7 minute read
MEGA VENUES: UNCONVENTIONAL CONVENTION CENTRES
Unconventional convention centres
Whether you’re planning a large-scale international conference or an intimate corporate meeting, these convention centres set the stage for legendary events. With vast, flexible spaces, cutting-edge technology, and a capacity to host thousands, these mega venues are pushing the boundaries of event hosting.
NSW
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
Located in Darling Harbour, at the intersection of the city's academic, cultural and technology hubs, ICC Sydney is Australia's leading convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct. Distinguished by its striking design, the Centre is more than a venue - it functions as an incubator of ideas and advocate for community, giving clients the opportunity to contribute to the city’s cultural capital in meaningful ways. ICC Sydney is dedicated to creating accessible, equitable, and inclusive events, that are welcoming to all.
Embracing sustainability, organisers can choose carbon-friendly options from menus which celebrate regional suppliers and an all-NSW wine list, along with alcohol-free beverages. It is also the first Convention Centre in the country to launch a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and has deepened its commitment to Australia’s First Nations people with a second plan underway.
With a devoted team of event experts and top-notch ICT infrastructure, ICC Sydney excels in delivering extraordinary and engaging events, regardless of their size.
Quick stats: ICC Sydney features three buildings – the Convention Centre which can host up to 2,000 seated in its Grand Ballroom; the Exhibition Centre with its largest space spanning 19,000 square metres and Aware Super Theatre which seats 8,000.
QLD
Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre
With a range of versatile spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) is a premier destination for hosting exceptional mega events on the Gold Coast. With the capacity to accommodate thousands of attendees, GCCEC has successfully hosted a diverse range of international conferences, trade shows, concerts, and sporting events, providing a flexible and dynamic venue for any occasion.
Beyond its outstanding facilities, GCCEC’s prime location in Broadbeach provides easy access to stunning beaches, worldclass accommodations, and array of dining and entertainment options, creating a captivating experience for both organisers and delegates.
The Centre’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, reflecting a responsible approach to event hosting, while the dedicated team of event professionals provides exemplary service to ensure seamless event execution and unforgettable experience for organisers and attendees alike.
Quick stats: GCCEC has 10,000 square metres of ground floor exhibition space and 22 meeting rooms, including a tiered 6,000-seat arena which can be divided into three individual spaces.
Cairns Convention Centre
Fresh from its stunning expansion, Cairns Convention Centre is even bigger and better than before, with the ability to now host much larger events. With seamless integration between new and existing spaces, the venue can now comfortably accommodate up to 2,500 guests. The Trinity Room is the largest space and is ideal for gala dinners and large cocktail functions for up to 500 people, with the adjoining pre-function space and outdoor Trinity Terrace affording sprawling views over the Trinity Inlet.
The Centre’s audio-visual capabilities have also undergone a major upgrade, resulting in outstanding integration and a high level of flexibility to meet the most demanding technology needs. All meeting spaces are now outfitted with cameras that have pan, tilt, and zoom control features designed to enhance hybrid events; digital lecterns feature AV controls and builtin preview monitors for easy reference to presentation notes; and state-of-the-art laser projectors ensure visual content is presented in sharp, high resolution.
Quick stats: A total of 10,500 square metres of floor space has been added, and features a new 400-seat plenary, space for 30 exhibition booths, three large meeting rooms, and a new third level with a banquet room for up to 500 people.
SA
Adelaide Convention Centre
Adelaide Convention Centre prides itself on providing sustainable event solutions that help minimise events’ environmental impact. It was the world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck’s coveted Platinum certification for best practice in business and environmental sustainability and is edging closer to ‘Master Status’ – a 15-year achievement. Beyond its sustainability initiatives, the Centre is a highly modern, flexible and technologically advanced venue, boasting impressive facilities, creative menus and expert service across all aspects. Located along the picturesque River Torrens, the venue comprises three integrated buildings, each featuring a vast range of versatile spaces. Its prime location is another major drawcard, with Adelaide’s cultural and medical precincts, renowned restaurants and top hotels all within easy walking distance.
Quick stats: Across its three buildings, the Centre spans 20,000 square metres of multi-purpose space, with the East Building featuring the highly flexible Plenary. It has tiered seating for more 3,000 people, or 3,000 square metres of floor space, and can be arranged into 15 different configurations.
NZ
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre sets the stage for unforgettable and impactful events in this vibrant South Island city, with dynamic spaces for hosting conferences, exhibitions, and events of all styles and sizes. With its cuttingedge technology, flexible design and easy walking access to top hotels, dining options, and attractions, this world-class facility ensures a seamless experience for attendees and organisers alike. Leading the way in sustainability, Te Pae has also achieved Toitū enviromark gold certification, which acknowledges the Centre’s successful implementation of sustainability operations and its commitment to becoming a certified net carbonzero organisation. In its first 12 months, Te Pae has hosted more than 234 events, welcomed nearly 130,000 attendees, and generated over $50 million in direct economic value for Christchurch. As the Centre enters its second year of operation, the future looks bright with more than 200 events planned for the coming year.
Quick stats: Spanning two levels, Te Pae offers 28,000 square metres of highly flexible and adaptable design, which includes 24 meeting rooms and a 1,400-seat tiered auditorium that can be divided into two 700-seat venues.
Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre
Located in the heart of Wellington’s eclectic culture and business district, Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre is set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and provide a huge boost to the local economy with the large-scale conferences and exhibitions it will hold. Since opening in June 2023, Tākina has played host to a diverse range of business events, hosting 13,000 delegates across 30 conferences. The largest so far was the NZ Veterinary Nursing Association which welcomed 840 delegates across its two flexible plenary spaces. The venue and it’s sister venue across the road, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, are operated by Tākina Events, a local business in Wellington for 25 years, with a dedicated and experienced team. Profits contribute directly to local communities through reinvestment in Te Papa and Wellington City Council projects.
Quick stats: Tākina offers 18,000 square metres of event space across three main levels, plus mezzanine floors. The first two levels are dedicated to business events and can be hired separately or together for large scale events. They feature 2,700 square metres of exhibition space and two flexible plenary spaces with seating up to 700 and 1,600 people respectively.
