Best Corporate Function Venues Melbourne for Hire

Whether you're planning an end-of-year party for the whole office or setting up a meeting with shareholders, there is a wide rangethat of Melbourne venues that are sure to impress. From five-star hotel restaurants to massive conference centres, there's a Melbourne corporate event venue that will suit your requirements, ensuring a memorable event.

Read on for our guide to finding the perfect Melbourne corporate function venue for your event.

Where can I find corporate function venues in Melbourne?

With thousands of brilliant venues that can play host to corporate events, you won't have a hard time looking for corporate function venues in Melbourne.

These Melbourne neighbourhoods can serve as your starting point as you look for an ideal corporate function venue for your work event:

Melbourne CBD

You're spoilt for choice if you're planning on hosting corporate functions located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. It's home to hundreds of corporate function venues, allowing companies to easily hold events at these places, especially since they're more accessible by public transport via train (eg. Southern Cross Station), tram and cars. This part of town also includes the Docklands area, which is known for its spectacular office buildings as well as entertainment areas.

The Little Collins Street area in Melbourne CBD is a popular destination for corporate events and functions. This vibrant street is lined with a variety of venues that can cater to different needs. From stylish cocktail bars and trendy restaurants to a sophisticated range of event space options, you can find the perfect venue to host your corporate function.

Albert Park is another great option for corporate function venues in Melbourne. Located just south of the CBD, this picturesque suburb offers a range of venues with stunning views of Albert Park Lake. Whether you're looking for a waterfront location or a venue surrounded by lush greenery, you'll find plenty of options in Albert Park.

Southbank

Southbank is in an ideal location, just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD, but it's still in the city's central area and has beautiful waterfront views of the Yarra River. The Southbank promenade offers some of the best corporate function venues Melbourne has to offer such as arts institutions, convention centres, restaurants, rooftop bars, hotels and much more!

Melbourne's Inner East

The inner east of Melbourne is a very sought-after area with many corporate event venues for all purposes, budgets and styles. The cultural and artsy atmosphere is also the perfect place to hold an after-party or formal dinner. Some of the top choices in this area include Whitehorse, Fitzroy and Collingwood.

North Melbourne

The North Melbourne area is known for its historic buildings, as well as its serene and relaxed atmosphere. It's also home to the iconic Federation Square, one of the best places to hold corporate events in Melbourne. North Melbourne includes areas like Docklands and Lygon Street, both of which have many different types of corporate function venues available, from upmarket restaurants to hip coworking spaces.

The Northern Suburbs

Although not very central, the northern suburbs of Melbourne are ideal places to hold your corporate events. They're accessible, they have more affordable options and you can avoid the frenetic pace of the city.

Bayside and the Mornington Peninsula

If you're looking to have a corporate event in areas outside of downtown Melbourne, consider other options like the Bayside suburb of Victoria or the Mornington Peninsula. You'll find some more affordable venues here that can still ensure your event is a success. These areas are also more secluded from the fast-paced life in the city, giving you and your guests a chance to relax.

Brunswick

Brunswick is a great place to find corporate venues in Melbourne, especially if you're looking for something that suits your budget. This area also has some of the best eating joints in the city, which means you can have a great party before or after your event.

St. Kilda

If you want something more central but at an affordable price, St. Kilda is a great place to find corporate function venues. This area has some excellent resorts and spas that guests can enjoy after your event, guaranteeing an unforgettable time. This is the perfect location for businesses that want to combine work and leisure. St. Kilda offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with its iconic beach, trendy cafes, and bustling nightlife.

South Melbourne

This is another excellent choice for finding corporate function venues in Melbourne. South Melbourne has a lot to offer, from 5-star hotels to more affordable options that are still centrally located. You'll also find some great restaurants and cafes here, making it the perfect place to grab a bite before or after your event.

Prahran

Prahran is a great place to hold corporate events, especially if you're looking for something more laid-back and relaxed. This suburb has some excellent bars and pubs that guests can enjoy, as well as some more affordable accommodation options.

Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne is another fantastic option for corporate function venues in Melbourne. Located just a few kilometres southwest of the CBD, this waterfront suburb offers a unique atmosphere for your event. One of the highlights of hosting your corporate function in Port Melbourne is the stunning waterfront views. Many venues in this area overlook the picturesque Port Phillip Bay, providing a beautiful backdrop for your event. Whether you're hosting a conference, seminar, or team-building activity, the waterfront setting adds an element of elegance and tranquillity.

What types of events are best suited to Melbourne corporate function venues?

With its luxury hotels, modern conference venues and corporate-ready function spaces, Melbourne is one of the best places to host a work function in the venue ideal for your needs. Whether you need somewhere to hold a brainstorming session, a product launch, a conference, or a holiday party, there's bound to be something in this vibrant city that will tick all the boxes.

These are some of the most popular types of corporate events you can hold in Melbourne corporate event spaces:

Conferences and seminars

Conferences and seminars are a great way for businesses to exchange information about best practices with other companies in the same industry. They're also useful for keeping employees at the forefront of innovation and productivity, which is why most forward-thinking companies hold them regularly.

The type of corporate event venues you'll need will vary depending on your objectives. For example, if you're planning a high-level conference that will attract large crowds, you'll probably want to rent out an auditorium for the duration of your event. Meanwhile, smaller meetings might be more appropriate in informal meeting rooms or hotel lounges.

Check out our Conference Venues Melbourne to learn more.

Product launches

Product launches are another excellent way for companies to showcase their latest innovations and technological advancements. They are also interesting events that employees will enjoy attending.

For the purposes of a product launch, you may want to rent out a venue such as an exhibition hall. This will allow your product to be on display and also make it easy for customers to get their hands on it. If you choose a space that's big enough, there's no reason why your product launch event can't combine all the benefits of a conference with those of a product launch. You can give presentations about the new product, as well as let customers see and interact with it.

Your company may also want to host a product launch event if you're launching multiple products at the same time. A space that's easy to divide into smaller components is ideal in this case, as are spaces where your guests can comfortably interact with each other.

Check out our Product Launch Venues Melbourne guide to learn more.

Events for employees and clients

Team building activities such as golf days and scavenger hunts are popular team building activities that can be held almost anywhere, provided there's enough space for all your employees to participate! Golf courses, mobile venues and even museums often provide great locations for these kinds of events. However, if you'd like to hold a social get-together or client appreciation event instead, hotel function rooms are another good option. They allow for ample mingling amongst attendees, help build relationships, and even keep everyone entertained.

Professional development events

For some businesses, professional development events are an extremely important step in the recruitment process. They can also be useful for helping employees learn new skills and generally improve their overall performance at work. A popular type of professional development event is a course that leads to external accreditation or certification. These courses frequently use interactive elements such as theatre-style presentations and small group activities to help learners retain information more effectively. Corporate function venues with flexible furniture layouts can therefore present an excellent opportunity for hosting these kinds of events!

Holiday parties

End-of-year functions like holiday parties are another excellent way for employers to reward their employees' hard work throughout the year. Holiday parties are also fun and social events, which is why they tend to be appreciated by staff.

As far as holiday party venues go, hotels are an excellent choice. With large ballrooms that are perfect for large groups of people and great catering services, they're hard to beat!

Check out our Melbourne Christmas Party Venues guide to learn more.

Workshops

Workshops are sometimes held as part of professional development events, but they can also be standalone events. For example, your company might hold workshops that cover topics in important skills such as leadership or teamwork. Or if you're a consulting business, you might choose to host workshops for clients on specific topics such as financing or contract law.

As far as corporate function venues go, rooms with flexible seating arrangements are ideal for holding workshops. Classroom-style meeting rooms and auditoriums tend to have fixed tables and chairs, which will limit the kinds of activities that can be carried out during your workshop.

Check out our Melbourne Workshop Venues guide to learn more.

Receptions and cocktail parties

If you'd like guests of honour at your event to mingle more freely with other attendees rather than staying at a table on the stage, you should consider holding your cocktail event at an open-plan corporate function venue. Venues such as conference centres are perfect for hosting cocktail parties because they're designed to provide opportunities for attendees to mingle freely amongst each other and with staff members from different companies.

Many companies hold cocktail parties as part of their annual general meetings. A cocktail party is a favourite event that is usually held for entertainment, and it's no wonder why, as this type of party has the power to make an event seem much more exciting! Many people find them to be entertaining because they're a change from the typical sit-down dinner or awards ceremony.

So if you'd like to throw a cocktail party for professional reasons, then you should consider hosting it at one of the smaller conference centres in Melbourne. The smaller size will make it easier for your guests to socialise with each other and that can increase the networking opportunities available!

Awards nights

Awards nights are often held by associations, companies and the government. They're hosted at corporate function venues like banquet rooms, conference centres and hotels to ensure that everyone attending can fit comfortably.

They're normally a formal event with a sit-down meal served at tables, but they still shouldn't feel stuffy! If you plan your awards night well, it will be an exciting time of year for guests as they look forward to the recognition they'll receive. That's because awards nights provide an easy platform for recognising achievement in various forms. Whether you choose to reward people for their work or give out awards based on sales figures, both recipients and attendees should have fun celebrating together!

Read more about this by clicking our Melbourne Awards Dinner Venue guide.

Business lunches

Business lunches are the most common form of corporate function because they're great for ongoing networking, as well as getting to know each other's business. They're the perfect way to conduct important business negotiations in a more casual environment whilst still having the essential structure and organisation expected from an event that is part of your company's overall strategy. A typical venue for holding a business lunch would be a restaurant or café, but you can also choose banquet rooms at hotels if you want the businesses represented there to mingle with each other!

Business lunches are perfect for keeping relationships fresh between two companies that do regular business together, such as suppliers or clients. And they've become popular amongst smaller companies that don't need huge conference centres to hold their core meetings! It can even be used to strengthen business relationships because you can invite associates from other companies, even if they don't do business together.

Want to learn more? Read our Meeting Venues guide.

What are the most popular types of corporate event venues in Melbourne?

There is a wide range of corporate venue hire options in Melbourne. The most commonly booked venues for corporate events include:

Hotels

Hotel ballrooms and event spaces are great for large events because they have plenty of room to accommodate large-capacity events and they have most of the services you'll need — catering options, audiovisual equipment or live music, servers, cleanup crews, and the like. Also, many hotels have convenient locations and convey a professional image. Some even offer food and beverage packages that could make your event planning easier! You can choose to hold your event in the hotel's conference centre or ballroom, in which case you'll be able to work with their audiovisual experts and catering people.

Restaurants

Restaurants are a good option for events that will have a lot of mingling and socialising. The atmosphere is friendly enough for people to relax and chat comfortably, and you won't have to worry about the food and drinks, as they offer in-house catering. Some restaurants have events teams that will help you with venue fit-out, entertainment, and anything else you might need to set up a corporate event. It's a culinary experience!

If booking an entire venue isn't an option, most restaurants have private dining rooms that you can rent for privacy and a sense of exclusivity for your corporate gatherings.

Conference centres

Conference centres can be a good idea for events with lots of talks and presentations to take place. They're good for large crowds because the audience can sit facing the stage without feeling cramped. You'll also probably be able to make use of the audiovisual equipment they have available on-site, and their catering service is usually top-notch.

Coworking spaces

Coworking spaces are perfect for off-site meetings, brainstorming sessions, interviews, negotiations, training sessions and workshops. These venues usually have different sizes of meeting and conference rooms that have WiFi and other equipment to help you hold productive discussions, so the atmosphere is professional yet relaxed. With a smaller space, there will be more opportunities for networking amongst your employees, such as during lunch or coffee breaks!

Blank Canvas Venues

If you're looking for a versatile venue for your corporate gatherings, then this is the one for you! As the name suggests, a blank canvas event space has the ability to be customised by you. Whether you're thinking of adding a dance floor, stage, or photo booth, this type of corporate party venue allows you to transform the space according to your specific needs and preferences. You can choose from a range of styles and themes for your event and tailor it for your guests. A blank canvas space will also look modern, fresh and clean which brings a level of professionalism to the event and with some featuring a concrete floor, they're highly customisable. These versatile event spaces offer endless possibilities for your private function in Melbourne.

Rooftop Venues

Rooftop venues in Melbourne offer a unique and memorable experience for corporate functions. With stunning views of the city skyline as your backdrop, you can impress your guests and create a truly unforgettable event. Aside from the city views, Rooftop venues in Melbourne offer a unique and memorable experience for corporate functions. This is the perfect setting for networking events, cocktail parties, product launches, and even team-building activities.

Wineries

Wineries are great venues because they're a welcome change from the usual corporate venue and they provide a different atmosphere — one that's conducive to creative endeavours and collaborative meetings. A lot of wineries have excellent restaurants attached, which makes it easier to cater to your event's food needs. Many wineries also have plenty of parking spaces and are central to Melbourne.

If you're having an outdoor corporate function, then a winery is a great place for it! These venues usually have impeccable menus suited to alfresco dining. You might want to consider tents or marquees so that your guests have shelter in case of rain. If you're considering a winery for your next corporate event, you'll need to book the space out well in advance. Many functions tend to overlap with weddings and other large gatherings at wineries, especially during springtime.

Tips for finding the perfect corporate events venue in Melbourne

When searching for the perfect corporate events venue in Melbourne, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you find the ideal venue and turn your event vision to life:

Determine your event requirements

Before you start looking for a corporate events venue, it's important to clearly understand the requirements of your event. Consider the number of attendees, the type of event (seminar, private party, conference, training session, etc.), and any specific equipment or amenities you may need. This will help you narrow down your options and find a venue that can accommodate all your needs.

Consider the location

The location of the venue is crucial for the convenience of your attendees. Choose a venue that is easily accessible and well-connected to public transportation. It should also have ample parking space for those who prefer to drive. Additionally, consider the surrounding area and whether it offers amenities such as restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options for your guests.

Assess the facilities and amenities

When evaluating potential venues, carefully consider the facilities and amenities they offer. Look for venues that have modern audio-visual equipment, high-speed internet access, comfortable seating arrangements, and adequate lighting. Some venues may also provide catering services or have partnerships with nearby restaurants, which can be convenient for organizing meals during your event.

Check the capacity and layout

Is there ample space for you and your guests? Ensure that the venue can comfortably accommodate the number of attendees you expect. Consider the layout of the venue and how it can be adapted to suit your specific event needs. A venue with flexible seating arrangements and adjustable room configurations can be highly beneficial, allowing you to customize the space according to your requirements. Additionally, check if there are separate areas for networking, breakout sessions, or exhibitions if needed.

Consider venue ambience

Apart from practical considerations, the ambience of the venue is also crucial in setting the tone and atmosphere of your corporate event. Think about the vibe you want to create and whether the venue aligns with that vision.

For formal events such as conferences or award ceremonies, you may prefer a venue with a sophisticated ambience, elegant decor, and refined furnishings. Look for venues with stylish ballrooms or grand halls that exude a sense of professionalism and prestige.

If you're planning a more casual event like a team-building day or cocktail function, you might opt for a venue with a relaxed and inviting ambience. Consider venues with outdoor spaces or rooftop terraces that offer a pleasant backdrop for networking and socializing.

In addition to the overall ambience, pay attention to smaller details such as lighting and acoustics. Adequate lighting can create the right mood and highlight key areas of your event, while good acoustics ensure that everyone can hear presentations and speeches clearly. Lucky for you there is an extensive range of private event spaces in Melbourne that could match your needs!

Review the cost and budget

Before finalizing a corporate function venue, review the costs associated with hiring the space. Are you looking for an exclusive venue hire or a private dining room for example? Request detailed quotes from potential venues and inquire about any additional fees or charges that may apply. It is important to have clarity on what is included in the venue hire cost, such as the use of audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi access, and furniture setup. This will help you to accurately assess whether the venue fits within your budget and if there are any hidden costs that need to be considered. Check also for event packages like food and drinks packages that may help you save some money.

Discover the best corporate function venues in Melbourne

There are thousands of brilliant corporate event venues to discover in Melbourne! Use the VenueNow platform to easily find and book your function venue hire in Melbourne with just a few clicks.

The perfect event venue waiting for you. Whether you're looking for a unique space, an exclusive event venue, an intimate setting or a large function hall, VenueNow can help you find the perfect venue for your next corporate event.

Get started by browsing our comprehensive list of corporate function venues in Melbourne, then contact the venue to check availability and book your event! Find the perfect function venue and create your corporate experiences in Melbourne today!