everything runs as planned.
- Catering Services
Providing food and beverages for attending parties and catering services can help make the event interesting and appetizing. They also provide the option of customization, allowing you to choose your own menu that reflects your party's theme, if any. This is also a great way to make sure everyone’s dietary preferences are taken into consideration.
Meeting Vendors in Melbourne
- Myles AV Melbourne
Myles AV is a leading provider of audio-visual equipment and services in Australia. With over 20 years of industry experience, Myles AV has established a reputation for delivering successful events and solutions, meeting the needs of clients such as Mantra, Skypoint, and InterContinental Sydney & Double Bay. They offer interactive multi-platform streaming audiovisual technology including live polling, Q&A’s, chat boxes, and post-production support. Boasting an experienced team of professionals and technicians, Myles AV goes above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the highest quality audio, visual, and lighting equipment available to ensure a stress-free event.
- Man With A Camera
Man With A Camera is a Melbourne-based corporate photography and videography provider. Established in 2007, the company provides professional services for various events, including conferences, brand activations, editorial commissions, and product launches. Led by Simon Woodcock, a photographer with over fifteen years of industry experience, the team aims to provide quality photography that helps enhance their clients' brands, sell products, and tell stories. With a natural, relaxed, and candid style of photography, Man With A Camera works with clients to capture the special moments of their events and occasions in high-quality photos.
- Big Flavours Catering
Big Flavours is a comprehensive catering company that is dedicated to providing its customers with top-notch service and cuisine. With over 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry, their head chef has worked in many acclaimed restaurants such as Vue de Monde by Shannon Bennet and Circa, and Maze by Gordon Ramsey. Big Flavours prides itself on using only the best and freshest produce available in order to craft the perfect dish. From cocktail service to full-plated meals, they are capable of catering to any event need. Their vast menu options are designed to reflect seasonal flavours and are perfect for any occasion, with locally sourced produce used wherever possible.
Pros and Cons of Meeting Spaces in Melbourne
Melbourne is a highly sought-after location for business trips and meetings due to its dynamic culture, lively nightlife, and ample meeting venues. Securing a meeting space in Melbourne can efficiently host groups of all sizes in a convenient location. Nonetheless, it's crucial to consider certain factors before making a decision.
Advantages
- Meeting spaces located in the centre of Melbourne are easily accessible by public transport, which makes it convenient if attendees have to travel from different parts of the city.
- They usually come with professional equipment, such as projectors, whiteboards and sound systems, making it easier to present information and ensure everyone has an optimal experience.
- Renting a space can be more cost-effective than booking a hotel or restaurant for larger events or meetings that require additional amenities or catering services.
- Rental venues usually feature modern décor and professional setups that help create an atmosphere conducive to productive conversations and presentations for business meetings and conferences.
Disadvantages
- Due to other events taking place nearby or any unforeseen circumstances, there is always a chance that the meeting could be disrupted or interrupted by external factors.
- Depending on the venue, there may be restrictions on what type of food and drinks you are allowed to serve to guests while using their space.
- Most locations come pre-decorated and furnished according to their own standards, leaving limited room for customization on your part.
- During busy times such as trade fairs or holidays, quality venues may become booked up quickly leaving few options available at short notice.
Tips on How to Organize Meeting Spaces in Melbourne
Whether you're hosting a small board meeting or a large-scale conference, having the right workspace and setup is absolutely essential for a successful event. Here are tips to help ensure that your next meeting runs smoothly and efficiently in Melbourne
- Choose the Right Space: When selecting a space for your meeting, remember to consider how many people will be attending, what type of equipment you may need, and which amenities are available. It’s also important to ensure that the space is easily accessible for all attendees — make sure there’s ample parking and public transport nearby.
- Arrange Seating: If possible, try to provide comfortable seating with enough elbow room between chairs so everyone can easily hear each other without being clustered too tightly together. Also, make sure that those who require any specific accommodations such as wheelchair access or additional lighting can be catered for accordingly.
- Set Up Equipment: Depending upon the type of meeting you are hosting, it might be necessary to bring in audio-visual equipment such as projectors or microphones. If arranging the technology yourself isn’t an option, then you may want to look into hiring professionals who can take care of this on your behalf — they should also be able to show you how to use any unfamiliar equipment on the day if needed.
Famous Locations in Melbourne
- The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is an impressive three-level gallery showcasing an extraordinary collection of Australian works. The space comprises permanent and temporary exhibitions, including photography, prints, decorative arts, paintings, sculpture, and fashion. Indigenous art is notably featured, along with colonial paintings and the work of Melbourne's own Heidelberg School, including Frederick McCubbin's monumental triptych The Pioneer and Tom Roberts' famous Shearing the Rams. The gallery also highlights the work of modernist artists such as Arthur Boyd, Joy Hester, Sir Sidney Nolan, and Albert Tucker.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground, affectionately known as the "G," is a sports icon that has hosted many historic events. With a seating capacity of up to 100,000, the "G" is considered one of the world’s great sporting venues for hosting cricket during summer and the Australian Football League in winter. Originally established in 1853, the ground has hosted cricket matches and Australian Football League games for over a century and has played host to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Highlights of its rich history, including the first written notes defining the rules of Australian rules football, are on display at the Australian Sports Museum, located within the stadium.
- Birrarung Marr
Birrarung Marr is a remarkable park in Melbourne, featuring unique terracing, thoughtful placement of Indigenous flora, river views, and cityscape viewpoints. One of the standout features is the William Barak Bridge, which offers a scenic route to the MCG and audio accompaniments representing Melbourne's multicultural diversity. The park also pays homage to the traditional owners of the land, the Wurundjeri people, with an Indigenous Australian art eel path, a shield-and-spear sculpture, and an audio installation outside ArtPlay that tells the story of the contemporary Wurundjeri.