Melbourne is a city of outstanding event facilities and non-more so than the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Since opening its new convention centre in 2009 it has also become the envy of the world, offering an amazing 5000 seat plenary. Now as CEO Peter King prepares to start work on the centre’s latest transformation, he caught up with Peter for a chat.
Peter: How do you take your coffee?
Peter King:
¾ long black with one sugar. I only have one a day and nothing after about 10am. I like to get the day off to a quick start with a strong one but might also have the odd green tea later in the day now and then.
Peter: How long have you worked at MCEC and what is your background?
Peter King:
I have just ticked over 4 years here in Melbourne after spending the last 16 years in Sydney. I come from a consumer products background but ended up running the Royal Agricultural Society NSW at Sydney Olympic Park. We ran the venue out there and looked after everything from the Easter Show to the Big Day Out, so I’ve been involved in major events and exhibitions for a while. I originally graduated from RMIT and got a Cadetship at Puma in the sporting goods industry where I spent many years. I played a lot of cricket so Puma worked in well. My boss for ages was Herb Elliott and I learnt a lot from him.
Peter: What are the key issues the MCEC are currently dealing with?
Peter King:
As always there is lots going on here but our big focus is in two key areas.
- Our expansion which is due to commence early this year. We will be adding an additional 15,000 sq. metres of exhibition and event space to our exiting footprint.
- We have just launched a new organisational structure which is focussed on ensuring we are a customer centric business. This is a very exciting innovation and one that will take us to the next level in terms of the service we can provide our clients.
Peter: What are some of your proudest moments/highlights while working as Chief Executive of the MCEC?
Peter King:
This venue never fails to surprise me with what it is capable of. In terms of diversity, we can have an Anthony Mundine boxing event in the same room as an opera concert or a keynote conference address. We have continued to grow year on year with more events to the point where we are bursting at the seams. Our new expansion will enable this growth to continue when it opens. I’m also proud of our team and the way they have developed to be among the best in the industry. It’s a great time to be here as there is always so much happening.
Peter: Why is Melbourne such a great city to host major sporting and cultural events?
Peter King:
Basically we love an event like nowhere else in the world. It’s a combination of great venues, easily accessible for everyone and our friendly nature that helps make it all happen in Melbourne. I’ve been very fortunate to be at many of these events last year, including the Tennis, World Cup Cricket, The Champion’s Trophy, State of Origin and the AFL Grand Final – Only in Melbourne!
Peter: What is your favourite event to attend in Melbourne?
Peter King:
I am an event junkie, I am afraid. My new favorite would have to be the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal which we host here at the MCEC. To see so many people helping out for such a great cause is something everyone should experience. Beyond that, I’d have to say anything at the MCG because nothing beats the atmosphere! The spiritual home of sport in Australia.
Peter: Who are some of your most admired Melburnians?
Peter King:
As we are involved with the Club Melbourne, I would have to say it’s all these rock stars of the medical and scientific research world. People like Sir Gus Nossal, Peter Doherty and Suzanne Cory are just a few of the many Melbourne based professionals and scientists who lead the world in research. I am in awe of what they do and the massive positive effects they have on the community around them
Peter: If you weren’t CEO of the MCEC, what job would you really want to do?
Peter King:
Definitely a professional golfer but I’d have to be on the seniors’ tour as I’m not quite as young or good as Jason Day! I’m not sure if you’re allowed to play with a 20 handicap!! If I could practice 8 hours a day I reckon I could get my handicap down to at least 17 or 18!!
Peter: What does Melbourne need that we don’t have now?
Peter King:
Two things immediately come to mind. A rail line to the airport and a surf beach at Elwood. They’re probably as hard as each other to get going.
Peter:
Thanks for your time Peter and I would love to join you on the golf course one day as I believe the similarity of our name may also extend to our golf handicap!
