Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) has taken on a few unexpected roles since the global pandemic restrictions came into play.
After closing its doors in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue has been exploring new ways to use its event spaces, from a filming location for a Hollywood blockbuster to the training grounds for the Victorian Guide Dogs.
“Even with the impacts of the pandemic, we contributed $740 million in economic impact to the state last financial year, and a further $1.1 billion the year prior,” Peter King, chief executive of MCEC, said.
“We can play an important role in the state’s economic recovery by using our spaces in new ways, both to bring jobs back to the city and support the wider community.”
One example of using the enormous venue’s space differently includes as a film studio – an idea that was originally floated as part of an innovative new idea-generating hackathon held by MCEC in August called ‘Unconventional Ideas’.
Since that event, MCEC has been working with the Victorian screen industry and is now hosting the production of a major Hollywood film called Blacklight, starring Liam Neeson.
Directed by Mark Williams (co-creator of Ozark and director of box-office success Honest Thief), the production is expected to bring more than 500 local jobs for cast and crew back to the local film sector.
As well as the economic benefit the venue is providing, MCEC is also supporting the community by providing Guide Dogs Victoria a safe, contained space and free-of-charge space to train guide dogs.
“We have an environment that is accessible and safe for the community to continue to work to their needs,” King said.
“In these unpredictable times, we need to pull together as a community and be resourceful, and we are looking for opportunities to make sure our wonderful space is being utilised.”
MCEC plans to continue exploring new uses for the venue as Melbourne moves towards a ‘new normal’.
The venue has installed new virtual event studios and technologies for hybrid and online events, and in the pipeline are opportunities to use the building for safe and physically-distanced entertainment and events to support the heavily affected hospitality, cinema and arts industries.
