CENTREPIECE hosted the VMA Congress on the 21-23 May 2023, bringing together the largest gathering of venue professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Venue Management Association is the peak body for venue industry professionals in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia with 900+ members, representing 300+ venues from diverse venue sectors including sports stadiums, arena, performing arts, convention and exhibition centres, racetracks, showground and festivals as well as suppliers to the industry.
The conference featured motivational presentations, diverse technical sessions featuring high profile national and international speakers, along with a fantastic social and networking program over three days.
Setting the standard for premium venues in Australia
The VMA has members cross Asia Pacific and Melbourne was selected as the city of choice following the 2022 conference in Sydney.
CENTREPIECE’s central Melbourne location made it a natural choice for the Venue Management Association, who utilised the venue’s unique spot-on Melbourne’s map. Nestled between some of the best stadiums in sport and entertainment, CENTREPIECE offers an iconic Melbourne experience for delegates coming from interstate and overseas.
In a nice full circle moment, the VMA congress returns to Melbourne & Olympic Park after the first VMA congress was held on the precinct 30 years ago. For those guests who hadn’t ventured to Melbourne for a while, CENTREPIECE hosted break away activities and options such as tours of iconic Melbourne locations and dinner on the second night in the CBD.
The connectivity with the MCG was also a plus point for the hosts, who opted to use multiple spaces to offer a premium dinner overlooking the iconic MCG playing field. Just a stone’s throw away from each other, the venues worked in harmony to offer guests an elevated experience and change of scenery. With a partnership with Pullman on the Park, attendees also had the option to stay in one of Melbourne’s best hotels located just a stone’s throw away from both venues.
Everything in one place
Guests also appreciated how close to the CBD and easy to locate CENTREPIECE was, with people travelling by car, train and bus with ease.
The VMA opted for premium catering options and a flexible layout that meant concurrent sessions could run alongside food and drinks being served. With networking spaces, a working lounge and venue amenities available throughout the day, guests had all their needs met within the venue.
Exciting food and beverage options tailored to the event
Food options were elevated to showcase the best of Victorian cooking. From fresh, seasonal ingredients to a specialty cocktail bar, every aspect of the catering was carefully considered to provide guests with the ultimate Melbourne experience.
At CENTRPIECE, guests dined from our Winter Menu with tailored additions to suit the occasion. A speciality cocktail bar pop up was featured to provide guests with a selection of cocktails on the Sunday evening to kickstart networking and welcome the delegates to the conference.
On the final day of the event, the hosts ‘after-5pm drinks’ tradition was upheld, with classic drinks served on the terrace. The final day also saw guests visit the MCG for a closing dinner, after enjoying an afternoon tea featuring an all you can eat ice cream station with collectible Disney on Ice cups at CENTRPIECE. The ice cream party is a long-held tradition that allows people to kick back and relax following a couple of busy days of conferencing.
Get in touch with our team of event specialists and find out how you can make CENTREPIECE your next Masterpiece.