18 January, 2016

$510k Melbourne conference goes up for auction

The launch of the 2016 Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Citywide Auction of Melbourne offers conference organisers the opportunity to bid to win an event package at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to the value of US$350,000 (around $AU510,000).

The auction is the result of a new strategic partnership between Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), MCEC and the PCMA, with Melbourne the first destination outside of North America to offer this unique opportunity. Under the deal, PCMA and MCB will work collaboratively over the next three years to showcase Melbourne as a leading destination for business events in the Asia Pacific region.

“The Citywide Auction of Melbourne, Australia will prove to be a rare and unique opportunity for any global events professional,” PCMA president and chief executive Deborah Sexton said.

“Melbourne is Australia’s most creative, exciting and intellectual city, renowned for world-class dining and culture as well as for research, education, innovation and knowledge – making it the perfect conference destination.”

The initiative is a great opportunity for conference organisers to stage an event at a great price, while enjoying Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene, according to MCB chief executive Karen Bolinger.

“What we offer in Melbourne is unique and unparalleled in the Asia Pacific region and this strategic partnership with PCMA offers global exposure, while assisting us to showcase our city to North American and European markets,” she said.

“Melbourne is celebrated as a knowledge and innovation capital, but what sets it apart is our ‘Team Melbourne’ philosophy – how we bring together the city as one to drive successful outcomes for conferences and events,” Ms Bolinger added.

Meanwhile, MCEC chief executive Peter King highlighted the venue’s “unwavering commitment” to working closely with its customers as key to its success.

“MCEC is a full package venue, with an in-house technology offering as well as a food and beverage package created on-site in the largest kitchen in the Southern Hemisphere. I encourage you all to take advantage of this special opportunity and place a bid in the auction,” he said.

The 2016 PCMA Citywide Auction of Melbourne opened on January 11, 2016 during PCMA Convening Leaders in Vancouver and will close November 30.

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conferences Karen Bolinger MCB MCEC Melbourne PCMA Peter King