Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre wins Gold

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) has taken home ‘Business Events Venue’ Gold at the 2021 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards on Friday 8 October.

The award recognises the venue’s excellence across areas including technical capabilities, staff development, catering, and customer experience.

Recognised as the largest convention centre between Cairns and Brisbane, this state-of-the-art building has the equipment and staff skill set to guarantee a successful event delivery.

Manager of MECC and Events, Andrew Bobeldyk spoke of the challenges faced during 2020, and what the Gold award meant for staff.

“This award recognises the hard work from our team. COVID-19 had a significant impact on the industry” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“The team worked with event organisers to build confidence in event delivery. Our capacities expanded in the digital front, with advanced equipment, streaming abilities and staff training” he continued.

“This award reflects the work we have put towards events over the past 12 months, and the strength of our relationships with our business event clients, entrusting us with their events during such a quickly evolving and challenging time, thank you.”

The MECC leads the way for regional venues using the latest available technology, adding high end projectors, the latest audio-visual technology and world-standard acoustic systems.

The MECC’s website expanded to include a virtual tour, allowing clients to virtually explore the venue remotely, from anywhere in the world.

“For over 34 years our building has been recognised as Mackay’s premiere entertainment and performing arts venue” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“From visitors to event planners, the MECC is considered a central meeting point within Queensland, ideal for events drawing a state-wide audience” he said.

The Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards took place at the actual venue (MECC), where guests were treated to the venue’s Gold standard practices.

About the MECC
The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) is the largest convention and banqueting facility between Cairns and Brisbane.

A state-of-the-art $29 million facility comprises multiple versatile spaces including a 1090-seat auditorium and two plenary halls which, when fully extended, seat 1500 delegates theatre-style or 800 guests banquet style.

There are four meeting rooms, a 100-seat studio space, two foyers, a selection of break-out rooms, a dedicated event planner’s office and a registration desk.

Media Contact: Kristy Rushe / meccsalesandmarketing@mackay.qld.gov.au / 4961 9777