The Rise of Corporate Events in Melbourne’s North

More corporate organisations are moving away from traditional CBD venues and looking for venues in the suburbs for their next event—and for good reason. Melbourne’s northern corridor is rapidly transforming into a major commercial hub, strengthened by new developments and infrastructure, including the Eastlink connection that links the north seamlessly to the east and south.

With excellent transport access with the Mernda train line, tram access from Bundoora and into Melbourne City and key arterial roads including Plenty Road and Bell Street. Melbourne Airport is also just 25 minutes away – Melbourne’s north offers convenience that benefits both local and interstate delegates. From small group strategy sessions and board meetings to large-scale corporate conferences for hundreds of delegates, Preston is a central hub that caters to all event sizes with ease.

Novotel Melbourne Preston sits at the centre of this growing business district. As a full-service corporate event venue, it delivers 13 flexible meeting spaces, on-site group accommodation, parking facilities, reliable AV support and event support leading up to and on the day of your event.

Convenient Airport Access for Corporate Delegates

When hosting corporate events that involve interstate or fly in delegates, accessibility matters. Melbourne’s north offers major advantages:

• Just 20–25 minutes from Melbourne Airport (off-peak) – ideal for inbound corporate groups and multi-day events.
• Avoid CBD congestion – guests travel directly to the venue without passing through the city’s busiest traffic zones.
• Easy access for local drivers – situated near major arterials with 400 onsite car parks, making arrival smooth and affordable.
• Seamless transport coordination – with a preferred ground transfer partner, Novotel Melbourne Preston can arrange bus transport for airport pick-ups, off-site components and group movements.

This level of connectivity ensures your delegates arrive on time, stress-free and ready for the event ahead.

On-Site Group Accommodation for Multi-Day Events

For multi-day conferences, retreats and training programs, having group accommodation and meeting rooms in one location is a significant advantage. It eliminates the need to transport delegates across the city and creates a more cohesive experience.

Consider looking for corporate event accommodation in Melbourne to advantage from multiple benefits:

• Delegates stay together – With a restaurant, bar and relaxation spaces on-site, guests can network after hours without the rush to travel elsewhere.
• Reduced transport logistics – All meals, meetings and activities occur in one location, with High Street entertainment only a short walk away.
• More networking opportunities – Less time spent commuting equals more time collaborating and building connections.
• Streamlined event management – Your event coordinator manages rooming lists, accommodation blocks, AV needs, catering arrangements and event-day execution – all consolidated into one invoice.
• On-site accommodation ensures efficiency, convenience and a smoother experience for organisers and attendees alike.

Flexible Event Spaces 

As corporate events evolve, so do the expectations around corporate meeting rooms. Novotel Melbourne Preston offers a practical and cost-effective conference venue in Melbourne’s North, as an alternative to inner-city venues, with flexibility designed around modern business needs.

Key features include:

• Configurable rooms that can be divided into smaller breakout spaces or opened up into larger event areas.
• Built-in modern AV, including projectors, screens, ceiling audio systems, microphone connectivity and enhanced options such as video conferencing, radio microphones and themed lighting.
• Day Delegate Packages that simplify planning with a clean, all-inclusive pricing model.
• Catering versatility—from plated or buffet breakfasts to morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea; plus evening networking events, drinks and canapé hours, or full gala dinners.

These adaptable spaces offer the convenience of CBD-style facilities without the congestion and large spaces that give you flexibility as your event grows.

A Complete Corporate Event Experience

Corporate events work best when every detail—from catering to logistics is handled seamlessly. Novotel Melbourne Preston offers a full-service experience that supports event organisers at every stage.

Key features your event coordinator will manage:

• On-site dining for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and networking functions
• Flexible breakout rooms set for your workshops, stream sessions and team discussions
• Bump-in and delivery receival – managing logistics before and during your event
• All-inclusive packages that simplify budgets and provide transparent costs, including your AV and accommodation prices, all on one event order.

This makes the venue ideal for conferences, AGMs, leadership retreats, professional workshops and multi-day corporate events. When everything is on-site and coordinated by one team, planning becomes significantly easier.

Melbourne CBD vs Northern Suburbs for Corporate Events

While the Melbourne CBD remains a popular choice, the northern corridor – particularly Preston is proving to be a strategic alternative for organisations seeking convenience, value and flexibility.

1. Accessibility & Airport Proximity: Melbourne’s north is closer to the airport and avoids inner-city bottlenecks.
2. Cost & Value: Venue hire, catering and discounted parking offer greater value than typical CBD pricing. With 383 guest rooms on site, competitive accommodation rates are available for events. 
3. Parking & Traffic Considerations: With hundreds of onsite car parks and direct arterial routes, guests arrive with ease.
4. Accommodation Integration: On-site group accommodation eliminates the need for transport between venues and hotels.
5. Event Experience & Flexibility: Based within a large event venue and offering generous space, adaptable rooms and modern facilities suitable for mid-to-large scale events and that can grow with your needs.

Overall, Melbourne’s north is becoming a practical, strategic and highly accessible event venue choice – particularly for inbound interstate groups and multi-day corporate events.