MCEC hosts the Waste Expo and All-Energy Australia conference

MCEC hosts the Waste Expo and All-Energy Australia conference
Edited by Travel Weekly


Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) hosted the Waste Expo and All-Energy Australia convention this past week.

The event showcased the latest innovations in waste reduction and renewable energy, aligning with MCEC’s industry-leading sustainability practices.

MCEC sustainability manager, Kristen Gillespie, said as a hub for collaboration and innovation, MCEC provides the perfect platform for progressive discussions and solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

“We’re proud to host both the Waste Expo and All-Energy conference under one roof, highlighting the synergy between these important industries to create a brighter future for us all,” she added.

The Waste Expo brought together the brightest minds in waste management and resource recovery to shape a cleaner, greener future.

During the expo, MCEC operated a Zero Waste Cafe, which featured 33 per cent plant-based items, no plastic packaging, and 100 per cent reusable cutlery, crockery and glassware. Any leftover items were donated to food rescue organisation, OzHarvest.

To coincide with the expo and Sustainability Day, Goldfields Cafe served locally roasted speciality coffee, hot chocolate and certified organic and fair-trade tea, in edible cups, made from locally sourced oats and grains.

Zero Waste Cafe.

Zero Waste Cafe.

“The Waste Expo was the perfect opportunity to highlight the innovative solutions we’ve developed to reduce our impact on the environment and challenge the industry to deliver greener events,” Gillespie said.

At the All-Energy Australia conference, important discussions on renewable energy, energy management and sustainability took place.

A fully recyclable cardboard trade show stand, designed by Enphase and Opal, which is a leading sustainable packaging manufacturer, was unveiled. The stand featured a cardboard life-size house and is 100 per cent recyclable, eliminating over 80 per cent of waste that traditional expo stands generate.

“Our partnership with Opal represents one more way that Enphase supports and leads sustainable innovation,” Enphase Energy ANZP general manager, Patrick Matweew, said. “Enphase is transforming exhibitions and setting a new standard for environmental responsibility across industries.”

Opal executive general manager, Chris Daly, said: “This life-size cardboard house shows what’s possible when innovation and sustainability join forces. It’s more than just reducing waste, it’s about creating a practical, reusable structure that can serve as a model for future events.”

MCEC strives to be a leader in sustainability and seeks out every day and innovative ways to be kind to the environment and city.

Their Sustainability Strategy is underpinned by the principles of low-carbon, circular economy that looks to reduce waste, mitigate and adapt to climate change and have a positive social impact.

“We’re excited to host such a forward-thinking project,” Gillespie concluded. “This recyclable cardboard stand supports our own industry-leading sustainability practices, and we hope it will inspire others to think creatively about reducing their environmental impact.”

In addition, MCEC’s Positive Impact Guide contains tips and resources to empower our customers to deliver more sustainable events.

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