Top 10 Australian Exhibition & Trade Show Venues
Events held at major Australian exhibition venues significantly impact visitor numbers and the quality of attendees compared to smaller venues like hotel conference rooms. Larger venues attract established companies with custom stands, creating a magnet for a large and diverse audience. Capitalizing on this environment can benefit other exhibitors looking to leverage the existing foot traffic. Below, a concise summary of the top exhibition venues in Australia will be provided, including information on location, floor space, annual visitors, parking capacity, distance from the airport, and a website link for further exploration. These venues serve as hubs for numerous events, making them a second home for many. To secure prime booth locations, act promptly as spaces fill up quickly. Additionally, engage a suitable stand builder early on, as their schedules tend to be packed. For budget constraints, consider upgrading to a shell scheme for enhanced visibility and attractiveness to potential customers.
Here are the top 10 Australian exhibition and trade show venues known for hosting a range of events and exhibitions:
Sydney Showground, situated at Sydney Olympic Park in New South Wales, is a premier exhibition and event venue renowned for its versatility and modern facilities. Boasting a strategic location near the Sydney central business district, the Showground hosts a diverse range of trade shows, expos, conferences, and events throughout the year. With over 22 versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, including the impressive Sydney Showground Dome and multiple exhibition halls, the venue offers ample room for large-scale events and exhibitions. The Showground’s state-of-the-art amenities, professional event management services, and convenient transportation links make it a top choice for exhibitors and attendees seeking a dynamic and engaging event experience in Sydney.
Key Details
- Location: Sydney (1 Showground Rd, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, 2127).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 21,600 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually: 10 million over 5,000 events.
- Parking Capacity: >10,000
- Distance from Airport: 22 km (average of a 30-minute drive).
- Website
One of Australia’s premier exhibition venues is the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), which initially opened its doors in 2006. Following a significant expansion in 2018, it now boasts an additional 20,000 square meters of floor space. This expansion comprises 9,000 square meters of exhibition space, versatile, multi-purpose event areas, a 1,000-seat theatre, numerous meeting rooms, a banquet hall, and a cafe and bar. With this expansion, the MCEC reclaimed its position as Australia’s largest convention and exhibition facility and one of the most expansive venues in the southern hemisphere. Situated in South Wharf by the Yarra River, MCEC consists of three interconnected buildings with a central location within Melbourne CBD, surrounded by lush greenery, retail outlets, and lodging options, ensuring convenient accessibility for staying overnight.
Key Details:
- Location: Melbourne (1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, VIC, 3006).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 39,000 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually: 950,385 in 2017/2018.
- Parking Capacity: 1,150.
- Distance from Airport: 25kms (avg of 25min drive).
- Website
Opening its doors in 1995, the present-day Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) underwent a $140 million expansion that was finalized in 2015. This expansion featured a sprawling five-level addition, providing 25,000 square meters of extra floor space. Within the new structure are two auditoriums—one accommodating 400 attendees and the other 600—equipped with spacious foyers, facilitative speaker amenities, and exclusive boardrooms. Strategically located at Brisbane’s vibrant South Bank cultural and entertainment hub, a rich tapestry of art galleries surrounds BCEC, top-notch performing arts venues, and exquisite riverside dining establishments. The Centre enjoys a prime position with numerous lodging choices nearby, including four prominent hotels within walking distance and an additional 50 hotels within a two-kilometre radius. BCEC is renowned for hosting many famous events, including the Brisbane International Boat Show, Home Show, Brides Wedding & Honeymoon Expo, and World Travel Expo.
Key Details:
- Location: Brisbane (Glenelg St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 20,000 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually: 60,000 in 2019/2020.
- Parking Capacity: 1,500.
- Distance from Airport: 16 km (average of a 20-minute drive).
- Website
Established in 2004, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) is the sole specialized convention and exhibition venue in Western Australia. PCEC operates under private ownership and is managed entirely by Spotless, a prominent provider of comprehensive venue services. This venue provides diverse meeting spaces, ranging from intimate boardrooms to a grand 2,500-seat auditorium. These facilities are backed by cutting-edge audio-visual and communication technologies and a skilled in-house event management team to ensure seamless organization and execution.
Key Details:
- Location: Perth (21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth, WA, 6000).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 16,644
- Total Visitors Annually: 900,000 in 2016.
- Parking Capacity: 1,500.
- Distance from Airport: 15kms (avg of 18min drive).
- Website
Inaugurated in 1987 as one of Australia’s pioneering purpose-built exhibition venues, the Adelaide Convention Centre (ACC) underwent a significant expansion in 2017. Following a substantial redevelopment project of $397 million, the ACC emerged as one of the most contemporary, adaptable, and technologically advanced venues worldwide. In 2018/19, the ACC further reinforced its international standing in sustainability by becoming the first convention centre globally to secure EarthCheck’s prestigious Platinum certification.
Key Details:
- Location: Adelaide (North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 12,000 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually: 350,000 business delegates in 2018/2019.
- Parking Capacity: 1,200
- Distance from Airport: 7 km (avg of 15min drive).
- Website
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Broadbeach, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) stands as an innovative marvel with a price tag of $167 million. Positioned only 500 meters from the glorious beach and near many lodging options, the GCCEC reigns as Australia’s largest regional convention centre. Boasting a grand main arena, four expansive exhibition halls, and a variety of meeting rooms capable of accommodating anywhere from 10 to 6,000 guests, the GCCEC is the premier venue for conferences, exhibitions, concerts, trade shows, and various events. Since its inception in 2004, the Centre has championed eco-conscious practices, integrating sustainability efforts into its operational procedures and architectural design. Over the past decade, the GCCEC has banded together with EarthCheck, the foremost and most significant environmental management program within the travel and tourism sectors, to uphold environmentally responsible standards and initiatives.
Key Details:
- Location: Gold Coast (2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach, QLD, 4218).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: >10,000sqm.
- Parking Capacity: 1,400.
- Distance from Airport: 19 km (average of a 30-minute drive).
- Website
The Darwin Convention Centre, nestled in the vibrant waterfront precinct of Darwin in the Northern Territory, stands out as a unique and dynamic venue for exhibitions and events. The Center’s picturesque location overlooking the Timor Sea offers a stunning backdrop for conferences, trade shows, and cultural events. Its modern facilities and flexible event spaces cater to a diverse range of functions, accommodating small and large gatherings easily. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the Darwin Convention Centre prides itself on providing attendees and exhibitors with a memorable and engaging experience. Its strategic location and commitment to excellence make it a top choice for hosting successful and impactful events in the Northern Territory.
Key Details:
- Location: 10 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City, NT 080.
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 4000 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually: 569,000 in 2020.
- Parking Capacity: 233.
- Distance from Airport: 13 Km (average of a 30-minute drive).
- Website
Opened in December 2016, the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC) replaced the former Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, which was demolished in December 2013. Today, it stands out as one of the premier exhibition venues in Australia. While considered a single entity, the ICC complex comprises three striking architectural structures: the Convention Centre, the Exhibition Centre, and the illustrious Aware Super Theatre, where a majority of exhibitions take place. Noteworthy for its innovative design, ICC Sydney represents Australia’s initial multi-story exhibition space and houses one of the country’s largest exhibition areas. The Exhibition Centre spans 35,000m2 across two levels, equivalent in size to 26 Olympic swimming pools. Renowned for its ample capacity and strategic location, this venue has hosted numerous large-scale exhibitions, drawing international attendees. In 2018 alone, ICC Sydney accommodated a total of 64 exhibitions.
Key Details:
- Location: Sydney (14 Darling Dr, Sydney, NSW, 2000).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 32,600 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually: 1,400,000 in 2018/2019.
- Parking Capacity: 826.
- Distance from Airport: 10 km (average of a 20-minute drive).
- Website
Located in Melbourne, Victoria, the Royal Exhibition Building is a historic and iconic venue with charm and grandeur. Designed by architect Joseph Reed and completed in 1880, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed building has a rich history of hosting prestigious events, exhibitions, and trade shows. With its stunning architectural beauty, intricate detailing, soaring domes, and ornate interiors, the Royal Exhibition Building offers a unique and elegant backdrop for various gatherings. The venue’s flexible event spaces, including the Great Hall and annexes, cater to events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale exhibitions. Its central location in the vibrant Carlton Gardens adds to the appeal, making it a sought-after venue for Melbourne’s cultural events, expos, and trade shows.
Key Details:
- Location: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton, VIC 3053.
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 25,000 sqm.
- Total Visitors Annually:
- Parking Capacity: 880.
- Distance from Airport: 22 km (average of a 30-minute drive).
- Website
Located in Canberra, Australia, the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) began its operations in 1989. Serving as the capital’s largest purpose-built venue for functions, meetings, and events, the Centre boasts over 15 distinct spaces spread across two floors. Its design, characterized by an intelligent layout and ample natural light harnessing Canberra’s clear skies and sunlight, provides a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Furthermore, situated a mere 150 meters away, the Crowne Plaza Canberra is the designated accommodation hotel for delegates and VIPs attending National Convention Centre Canberra events.
Key Details:
- Location: Canberra (31 Constitution Ave, Canberra, ACT, 2601).
- Total Space for Exhibitions: 2,000sqm.
- Parking Capacity: 480
- Distance from Airport: 8kms (avg of 10min drive).
- Website
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Australia boasts a diverse and dynamic landscape of exhibition and trade show venues catering to various events and industries. From the iconic Sydney Showground with its versatile spaces to the expansive Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, known for its flexibility, these venues play a pivotal role in shaping the events landscape in the country. Whether it’s the modern facilities of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the unique setting of the Darwin Convention Centre, or the historic charm of the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, each venue offers its distinct character and appeal. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Adelaide Convention Centre add to the mix with their top-notch facilities and commitment to hosting world-class events. Additionally, the International Convention Centre Sydney stands out as a premier event destination in Darling Harbour, while the National Convention Centre Canberra is a vital hub for events in the Australian Capital Territory. Overall, these top 10 Australian exhibition and trade show venues exemplify excellence in event hosting, providing organizers and attendees with exceptional spaces for a wide array of exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, and cultural events across the country.
