Logistics and bump in and out

Bump-in and bump-out schedule

The AIEC 2024 exhibition will be held in Bays 21-22 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. 

Please note schedule is subject to change. Final schedule will be confirmed and communicated to exhibitors prior to the conference. All time indications are presented in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). 

Exhibitors must adhere to the access time provided. Access into the exhibition space prior to the scheduled time will not be permitted. 

Important - It is mandatory for all exhibitors during bump in/out periods to wear approved high visibility safety vests and closed toe shoes, this includes the loading dock or on the service road. Exhibitors and contractors will not be allowed entry to the exhibition floor unless safety vests and closed toe shoes are worn. There are vending machines available at MCEC where a vest can be purchased. 

Loading dock access

The MCEC Convention Loading Dock (marked as star sign in the above image) can be accessed from Normanby Road, South Wharf. All deliveries must go through the loading dock on Normanby Road and will not be accepted at any other point within the venue.

The MCEC Convention loading dock for Bays 21-26 and is split across two levels (‘upper’ and ‘lower’).

The upper dock is at the same level as the floor of Exhibition Bays 21-26 and is the main dock used for Exhibition bump ins. Please note AIEC 2024 exhibition will be held In Bays 21-22. 

The MCEC Exhibition Centre loading dock is operational between 7:00am and 16:30pm AEST from Monday to Friday. If you require access to the dock outside of these hours, Think Business Events can assist with arranging access (charges may apply). 

During the move-in and move-out process, a 30-minute parking limit applies for drop-off/pick-up of goods at the loading dock. Vehicles are not permitted to park at any time. Vehicles and their contents are the responsibility of the owner. We highly recommend booking freight storage and stock delivery to your stand directly through our preferred freight forwarder. Further details can be found in the Freight Forwarding/Delivered/Collections section. This ensures seamless coordination and efficient handling of your logistics needs.

It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to provide sufficient staff to ensure the timely and safe unloading of vehicles while on the loading dock. 

Onsite materials handling/porters and equipment

Exhibitors or stand-builders requiring a forklift during bump-in or out, must pre-book these services in advance through our preferred freight forwarder, Expo Freight. Additional charges for this service will apply. Please contact Expo Freight directly if you require their services. Their contact details can also be found in the Key Contacts section and above.

MCEC will provide a porter service during exhibitor bump-in and bump-out. Large items that require porterage must be pre-booked in advance with Think Business Events. No additional charges will apply for porter services during exhibitor bump-in or out.

Self-freight/delivery

If you are bringing in materials via front of house (main entrance points of the venue), you can either carry these items or use trolleys as shown below.  Any trolley that is larger than those outlined below should come through the loading dock.

Storage facilities

There will be no onsite storage facilities for packing materials or boxes. It is recommended exhibitors consider their storage needs (of packing crates and freight forwarding materials) for the duration of the exhibition.

Expo Freight can arrange offsite storage for a fee (please contact Expo Freight for details. Exhibitors or stand builders requiring offsite storage during the exhibition must pre-book these services in advance with Expo Freight or make arrangements with the MCEC Loading Dock Team.

Exhibitor Online Site Induction for MCEC

All contractors and exhibitors arriving through the loading dock are to complete the MCEC Online Induction prior entering the venue. All exhibiting staff who will be present during exhibition bump-in or bump-out must complete the induction.

MCEC Online Induction Portal

Exhibitor/ Contractor Site Induction Information

MCEC Security maintains a presence at the loading dock to oversee traffic management and to control workers who enter and exit the building. MCEC Building Security control rooms are located at both the Convention and Exhibition Centres.

Exhibitor parking

There are two parking options for exhibitors. To ensure a smooth arrival, it's recommended to plan your trip ahead and reserve parking if traveling by vehicle.

1. Melbourne Exhibition Centre Car Park operates secure underground parking

• Accessible via Normanby Road
• Height clearance - 2.20m
• Operates 24/7

2. South Wharf Retail Car Park operates secure multi-level parking

• Locates at South Wharf DFO Retail
• Accessible to nearby DFO Outlet Centre, Melbourne Convention Centre and South Wharf Promenade
• Height clearance - 2.10m
• Operates 24/7 

Note: A ticket must be taken upon entry into the car park and scanned prior to exiting at one of the numerous pay stations located in the car park. Payment must be made by credit/debit card. EFTPOS facilities are not available. 

Essential Links: 

• Plan your visit to MCEC
• MCEC Venue & Car Park Access Map
• MCEC's Exhibitor Services Page
• MCEC Operations Manual 
• Exhibitor Services Guide
• Exhibitor/ Contractor Site Induction Information 

Key Safety Info: 

• Hi-vis vests and close toed shoes must be worn during bump in / out and at all times on the loading dock. 
• Children under 15 are not permitted during bump in / out or on the loading dock at any time.
• Trolleys are not permitted on the concourse.
• First aid can be accessed via MCEC Security Control Room.
• All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged before being brought onsite. 
• Special approval is required from MCEC's Exhibitor Services and Think Business Events for unique activations eg. Vehicles on the show floor, open flames, balloons.

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Key dates

21 March - Call for proposals opens

12 April - Call for proposals closes

30 May - Registration open

August - Program released

31 July - Super early bird registration closes

13 September - Early bird registration closes

22–25 October – AIEC 2024

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