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. Please see specific bump-in and out times here.

Bump-in

 

Standard Shell Scheme Builder - Harry The Hirer

Monday 21 October 2024, 12:01 – 23:59

Custom stand builders

Monday 21 October 2024, 03:01 – 23:59

Exhibitors

Tuesday 22 October 2024, 08:00 – 12:00

All stands must be ready by 12:00 on Tuesday 22 October in time for the exhibition opening at 13:00. 

Bump-out

 

Exhibitors

Friday 25 October 2024, 12:00 – 15:00

Standard Shell Scheme Builder - Harry The Hirer & Custom stand builders

Friday 25 October 2024, 15:30 – 21:00

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

All exhibitor deliveries must arrive no earlier than Tuesday 22 October.

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

Expo Freight will provide an onsite porter service during exhibitor bump-in and bump-out for exhibitor goods only, with no additional charges for this service during these times.

Exhibitors requiring any manual handling equipment (ie forklifts) service during bump-in or out, must pre-book this service in advance through Expo Freight. Please contact Expo Freight directly. Their contact details can also be found in the Key Contacts section

Key Contacts

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 that exhibitors plan their storage needs in advance, including packing crates and freight forwarding materials and arrange for them to be cleared offsite.

Expo Freight can arrange offsite storage for a fee. Exhibitors requiring offsite storage during the exhibition should contact Expo Freight directly to make the necessary arrangements.

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: 

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.
Key dates

6 Feb - Call for proposals opens

14 March - Call for proposals closes

May - Registration open

mid-June - Program released

31 July - Super early bird registration closes

12 September - Early bird registration closes

14–17 October – AIEC 2025