Centrepiece is a new venue in the Melbourne tennis precinct. During the Australian Open it is the media centre, for the rest of the year it is Melbourne newest function space that boasts a 2,000 sqm Grand Hall (essentially a pillarless box that can be divided into two), a 250 seat Auditorium and 10 Studios that can accommodate around 20 pax each. Ideal for a 250 pax conference with breakout rooms along with an exhibition and gala dinner in the Grand Hall.

Centrepiece was the location for the 2022 AIME Welcome Function which attracted over 1000 exhibitors and delegates.

The event was designed in four parts

• Act 1 was the arrival by boat on the Yarra followed by canapes in front of Centrepiece
• Act 2 Reconnect – food, drinks and networking in Garand Hall 1
• Act 3 Revive – party time in Grand Hall 2
• Act 4 Thrive – networking on The Terrace

The vibe was upbeat from the outset – people were so glad to be at an event, face to face and without masks. The weather was perfect even though organisers were nervously watching the BOM radar.

With a big crowd like this there are two main things to get right – food & beverage service and the entertainment.

First the entertainment – suitably restrained and visual in act 1 and 2, which enabled networking to be carried out without shouting. Then raucous and loud for Act 3 for those who wanted to party. Fortunately for those who wanted to continue networking there were quieter spaces available.

The canapes and beverage service in the outdoor area was great – plenty of tray service. Unfortunately Grand Hall 1 was quite crowded and although there were plenty of food stations and plenty of food it was difficult to navigate to it and unfortunately people in this situation tend to act like sheep – they see a queue and they join it, even though there were alternative access points. However this did get people engaged in conversation as they waited.

Having a bar right at the entrance is always fraught – guests head to the bar, get a drink and stay put, causing a bottleneck.

The food and wines were great though – all Victorian produce.

The verdict – definitely one of the better ones. Most enjoyable.

Credits

Venue: CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park

Catering: Delaware North

Lighting and AV: Microhire

Entertainment: Solution Entertainment

Performers: Horns of Leroy, Van-Ahn Nguyen, Melbourne Gospel Choir, Mia Wray, Midnight Mix

Production, Staging and Aerial performance: Showtech Australia

Event planning and management: MOB Crew

Furniture and signage: Harry the hirer

Printing and signage: Red Exhibitions

Florals: Style by Nature

Design & Creative: Keep Left

Desserts: Cacao

Photo booths and backdrops: The Party & Event Co

Photo gallery by SDP Media