Hire Conference Venues in Melbourne

1) A Tour of the Different Types of Conference Venues in Melbourne

The good news about finding a conference room in Melbourne is that you've got plenty of options. The bad news? It can be hard to choose just one! Melbourne is a city of aesthetics, and the conference venues here definitely reflect that. Here's a quick guide to the types of conference venues you'll find here.

1. Sleek conference centres in the city centre: If you want to be at the heart of the action, Melbourne's CBD is packed with sleek, modern conference venues designed for serious business with a touch of style. These conference hubs are all about convenience, with state-of-the-art amenities, high-speed WiFi, and easy access to public transport. 

Perfect for large conferences, these locations often offer spacious auditoriums, breakout rooms, and all the necessary technology to keep things running like clockwork. And with Melbourne's best restaurants and bars just around the corner, your post-conference plans are in order!

2. Quirky and creative conference rooms: A city can't hold the title of cultural capital of Australia without offering a conference space for out-of-the-box thinking! For something a little different, Melbourne's creative conference venues are a breath of fresh air. These venues often feature funky designs, colourful decor, and an inspiring atmosphere. 

Whether it's a converted warehouse in Fitzroy or an artsy loft in Collingwood, these conference rooms encourage creative thinking. They're equipped with everything you need for a productive day but in an ambience designed to keep energy levels high.

3. Waterfront conference locations: Nothing says 'conference to remember' like a venue with a view, and Melbourne's waterfront conference venues offer just that. 

Located along the Yarra River or picturesque Port Phillip Bay, these spaces offer stunning panoramic views that will impress your attendees. Perfect for meetings that need a bit of a 'wow' factor, these conference locations are often modern, spacious, and designed to maximise views. 

4. Outdoor conference spaces: For a conference that feels more like a retreat, Melbourne's garden venues offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. 

Surrounded by lush greenery, these conference spaces are spacious and bright making them ideal for conferences that require a relaxed, reflective environment. 

Attendees can attend panel discussions under the canopy of towering trees or enjoy a breakout session on a sunny terrace. These venues combine the best of indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a calming backdrop for productive conferences.

5. Boutique conference venues: For a conference with character, Melbourne's boutique venues are quaint spaces that promise to bring the city's cultural air to your venue. 

Tucked away in laneways or nestled in unique locations, these conference spaces offer an intimate setting perfect for smaller gatherings. 

Whether it's a rooftop garden with city views or a cosy private room in a historic building, these venues add a personal touch to your event. They're great for creative workshops, exclusive meetings or any conference where you want to make things more intimate and unique.

2) Explore the Best Areas to Find a Conference Venue in Melbourne

In a city where modern vibes meet classic charm, Melbourne's neighbourhoods have their own personality! Whether you'd like to hire a conference room in the heart of the city or explore one of its cool suburbs, you're in for a fabulous experience.

To help you navigate, here are a few of the neighbourhoods that are popular choices for conferences in Melbourne.

1. Docklands: The cool, modern cousin of Melbourne's events scene, Docklands is where the contemporary meets the captivating. With its striking skyscrapers and picturesque waterfront conference spaces, this area is home to some of Melbourne's most advanced conference venues. 

Expect first-class amenities with expansive windows offering breathtaking views of the city. After your conference sessions, the surrounding dining and entertainment venues offer plenty of opportunities to unwind and network in a high-energy atmosphere.

2. Southbank: Southbank is the perfect place to explore for a conference venue in a neighbourhood that doubles as an art gallery.  Nestled along the Yarra River, this area is packed with some of Melbourne's most creative conference venues, often intertwined with the city's thriving arts scene. 

Hosting your conference here puts you next to the Melbourne Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria, offering a blend of creativity and elegance. The riverside location provides a tranquil and inspiring backdrop for your conference.

3. Carlton: Known for its Italian heritage and green streets, Carlton offers a unique blend of classic charm and modern amenities. It's a great place to go to if you want a venue with a bit of old-school Melbourne character. Think historic buildings with modern upgrades and the area's flourishing cafe culture. 

After the conference, your event attendees can explore the Italian restaurants of Lygon Street or take a stroll through the beautiful Carlton Gardens.

4. Fitzroy: For a conference location with an edge, look no further than Fitzroy. This area is all about quirky, independent venues that offer a refreshing change from the traditional conference space. Surrounded by street art and boutique shops, Fitzroy adds a distinctive touch to any conference.

The neighbourhood's eclectic vibe will energise your attendees and provide an unforgettable setting as unique as your conference.

5. Central Business District: The most obvious choice for a conference, the Central Business District (CBD) is Melbourne's bustling business centre, offering a range of world-class conference venues. 

From sleek skyscrapers to beautifully restored heritage buildings, this area has everything you need for a successful conference. Its central location ensures easy access to transport, dining and entertainment, making it a practical choice for professionals seeking convenience and sophistication.

3) Costs to Consider When Booking a Conference Room

Whether you're looking to save or splurge, Melbourne's conference venues ensure you get excellent value for money. Whatever your budget, we're sure you'll find a space to suit your needs, but to give you an idea, here's a budget for you to consider.

• Basic conference rooms: Expect to spend between €60 and €150 per hour. These conference rooms are perfect for smaller meetings or short workshops and provide all the basics you need.
• Mid-range conference spaces: Range from €150 to €320 per hour. They include extra perks like audiovisual equipment and catering, making them ideal for larger conferences or half-day events.
• Premium conference venues: Prices start at €350 per hour and can go up to €900 per hour or more for a first-class experience. These venues offer luxurious facilities, chic interiors, gourmet catering, and full event services, making them perfect for large, high-profile conferences.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• Audiovisual equipment: Depending on your needs, hiring equipment such as projectors, microphones and sound systems can add between €100 and €500 to your budget.
• Catering: Feeding your attendees can cost between €15 and €60 per person. This includes everything from coffee breaks to full meals, depending on your choice.
• Materials and supplies: Remember to budget for items such as stationery, handouts, and technical equipment. Depending on your needs, these can cost between €50 and €200.
• Staff and services: Hiring extra staff for registration, assistance or technical support can cost between €100 and €400, depending on the level of service required.
• Marketing and promotion: To spread the word, budget between €100 and €500 for promotional materials, social media ads, or event listings.
• Transport and accommodation: If your event requires travel or overnight accommodation, expect to spend between €50 and €150 per person on transport and accommodation, depending on location and level of comfort.
• Insurance: For peace of mind, insurance can cost between €100 and €300, covering everything from venue damage to cancellation risks.

4) Catering Options for Your Conference Venue

Like so many other things in Melbourne, food is one thing that will never leave you wanting in this city! Apart from the truly excellent coffee, this Australian city has some of the finest produce, dairy and international cuisine — what better way to sample all of this than through your conference venue's catering!

1. Yum Catering: Ready to take your meeting on a global culinary journey? Yum Catering's menu is a passport to flavour, with everything from sizzling Spanish paella to aromatic Moroccan tagines, refreshing Thai dishes, and hearty Greek feasts. 

With their ability to customise menus, you can be sure that your conference catering is perfectly tailored to the tastes of your attendees, making every break and meal a highlight of the day.

2. Milk the Cow: Dairy products in Australia are exceptionally good, so you can be sure Milk the Cow's cheese spread will impress. Their expertly curated cheese grazing tables are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a visual masterpiece. 

Perfect for conference networking sessions or post-event mingling, these tables will keep your attendees talking and snacking all day.

3. Bursaria Fine Foods: Add a touch of sophistication to your next conference with Bursaria Fine Foods. Hailing from the historic Abbotsford Convent, this local caterer knows how to impress with fresh, seasonal dishes that taste as good as they look. 

Whether you need light bites to keep the energy up or a more substantial spread, Bursaria delivers with style, ensuring your conference catering is delicious and memorable.

4. Peter Rowland Catering: When it comes to conference catering in Melbourne, Peter Rowland Catering is nothing short of legendary. Known for their creative flair, they bring a fresh and exciting twist to every meal.

Whether you need a quick and energising breakfast spread or a full lunch to keep your attendees satisfied, Peter Rowland Catering has you covered. With flexible, bespoke menus, it is the perfect choice to enhance any conference and ensure that every bite is a hit!

5. Big Flavours Catering: Bring big, bold flavours to your conference location with Big Flavours. Well-known for using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, they serve up crowd-pleasers such as juicy Wagyu beef burgers, crisp salads, and smoky pork ribs. 

Perfect for creating a relaxed yet indulgent atmosphere, Big Flavours will ensure your conference catering hits all the right notes and keeps everyone satisfied and energised throughout the day.

5) Cool Breakout Ideas for Your Conference Venue

Want to inject a cool factor into your conference location? Try including some fun breakout sessions between the panel discussions and other events to help your event attendees network and get energised. Here are some ideas.

1. Coffee-tasting workshop: A few hours of even the most riveting discussions can take its toll. Lucky for us, we're in one of the world's best coffee capitals, so why not take the opportunity to help your event attendees perk up with some local brews? 

Partner with a local roaster to offer a guided tasting experience that will not only educate, but energise your guests. They'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the perfect brew and a caffeinated boost to get them through the rest of the event.

2. Interactive art session: Melbourne is known for its thriving arts scene, so try bringing that creative vibe to your conference. Set up an interactive art station where attendees can collaborate on a giant mural or create their own masterpieces. It's a fantastic way to encourage creativity and teamwork while allowing everyone to relax and let their artistic side shine through.

3. Set up a gaming station: Who says conferences must be all work and no play? Create a breakout room filled with classic arcade games, a table tennis table or even a VR gaming station. It's a terrific way to encourage bonding and friendly competition, while adding a fun and unexpected twist to your conference agenda.

4. Have inspiration corners: Designate cosy corners in your venue where attendees can decompress with a good book, listen to a podcast, or even have a one-on-one mentoring session. These inspiration corners offer a quiet, reflective space away from the hustle and bustle, perfect for sparking new ideas and fostering deep conversations.

5. Have designated wellness zones: Consider offering a wellness zone where attendees can relax and recharge. Melbourne's health-conscious atmosphere makes incorporating yoga classes, meditation sessions, or even a mini spa experience easy. A few minutes of zen can do wonders for concentration and overall well-being, leaving your attendees refreshed and ready for the next session.

6) After-work Ideas for a Melbourne Conference

Say goodbye to the post-conference slump with these exciting after-work ideas that will take your networking experience in Melbourne to the next level, far beyond the walls of your conference room.

1. Rooftop cocktails: After a day of high-powered conferences, relax with a cocktail at one of Melbourne's trendy rooftop bars. Enjoy the city's skyline, great drinks and even better company as you relax and network in style.
2. Laneway adventures: Explore Melbourne's iconic laneways filled with street art, hidden bars, and quirky cafes. It's the perfect way to discover the city's unique charm while keeping the conversations going.
3. Yarra River cruise: Take a river cruise on the Yarra and watch the city lights twinkle as you glide by. It's a relaxing and scenic way to end the day and mingle with fellow attendees.
4. Wine tasting experience: Indulge in a wine tasting at a local Melbourne winery. Sip on some of the best regional wines and enjoy a relaxed evening of conversation and networking.

Wrapping Up

And that's a wrap on our guide to throwing an unforgettable conference in Melbourne! We've shared all the tips and tricks to make your next event a smashing success. 

If you need a little extra help, don't be shy about using our Ask Expert function for guidance. Cheers to your fantastic conference planning!