The Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC) is a state of the art facility superbly situated on the banks of Melbourne's Yarra River, close to the heart of the central business district and just 30 minutes from Melbourne's International Airport. Construction is underway on what will be Australia's newest icon and the country's largest combined exhibition and convention centre. The new Melbourne convention centre is part of an AUD$1 billion development including a Hilton hotel, a lifestyle retail precinct and 60,000 m2 of shopping. The centre is designed to achieve the first six green star environmental rating, making it one of the greenest convention centres in the world.

Opening for business in 2009, it will revitalise the last crucial section of the Yarra River's edge, linking South Bank to Docklands. As well as being visually striking with an 18 metre glass façade facing the Yarra River, it will have a 5,000 seat plenary hall, which is unparalled in its flexibility. Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre chief executive Leigh Harry says the convention centre will be an important architectural landmark for Melbourne, and will emulate what the city stands for. "It will leave those who enter the space feeling like they have experienced Melbourne, from its maritime history, to its art and culture and sporting ethos."

Please see the following link for more information: www.mecc.com.au