The Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct development is a step closer to reality having selected Plenary Conventions consortium as the preferred bidder to deliver the project.

The development will include the construction of the purpose-built convention and exhibition space, incorporating a 1000 seat venue, two large exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities and flexible event spaces.

The precinct will also be home to a 200-room Crowne Plaza hotel, retail spaces for food and beverage offerings and a large public plaza.

The Victorian Government is investing more than $260 million into the project as part of the Geelong City Deal, with additional contributions of $30 million from the Federal Government and $3 million from the City of Greater Geelong.

“With a waterfront precinct that rivals any in the country, this convention centre precinct will add to Geelong’s status as a UNESCO City of Design, and attract even more people to come and explore all this wonderful city has to offer,” said Victorian Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing.

The Trust that operates Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCET) will manage and operate the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre once complete in early 2026.

“We’re looking forward to leveraging MCET’s experience, capability and global networks to bring a host of exciting and important events to Geelong, and working with the community to grow the region’s well-earned reputation as a destination,” said Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre chief executive Natalie O’Brien.

“Each event we host at the centre will benefit a local ecosystem of hoteliers, event organisers, food providores, tourism operators, suppliers and so much more.”