COUNTRY PROFILES
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Print article THE MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE CENTRE
Malta: a venue
for business
and culture
The Mediterranean Conference Centre is firmly established as one of the most impressive conference centres in all of Europe. The Centre’s historic background and imposing architecture play a very important role in securing the position it enjoys today
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For over two centuries, the building that now houses the Mediterranean Conference Centre was the “Sacra Infermeria” or Holy Infirmary of the Order of St. John. Constructed in the latter part of the 16th century, this architectural landmark has had a fascinating history during which it was subject to various transformations as it changed to accommodate the needs of the day.
The Centre boasts a total of 10 halls and nine syndicate rooms over an area of 7,000 square metres. The halls vary in size and are therefore suitable for a range of events. The largest and most impressive, Republic Hall, seats 1,400 in theatre style whereas the smallest, La Cassiere, caters for 60 persons. Each meeting hall is equipped with its own independent sound, lighting and climate control. Conference facilities include permanent installations for simultaneous interpretation for up to six languages, ADSL as well as audio/visual equipment. The Centre can accommodate over 2,300 delegates in all the conference halls.
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The impressive and imposing Republic Hall has been constructed in place of what once was the Main Courtyard of the “Sacra Infermeria”. Its large area, 728 square metres, is tastefully roofed over and has created Malta’s largest auditorium. With a seating capacity of 1,400, this elegant theatre-style hall is the largest in the Conference Centre. It is ideal for largescale meetings or conferences and is equipped with theatre lighting and sound systems, audio/visual facilities as well as simultaneous interpretation for up to six languages.
At 155 metres in length, Dar Il-Wiri is the main exhibition hall of the Centre. This magnificent hall is also regularly used for banqueting functions accommodating up to 1,500 persons comfortably seated, or over 2,500 for stand up cocktail receptions. It covers a total area of 1,700 square metres. The La Valette Banqueting Hall is unique on the island in many respects. With a seating capacity of about 900 persons it is the largest in Malta covering an area of about 1,500 square metres. Its massive yet graceful vaulted ceiling is most impressive. Quaint 400 year — old frescos have been restored; candle torches, coat-of-arms of the Knights of Malta set the scene for formal dinners and elegant banquets.
No matter what the size of the event being organised — from a small presentation to a large conference, a product launch or an exhibition, a convention or even a theatrical performance — the Mediterranean Conference Centre can cater for all your requirements. It is, however, not the technology and the facilities alone that make a success of an occasion. The Mediterranean Conference Centre prides itself on the level of customer support service it offers through its dedicated and highly motivated staff. The personal element, which adds the touch of quality to seal a memorable event, is very much in evidence. The comprehensive and detailed attention given to its clients has created a fine reputation.
Amongst our impressive list of clients are Texaco, Ford, Citroen, Mazda, ICI, IBM, Ericsson, Pfizer, Philips, Glaxo Wellcome, Air Liquide, Pharmacia, Janseen Cielac, Nortel, Tupperware, AstraZeneca, Baume & Mercier, Allianz HeBclub Tagung, “Summer University of Fujisawa”, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bolton Group, AGIP Petroni, McDonalds Germany, De Agostini, Aventis, Nestle Waters, Novo Nordisk, as well as various United Nations agencies, the Council of Europe and Commonwealth organisations. The highlight of events held during 2005 was undboubtedly the Opening Ceremony followed by the first executive session of the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) in November. This pestigious event was attended by 53 Heads of Commonwealth States headed by HRH Queen Elizabeth II.