Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre wins Bronze at the Queensland Tourism Awards!

The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) has taken home Business Events Venue bronze at the 2023 Queensland Tourism Awards.

The awards were held at Cairns Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday, November 24.

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 skilled staff to guarantee a successful event delivery.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the bronze award was a testament to the hard work of the MECC team.

“What an incredible accomplishment for our staff to take home the bronze award for Business Events Venue,” Mayor Williamson said.

“To be considered with the many other tremendous business event venues in Queensland, and to come away with the third place, speaks volumes for the efforts and dedication of the more than 70 MECC staff and 170 volunteers,” he said.

“They truly go above and beyond.”

Acting Executive Manager of MECC and Events, Jemma Carey said many factors set the MECC apart, including the innovations and enhancements delivered by the team’s technical department.

“The continuous improvement of our venue’s lighting system has had significant benefits for our clients this year,” Ms Carey said.

“Basic set up for theme lighting in certain areas now takes as little as a few minutes, reducing staff hours and saving our clients’ money,” she said.

“The design and installation of a customised rigging solution also broadened the possibilities for event theming.

“Having innovative equipment alongside skilled staff allows a client’s vision to truly become a reality.

“This award reflects the hard work of our staff – we are incredibly proud!”

This is the second time the venue has placed at the Queensland Tourism Awards. In 2022, the venue was recognised with a silver award in the same category, demonstrating the MECC’s dedication to consistently deliver exceptional events.

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.

“For more than 36 years our building has been recognised as Mackay’s premiere entertainment and performing arts venue,” Ms Carey said.

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

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.