Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

The internationally renowned Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) brings people together to deliver world-class events and create memorable visitor experiences.

The Centre have invested in cutting-edge digital technology, including $3.5m to deliver industry-leading data transfer rates of 11 terabits per second with 192 fibre points across 52 meeting rooms and PRTG monitoring of their network 24 hours a day to ensure optimal performance, security and availability.

In 2014, MCEC launched the IMAGINE brand, offering countless technology options to create extraordinary event, bringing to life MCEC’s core purpose and focus – to connect people through memorable experiences.

​This best practice case study provides details on how the MCEC was selected to win the 2015 award with a focus on the following distinguishing features...

1. Investment in cutting-edge digital technology

2. Experienced ICT team and 24 hour monitoring

3. Focus on the end user

4. Connection speed and reliability

MCEC KEY FACTS

EVENT SPOTLIGHT: 2014 International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014)

ABOUT THE MCEC

The internationally renowned Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) brings people together to deliver world-class events and create memorable visitor experiences.

New infrastructure includes upgraded border routers and core network switches, 192 new fibre points, PRTG network monitoring and a new wireless gateway capable of managing 10,000 concurrent connected devices. But while this new infrastructure is critical to IMAGINE, it’s the way it’s applied to events that enhances the delegate experience and conference outcomes at MCEC.

“At MCEC, we know that no two events are the same, which is why MCEC’s IMAGINE encompasses our technology offerings under the one brand and provides access to the infrastructure and expertise to connect people with memorable experiences… Providing the right digital infrastructure is the beginning of our tailored approach to technology; it also comes down to our team of tech experts who bring our customers’ events to life and enhance the overall delegate experience… In 2014, MCEC and our public private partner Plenary Conventions invested in excess of $2million to upgrade our entire IP network and cabling infrastructure... This has allowed us to increase the capacity and speed of MCEC’s network tenfold, enabling us to handle larger internet connections for events such as the International AIDS Conference 2014 and Penny Arcade Expo (PAX).”

- Michael Walsh, MCEC Director of Strategy and Innovation

MCEC’S APPROACH TO DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Continuing investment in cutting-edge digital technology, including $3.5m in 2014 to deliver: Industry-leading data transfer rates of 11 terabits per second at the core 20 gigabits per second switching to the access layer 192 fibre points across 52 meeting rooms PRTG monitoring of network 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure performance, security and availability is optimised.

2. An experienced ICT team responsible for managing the hardware and software relating to the network, server, and end-point devices.

3. Our team of 10 comprises both system management and on-site support employees with a range of technical qualifications, including Cisco and Microsoft qualifications, and extensive national and international experience.

HOW DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS USED TO ENHANCE USER EXPERIENCE

1. Live view screens which make it possible for multiple video streams of event rooms to be viewed on a single screen anywhere within the event area. Users can click for a full-screen view of an individual room with its accompanying audio. The screen can also feature event and sponsor logos plus social media details.

2. A visualisation studio where the technology team works with event organisers to create a virtual 3D representation of their event space and where realistic depictions of different options for audio, video and lighting can be tested before final decisions are made.

3. Social media integration which provides an easy-to-use iPad interface, allowing organisers to control and moderate the display of an event-based Twitter feed.

4. Our digital signage system includes digital meeting-room door cards, LED wayfinding walls displays and totems, a video wall at street entrance, social media capabilities and video over IP TV.

5. MCEC’s Intelligent Lectern lets event speakers easily adjust a room’s lighting, projection, volume and even temperature levels.

AWARD COMMENTARY

Bob Heile | Award Judge

“In today’s world, the quality of the digital infrastructure and support tools a venue provides can make or break an event, not to mention just providing a positive experience for the delegates who just want to stay connected.

Effectively managing large numbers of connected devices greatly improves the effectiveness of an event and delegate satisfaction. It is hard work but results in huge dividends.”

Roslyn McLeod | Co-chair INCON

“We are delighted that Melbourne has won this year’s award. They were by far our strongest entry.

We hope that other venues will follow suit and lift the quality of digital infrastructure across the whole industry”.