A Melbourne winter vibe is crisp and electric. Rather than go into hibernation mode, the city is buzzing with festivals and live theatre to spice up an end of financial year meeting or conference.

While in country Victoria, wineries are burning crackling fires in their cosy cellar doors and restaurants, where a glass of red wine awaits after a day of strategic planning or team building.

Light-filled winter meeting venues and great deals

So many venues in Melbourne boast abundant natural light – perfect for a winter meeting or strategic brainstorming for the year ahead.

Choose from floor-to-ceiling windows at the new AC Hotel Melbourne Marriott Southbank or the recently refurbished Crowne Plaza. Consider park views and five-star service at Pullman on the Park or a contemporary New York loft-style space at Metropolis Events on the banks of the Yarra River.

Winter is also a great time for accessing competitive rates on accommodation and daily delegate meeting packages.  

Get more inspiration for Melbourne meeting venues with lots of natural light

Image: Light-filled Image: Conference space at Metropolis Events

Spice up your conference with one of Melbourne’s hottest new musicals

At the end of a long day, it’s time to play.

There is always a brilliant musical, theatre production, comedy show or live music experience in Melbourne's theatre district. 

Ask MCB for assistance to arrange a VIP theatre experience for your delegates

Also in Melbourne's theatre district...

The new Rydges Melbourne flagship property, located in the heart of the theatre district. The 370-room property offers three different accommodation types including 310 king standard rooms, 35 suites and 25 apartments, all featuring Rydges signature DreamBeds for an extra dreamy sleep.

Rydges Melbourne suits both corporate conferences and meetings, and incentive groups looking for lashings of luxury in a brilliant location. The property is home to one of Melbourne's largest conference and event venues following the addition of nine newly created spaces, spanning 1500 sqm across two levels.

Image: Rydges Melbourne light-filled lobby.

Invigorate minds with a winter winery meeting retreat

Meeting and event planners are spoilt for choice when it comes to winery retreats for corporate meetings and team building.

What better way to unwind after a day around the boardroom table, than to dine on local produce paired with delicious wine? And if you want to incorporate some team building fun into the day, there are plenty of options ranging from grape stomping to creating your own personal wine blend in a private winemakers workshop.

Check out these four beautiful wine country venues for winter meetings and team retreats 

Image: Lancemore Milawa in the King Valley is ideal for winter conferences and executive planning retreats

Weave Rising festival into your winter meeting program

If you’re planning a day meeting or multi-day conference over winter, why not weave in one of the many inspiring events and activations on during the winter Rising festival? The festival goes from 7 – 18 June 2023 and is focused on music, food, wine and culture under the moonlight.

Left it a little late to plan and book a meeting this June? Think ahead to Rising 2024 and reserve meeting space and accommodation now to access a choice of rooms and competitive venue rates.

Get inspired by the 2023 Rising program

Image: Melbourne's Rising festival by photographer Shannyn Higgins

The Melbourne Convention Bureau provides free planning support

Whether it’s identifying accommodation or meeting venue options. Connecting you to business event suppliers. Or suggesting excellent team building activities in Melbourne and regional Victoria — the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is here to help.

Contact Melbourne Convention Burea