As the show is fast approaching, I would like to draw your attention to the following important information to ensure your participation is smooth and your results maximised.

Please share this information with your team.

Exhibitors and contractors who are building space only stands will have access between the following hours to set up:

IMPORTANT

• All Exhibitors will be allocated a move-in time. If you have not been received a scheduled time please contact GEL Events

KEY INFORMATION

• Timings above are the parameters in which the move in schedule operates.
• Failure to book a move in time through GEL Events, may result in delays accessing the loading dock.
• Vehicles must be moved from the dock as soon as unloading is completed.
• Only vehicles over 1.8m high can access the loading dock, all other vehicles will be redirected to the MCEC Carpark
• Vehicles under 1.8m can access the bays from the MCEC Car Park via the lifts at Doors 1, 6 & 10 which provide access directly into the exhibition bays.
• Please ensure all stands are finished by 6:00 PM Sunday 1st September. STRICTLY NO ACCESS on the morning of show open for any stand build or construction. Contractors will not be given access on the opening morning. All tools, ladders, building equipment, rubbish and storage must be removed by 6:00 PM on Sunday 1 September. If it is left in the halls overnight, it may be deemed as rubbish and removed.

Exhibitors will have access between the following hours to set up:

IMPORTANT

• If you require access to the loading docks please contact GEL Events to schedule a move-in time.

KEY INFORMATION

• The timeframes above show your designated time to START bump in — you will be allowed to work until 10:00 PM on Saturday 31 August, and until 6:00 PM on Sunday 1st September.
• No exhibitors will be allowed access before their allocated time.
• If you require access to the Loading Dock you must book a move in time with GEL Events.
• Hand carried items should be delivered via the car park located directly underneath the MCEC. Please note that no trolleys are allowed on the concourse at any time, however small trollies can be brought from the carpark via the lifts at Doors 1, 6 & 10 which provide access directly into the exhibition bays.
• Shell scheme stands will be ready to be occupied by the times designated above.
• These times are for exhibitors to deliver their goods and set up their stands.
• All stands must be completely dressed, and all rubbish removed from the premises by 6:00pm Sunday 1st September.
• No access will be given for stand build on the opening morning of the show.
• All stands must be completed & ready for the opening of the Expo by 9:30 AM Monday 2nd September

Exhibitors can dismantle their stands during the following times:

IMPORTANT

• All Shell Scheme stands must be completely moved out by 10:00 PM Thursday 5 September. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Loading Dock access will commence from approx. 6:00 PM, guide only, delays anticipated.
• If you require access to the Loading Dock you must book a move out time with GEL.
• Failure to book a move out time through GEL Events, may result in delays accessing the loading dock.

STAND BUILDERS ARE REQUIRED TO WORK UNTIL MIDNIGHT TO DISMANTLE & PACK UP THEIR FREIGHT. If you would like to work throughout the night, permission must be granted by the Organiser. 

Key Information

• Timings above are the parameters in which the move out schedule works.
• NOTE: GEL Events will be prioritizing the delivery and returns of empty products and crates on Thursday 5 September. Empties for stand build components will be returned overnight.
• Stands who require dock access, MUST book a move-out time with GEL within the time parameters above. No time slot, no access.
• Failure to book a move out time through GEL Events, may result in delays accessing the loading dock.
• Space Only Stands cannot commence build dismantle until 6:00 pm on Thursday 5 September, after the majority of shell exhibitors have moved out. This initiative will ease congestion on the loading dock and inside the bays.
• Move-out of product will commence approximately 30 minutes after the show closes, or once the bays are clear of visitors and it is safe to do so.
• Exhibitors are advised to remove all valuables and portables at this time.
• Access to the Loading dock is not permitted until 6:30 PM and will be heavily controlled by GEL Events. If you need access to the Loading Dock make sure you book a move out time with GEL Events.
• If you are not able to remove your entire product or stand dressing materials by the times stipulated above, please contact the organiser.
• Please note delays are often experienced on the loading dock during build up and breakdown.

THE ORGANISERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ALTER THE ABOVE TIMES

The opening hours are as follows:

Exhibitors can gain entry up to two hours before opening time on each show day. If you require access earlier than the above times please contact our Operations Manager

There will be an Exhibitor Services Desk located in Office 2.2 at the front of Bay 7.

The desk will be open from 8:00am each morning. The telephone number for the office is (03) 9235 8815. 

Exhibitors
All exhibitors at the venue during bump in/bump out must complete the exhibitor venue induction. If you a contractor, exhibitor or on-site during setup / breakdown, complete the venue induction 72 hours before arriving. People present during show open hours are exempt from completing induction.

Exhibitors booking space only sites are responsible for the construction of their exhibit which must meet all requirements of the exhibition and the authorities.

All stand plans must be submitted for approval prior to coming onsite.

Contractors / All Other Work Classifications

1. New User 

All new users must have a representative complete the company prequalification. This generates a company specific induction to be shared with all workers. Please complete your prequalification registration.

Note: Your company may already be registered with us. If you get a notification that your ABN is already in use, please email [email protected] to receive access to your venue induction.

2. Returning User 
If you are a returning user, please log in to update your venue induction using your Pin or mobile.

We recommend familiarising yourself with the Work Health and Safety Manual prior to completing the online induction. View the Work Health and Safety manual here.

Once you have submitted your exhibitor stand plan, your builder will receive access to the L.E.V.8 Sentry Portal. Please contact the Operations Manager if your contractor has not received access for Fine Food 2024.

All space only exhibitors will be allocated a specific dump site for their stock

Each exhibitor is responsible for erecting a partition wall 2.5 meters in height between the exhibitor’s site and the adjoining site. Exhibitors wishing to erect partitions exceeding 2.5 meters must obtain written approval from Fine Food Australia Operations Manager . Where permission is granted, the exhibitor becomes responsible for both sides of the partition wall above 2.5 meters. It must be of solid construction, suitably decorated on the reverse side and to the requirements of the adjoining exhibitor but carry no advertising material where the elevation overlooks the neighboring stand

Shell scheme stands include walls, carpet, lighting and fascia with the name and stand number of the exhibitor. Please refer to the Shell Scheme Packages, Walk on Packages & Name Board Details to find out if your stand includes or does NOT include power.

The company name style is uniform, and the fascia may not be altered or covered in any way. Exhibitors shall be liable for any damages to the stand structure incurred during the exhibition.

The name entered in your Company Profile will be used on your name board and on the show app. Any changes to the company profile name made after Monday, 12 August will not be actioned as name boards will have been submitted for print. Please note this name must comply with the conditions listed on our Name Board Requirements page. If it does not comply, Diversified reserves the right to alter your name to meet these conditions. Any re-prints will be made at the cost of the exhibitor.

Your main stand coordinator has been sent a link to the Exhibitor Lead Tracker Dashboard. This is where all staff working on the stand are required to be registered to obtain an exhibitor badge.

Each registered staff member will receive a confirmation e-mail with their unique QR code and app pin. This confirmation email can be shown at the registration desk to pick up their exhibitor badge.

Exhibitor badges will be available for collection from 10.00am – 6:00pm on Saturday 31 August & Sunday 1 September at the Registration Desks located outside Doors 3, 7, and 9. Please note that an exhibitor badge is required for entry into the show on show days.

Work Health & Safety (WHS) is a major priority for Diversified Communications Australia and the venue.  Diversified Communications Australia will aim to create and maintain a safe working environment for all contractors, exhibitors and visitors.

To comply with these standards please note the following requirements in relation to your participation in the Expo.

In particular we have implemented the following:

• The wearing of safety vests will be enforced by the organiser and security staff during move in and move out. It is expected that stand contractors will supply safety vests for their own staff. Diversified Communications will provide loan safety vests for exhibitors and will have a supply of these at each open loading dock and concourse door during move in and move out.
• No children of 15 years or under will be allowed on site during move in and move out.
• No open toe shoes to be worn during move in and move out in the exhibition centre or on the loading dock.
• The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden during move in and move out.

All Stand builders must forward a copy of their PLI Insurance, Workcover and WH&S policy to Diversified Communications Australia before they will be permitted on site.

Any person constructing a stand on site, including exhibitors constructing their own stand, are required to complete BOTH the venue and Organiser inductions, as outlined here.

A number of aisles have been designated as clear ways for forklifts and pedestrians.  These will also be indicated on-site with signage.  In order to maintain a safe working site, no stock can be placed in these aisles and all aisles should remain clear as possible during construction and dismantling.

Safety vests will be provided during move in and move out times and will be located at the entrances of the exhibition. It is mandatory that safety vests be worn on the loading dock at all times and in the hall during move-in and move-out periods or whilst any plant or machinery is operating.

All Emergency services need to be coordinated through the Event security to ensure that the emergency vehicles are given the correct information. All security staff are qualified in First Aid procedures. For any first aid requirements please visit security on the show floor or go to the Organiser’s office where security can be contacted.

Should you require medical assistance, please alert one of our team members immediately or notify your event security or first aid provider immediately. You can also report first aid/medical incidents to the Security Control Centre by calling 6666 from an internal phone or +61 3 9235 8333 .

For non-emergency security enquiries, dial ext. 8333 (or +61 3 9235 8333 from any phone).

In the event of an emergency, one of two alarms may sound:

• Alert alarm – “Beep! Beep! Beep!” This is a warning alarm to notify everyone of a possible emergency. If it sounds, please stand by for further instructions.
• Evacuation alarm – “Whoop! Whoop!” This alarm means all occupants must evacuate. When it sounds, wardens will direct everyone to leave via the nearest exits quickly but calmly, and assemble at the nearest evacuation point where they are to remain until MCEC staff advise that it is safe to return. Please also review the MCEC Evacuation Map. 

Deliveries to your stand need to be carefully managed to avoid any delays or damage.

This show will have a scheduled move in and move out for any vehicles requiring access to the loading dock, this includes couriers. Please ensure you book a move in and move out time for any deliveries coming on site with GEL Events

If you turn up outside of your allocated access time you may be turned away at the Loading Dock.

• The loading dock is strictly used for drop off/pick up of goods.  To keep the loading dock moving please move your vehicle away from this area as soon as you have finished unloading.  Parking is limited to 15 minutes on the loading dock area and cars may be fined if left on the dock for a period longer than this.  Please liaise directly with the loading dock staff should you require additional time to unload.  All vehicles under 1.8m will be directed to use the car park beneath the venue.
• If you are using a courier company, please take care to attach a completed Delivery Label to each item. As most couriers will not leave goods without a signature we recommend that a member of your staff be present during deliveries.  The Organisers, or our suppliers cannot accept deliveries on your behalf.
• If you require a Forklift, please contact GEL Events to book a time. Forklifts may be booked on-site but there may be a delay and additional costs.  Hand trolleys may be borrowed at no charge from the GEL service desk.  Photo identification will be required to ‘borrow a trolley’.  For safety reasons, trolleys will not be allowed on the exhibition floor once the exhibition is open.
• Deliveries cannot be made during the open hours of the exhibition. Exhibitors can gain entry 2 hours prior to the show opening each day for deliveries and re-stocking stands. If necessary, please organise deliveries each morning at least 30 minutes prior to opening time. Delivery vehicles may use the loading dock each morning.

If you need to speak to one of the official suppliers during move-in please visit their site desk. The following official suppliers will have a customer service desk on-site during move-in:

If you are using your own trades people, make sure that they are suitably qualified and adhere to the rules and regulations of the exhibition.  All electrical or plumbing work must be carried out by the official contractor.

Companies with outstanding amounts will not be allowed to occupy their stand and come onsite.  For information on accounts please contact Account Receivable on +61 3 9261 4500 or [email protected]

If you have excess stock that can be given to a food charity company at the end of the show, OzHarvest will be collecting quality excess food from stands and delivering it directly to those in need, helping to reduce food wastage and hunger.

OzHarvest volunteers in yellow t-shirts will be onsite at the end of the event, Thursday 5th September from 3:00 PM to collect surplus stock. Food can be left for OzHarvest to collect next to the cool rooms at the rear of Bay 9 & Bay 16. 

Volunteers will be coming around to all stalls to see if you have any surplus stock to donate. They will have black crates to stack food in and if your food needs to be packaged, we’ll also have these 10L tubs. All prepared food must be labelled with the date.

There isn’t much OzHarvest can’t collect, so if in doubt please put the items aside and the OzHarvest volunteers will advise when onsite. 

Security Guards will be on duty throughout the exhibition however for practical and legal reasons organiser’s are unable to accept responsibility for any loss or damage to persons or personal property.  No Exceptions: Exhibitors must have adequate property and public liability insurance in connection with the exhibition.  We strongly advise you that all personal belongings are secure at all times during move-in, exhibition times and move-out.

For any additional services we strongly recommend that orders are placed before their due date to avoid disappointment or a late surcharge fee.  Sometimes these services can be booked on-site but the cost is generally much higher and often subject to availability.

For any additional services please visit the Exhibitor Services Website.

The official stand builder, ExpoNet is responsible for all lighting and electrical requirements.

To order power and or additional lighting please login to the Exponet Exhibitor Portal (Login details will be sent directly from Exponet) or for further information please contact Exponet – Exhibitor Services Department

It is a venue requirement that ALL electrical equipment that comes on site is tested and tagged in accordance with the State Health & Safety Regulations to meet Australian certified standards. This includes mobile phone chargers, laptops chargers, lighting and electrical equipment – see below for further examples

This applies to all contractors working on site and exhibitors who bring in electrical leads and appliances for their stands during exhibitions. It also applies to demo stock which must be tagged with a New to Service tag in order for it to be used on site.

Australian Exhibitors

Below are some examples of electrical equipment which must be tagged and tested before you come on site:

• Mobile phone chargers
• Laptop chargers
• Television power leads
• Extension cords
• Power leads for all building equipment including drills, saws and transformers
• Cooking equipment including microwaves, blenders, juicers and electric fry pans and fridges
• New or demo stock
• All lighting
• Speaker systems

It is the exhibitor and/or stand builders responsibility to ensure all electrical stock is tested and tagged prior to arrival on site. A testing and tagging service will be available onsite for a small quantity of items on each stand. Costs for testing and tagging will be applied to all electrical orders taken. If you require a large quantity of items tested and tagged please notify ExpoNet so they can make the appropriate resources available.

Testing and tagging is REQUIRED for any exhibitor who has power or lighting included in their stand package or books power through ExpoNet. 

Otherwise, you will need to order the line item “32702 Compulsory Safety Inspection – Max 10 Items (Required when Power is ordered for your stand to inspect all items to meet Australian standard AS/NZ 3)” through the ExpoNet portal below.

Space only exhibitors must also complete this form as you currently have no inclusions.

To pre-book Testing & Tagging for your stand please log onto the ExpoNet Ordering Portal. Please book before Monday 12th August 2024 to avoid late charges. 

An exhibitor who is planning to include a vehicle on their stand must notify the Organisers their intentions no later than 28 days prior to commencement of the exhibition. Exhibitors will then be given a specific arrival and departure time to move the vehicle on and off the stand.

Motor vehicles on display at events, including electric and hybrid cars, must adhere to the guidelines below:

• Get approval from both your event organiser and MCEC. To get approval, please email the Operations Manager
• Vehicles cannot be started and run without prior permission from MCEC.
• Flooring must be protected by drip trays under each vehicle.
• Fuel must not be decanted, nor vehicles filled anywhere in MCEC or the loading docks.
• Exhibitors must control ignition keys and not leave them in the vehicle.
• Vehicles must have at least 1 x 2.3kg, A:B (E) dry powder extinguishers mounted in a prominent location as per Australian Standards.
• All bump in/out must be discussed with the event organiser and approved by MCEC.
• Fuel filter cap must be either sealed or secured to prevent easy removal by unauthorised persons.
• Vehicles powered by flammable gas (LPG) may be displayed only if their systems are fitted in accordance with relevant Australian Standards for LPG gas fuel systems for vehicle engines.

The Organisers requires details of the delivery together with details of the dimensions and weight of the vehicle. Upon arrival a set of keys must be supplied to the Organisers Office for the duration of the event.

Log onto the portal, complete and submit the Vehicle Display Form.

If you are sampling food & beverage from your stand, please read the Hand Wash Requirements and Health & Safety Obligations to ensure your stand set-up is correct.

Please ensure you understand what type of hand washing facilities are required on your stand, and that you have the correct set up prior to the event. This will depend on the relative risk of the food used and method of preparation. Please ensure you have read through the information thoroughly and have completed your compulsory forms under Food Sampling.

Restrictions around Hand Washing and the Safe Handling of Food will be enforced more strictly for the 2024 show, please read the information carefully and ensure you have the appropriate protocols and processes in place.

There will be three communal wash areas located on each level of the show floor.

These areas are for equipment wash up only. No food preparation can take place.

These wash areas will contain sinks with hot and cold running water and hand dishwashing equipment.

During the open period of the exhibition the public-address system can only be used in an emergency situation.  The paging of exhibitors or visitors is not possible, but messages may be left at the Exhibitor Services desk located in Office 2.2 at the front of Bay 7.

WARNING: HOAX THIRD PARTY EMAILS AND LETTERS

Please be aware that Fine Food Australia has been the target of groups trying to take advantage of the event’s size and success. Some exhibitors are getting phone calls and e-mail messages from individuals offering all types of services from fake exhibition directories and attendee databases, to travel/hotel arrangements and transportation services.

Fine Food Australia and its official vendors do not sell, rent or distribute attendee lists in any way, nor do we send e-mails via Gmail/Yahoo/Hotmail accounts. All official communication comes from a Diversified Communications Australia email account (@divcom.net.au). Any communication suggesting otherwise is not affiliated with Fine Food Australia in any way. We recommend you do not click on any links from e-mails from these types of accounts or from any that look suspicious. All Diversified Communications preferred suppliers are included within our exhibitor services website and portal.

Your banner must fall within your stand area and must not encroach on aisle-ways or adjoining stands.  Double-sided banners must hang at least one meter in from the boundary of your stand.  To arrange the rigging of a banner please contact Clifton Productions

To avoid obvious disputes, the distribution of promotional material or samples must be confined to your own stand.  You are reminded that your exhibits and stand fitting must remain within the boundary of the space booked. Please design your stand accordingly as encroachment into the aisle will not be allowed.  Exhibitors are not permitted to distribute promotional material in aisles or at the entrance to the exhibition.  There is also a total ban on visitors canvassing within the exhibition.  Please let us know if you see either of these things happening near your stand and our staff will have it stopped.

The exhibition aisles and bins are cleaned throughout the day. Stand floors are cleaned and bins emptied each night. Stand cleaning is also included in the charge for exhibition space. Please notify the organisers if you will be producing a lot of waste during the exhibition as additional charges may be applied.

You can organise additional stand cleaning with IKON services, please find the Stand Cleaning Request form.

To contact IKON while onsite, please see the Diversified Exhibitor Services Desk located in Office 2.2 onsite.

In line with exhibitor requests we have restricted visitor entry to business people only. Please include this in any promotion you may undertake and note the same restrictions apply to exhibitors. Visitor Registration is free.

Every visitor will be issued with a name badge to assist you to identify them. If you wish to scan the barcodes on the badges you can do so through the free lead tracking app.

A free lead tracking app will be available for you to install on your smart phone or tablet. The app contains a variety of useful tools, including allowing you to capture and qualify leads straight from your tablet or smartphone by scanning a visitor’s badge and following up instantly.

The Fine Food Australia app is now live. Please download below.
Search for Fine Food Australia 2024 to download via the App Store or Google Play, or use the following link:

App logins will be emailed to you in early 2024.

Exhibitor Marketing Tools are available to download in the Online Manual here, if you have any questions regarding the Marketing Tools, please contact our Marketing Team

Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and chart a course for the future. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Fine Food Australia. Reserve your tickets now and prepare to celebrate! 

Event Details 

Date: Monday 2nd September  

Time: 5.15 – 7.15pm  

Location: Showtime Events Centre, 61 S Wharf Promenade, South Wharf VIC 3006 

Dress: Smart Casual 

Ticketed Event – If you have not yet reserved your free ticket, please contact your Client Manager or email [email protected]

Additional tickets are available to be purchased from your Exhibitor Dashboard

To ensure the dismantling of the exhibition proceeds as smoothly as possible, please read the Dismantling Information.