About Us
About MCC
The 16th century building now the Mediterranean Conference Centre has long been one of Valletta’s most remarkable landmarks. Located towards the tip of Valletta peninsula, the MCC stands for distinction with magnificent views across the Grand Harbour.
The sheer size and scale of the building coupled with its conversion into a modern conference centre in 1979 makes the MCC such an impressive architectural feat today. The sensitive and innovative restoration won the international acclaim with the coveted ‘Europa Nostra’ Award for its successful blending of the fine old architecture with modern technology.
In addition to conferences, it offers one of the finest venues in the Mediterranean for a range of events including product launches, exhibitions, conventions, banquets and theatrical performances.
The Mediterranean Conference Centre is a rare example in the region of a heritage building functioning to the exacting demands of the 21st century. The Centre’s long experience and reputation as a unique quality venue is confirmed by its membership of the prestigious Historic Conference Centres of Europe (HCCE). The Mediterranean Conference Centre is one of Europe’s largest conference centres within a historical setting.
The Centre boasts of impressive spaces, such as the main auditorium, Republic Hall, seating 1,400 in theatre style, the elegant and unique La Valette Hall that offers an imposing banqueting venue for up to 900, as well as a host of individually-styled smaller halls suited for receptions and more modest-scale conferences and seminars.
In total, the Centre offers an area of over 8,000 square meters.
The MCC also offers a full complement of audio-visual equipment including interpretation facilities. All rooms have independent sound, light and climate control. When it comes to providing receptions and banqueting, we have selected the largest catering partners on the Island to guarantee you a quality dining experience. The Centre is equipped with an in-house fully-fledged kitchen situated below the La Valette Hall. Given the vast experience of our catering partners, the Centre has the capability to provide up to 4,000 covers a day.
Whether you’re seeking to launch a new product or host a multinational convention, the Mediterranean Conference Centre offers a truly unique combination of flexibility atmosphere and impeccable service.
Our Mission Statement
To serve the needs of clients of social, cultural and business functions, by effectively managing and leasing its resources and its unique historic property whilst maintaining and improving current facilities for tomorrow’s demands.
History
One of the most imposing buildings in Valletta is the former “Sacra Infermeria” of the Order of St John of
Jerusalem, now popularly known as the Mediterranean Conference Centre, which is located adjacent to
Fort St Elmo and overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Work on this vast edifice started during late 1574 during the reign of Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere (1572-82) and was extended several times over the years. The “Old Ward” which is the main attraction was extended into the “Great Ward” during the years 1660 to 1666 under the rule of the Cotoners. This hall measuring 155 metres in length, was at that time one of the largest in Europe and was described as “one of the grandest interiors in the world”. The Sacra Infermeria was considered to be one of the best hospitals in Europe and could accommodate 914 patients in an emergency.
In 1676 Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner (1663-80) founded the School of Anatomy and Surgery at the Infirmary. This school was to be the forerunner of the Medical School of the University of Malta. Surgeon (Later Sir) David Bruce discovered the undulant fever germ (Brucellosis) in 1887, when the Hospital was used by the British Military Forces as the Garrison Hospital (1800-1920). During World War II the building suffered serious damages and approximately one third of the complex was destroyed.
When the Order of St John of Jerusalem left the Maltese Islands, the French took over the Infirmery in June 1798, just after the occupation of the Island by General Napoleon Bonaparte. The Infirmary now became known as "Grand Hopital" or "Hopital Militaire". The French carried out various structural alterations to improve the ventillation, sanitation, and lighting of the hospital.
The uprising of the Maltese against the French occupiers on 2nd September 1798 meant the decline of the hospital as drugs, fresh meat, and fruit were no longer available at the hospital.
The situation in the hospital and indeed in the whole island was so bad that General Calude H.B. Vanois, the commander in chief of the French forces surrendered the island on 5th September 1800 to the English forces.
From 1800 till 1918 during the British Rule, the Centre served as a Station Hospital. Situated very near to the Grand Harbour, the hospital was within easy reach of the sick and wounded servicemen as hospital ships brought them in. For this reason the Station Hospital was mainly used as a sorting base and also as a centre for dangerously ill patients that could not be moved any further.
The end of World War I saw the end of the Station Hospital. The Infirmary’s Hall was turned into the Police Headquarters as from 1918 till 1940. During the ensuring bombardments of Valletta, during World War II, the Mediterranean Conference Centre received four direct hits.
Part of what remained standing of the Long Ward was the Entertainment Centre for the allied troops and became known as the Command Hall, as from 1945 till 1950.
Between 1950-1951 it was turned into a the Children’s Theatre.
From 1959 the Centre served as a School and Examination Hall.
Several attempts at restoration and reconstruction of the derelict building were made in 1959 and 1975, with a final effort during 1978 when the building was transformed into the present Mediterranean Conference Centre. The Centre was inaugurated on the 11th February 1979, and was awarded the coveted Europa Nostra Diploma of Merit for the "superb restoration of the Sacra Infermeria and its adaption for use as a conference centre."
Since its inception as a conference centre an ongoing restoration and maintenance programme has kept the unique historical character of this national monument, while providing a modern venue able to handle major international conferences, exhibitions, banquets and theatrical events. The MCC, the flagship of cenference venues on the Island, is now renowned for its outstanding services and facilities.
Board Members
This Board falls under the Ministry for Tourism & Consumer Protection
Dr. Kenneth Spiteri
Chairman
Dr Kenneth Spiteri has been appointed non executive chairman of the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) since June 2013 under four different and consecutive Ministers of Tourism. Dr Spiteri together with the board of directors have relentlessly worked to conserve and upgrade this 460 year old edifice to ensure that it remains Malta’s exclusive conference centre with a magnificent Theatre that can host an audience of 1400 people in the capital city of our nation. The MCC will soon inaugurate it’s new Virtual Museum, the Grand Harbour Terrace and other refurbished halls including a new Ball room. Dr Spiteri is a Dental Surgeon by profession and has chaired and presided over various other committees and Associations over the years. He is married and has two sons.
Mr. Christopher Grima
Deputy Chairman
Chris Grima has over 20 years experience in the tourism industry and is specialized in Public Relations and Marketing. Throughout his carreer he has dealt with local and international stakeholders in various sectors of the trade and since his appointment on the board of the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Chris brought in his knowledge and experience to strengthen and maximize the potential of this unique venue together with the rest of the team who keep this historical venue a sought after destination for all types of events with all state of the art facilities in the heart of the Mediterranean attracting clients of all sorts and sizes from around the globe.
Mr. Felix Galea Busuttil
Board Member
Felix is director of The YADA DC and co-director of The College of Dance. Since 1984, YADA has performed in 4 continents. He has danced nationally in the presence of thousands including renowned spectators. He obtained his Masters (Dance Studies, University of Malta) and a has Vocational Diploma (The London Studio Centre, UK.) Felix works with Festivals Malta, is board member of ZfinMalta and has been part of the MCC Board for 17 years. He has contested the EU Parliament elections and is contesting the next General Elections (The Labour Party). Felix is married to Daron.
Ms. Tanya Joan Bayona
Board Member
Tanya Joan Bayona, M.Q.R. FISTD (London) Enrico Cecchetti Diploma, was appointed a board member of the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) in 2013. She has together with the Board and it’s Chairman, helped to establish a cultural program with an annual budget from the Ministries of Tourism and Finance, as well as improvements to the theatre facilities. Tanya strongly believes that culture tourism contributes to the economy and identity of the island. Her awards include: the Medal for Service to the Republic/Midalja Ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika (MQR) for her life-long commitment to dance and ballet in Malta (2008) and the Enrico Cecchetti Gold Medal awarded at the Royal Ballet School, London (2009).
Mr. Norman E. Grech
Board Member
Norman Grech has been a board member of the Mediterranean Conference Centre since June 2013 under the chairmanship of Dr Kenneth Spiteri. The historical centre has seen tremendous improvement during the last 7 years thanks to to hard work and dedication of the board and management and today the centre boasts of having modern facilities that meet the demanding requests of the conference industry and theatre alike. As a qualified accountant his work on the board revolves mainly on the Financial aspect, ensuring that international accounting standards are respected and scrutinizing the accounts to report back to the board. Norman Grech is also a keen musician with a good ear and an eye for arts. His experience in this field has helped contribute to promote the cultural aspect of the MCC.
Ms. Grace Marie Zerafa
Board Member
Grace Marie Zerafa, born on the 7th November 1980 and married to Charles Zerafa. Studied in Small Business management and working with a private company named Accommodation Specialists Brokers Ltd as Accounts Executive. She was elected 3 times in L-Imqabba Local Council and as of today she is the Deputy Mayor. In 2017 she was appointed as a member in the Council for Midwives and Nurses while in 2019 she was appointed as a Chairperson of the Human Trafficking task force.
Mrs. Maryann Camilleri
Board Member
Maryann Camilleri, born in 1979, has been working in the Education sector since 2001 and is currently an Assistant Head of Primary School. She was appointed member on the MCC Board in April 2020. Maryann’s eye for detail and enthusiasm to organise events as well as her keen interest in the arts and music scene will be an asset to the Board. She is also very fond of the local culture and national heritage. In her free time, Maryann likes to read, cook, do sports and travel. Maryann is married and has two children.
Ms. Joanne Xuereb
Board Member
Joanne Xuereb has worked in the administrative arm of various industries starting off at the then Malta Drydocks and later moving into the service sector where she spent over a decade in a private (non-political) television and radio media entity. She then moved to the public sector first at the University of Malta, and later in Energy and Tourism services, during which time she also obtained a Diploma in Management and Leadership. She is currently reading as Masters degree in Business Administration. She has been appointed Board Member to the Mediterranean Conference Centre since 2018. Ms Xuereb has an ardent background in sports.
Ms. Janelle Sciberras
Board Member
Janelle Sciberras has been appointed board member of the Mediterranean Conference Centre since May 2018 under 2 different and consecutive Ministers of Tourism. Together with the non-executive chairman and the board, Ms Janelle Sciberras has worked hard to improve and promote one of Europe's largest conference centres with a unique historical setting. Ms. Janelle Sciberras works at the Foundation for Social Welfare Services. She is married and has one son.
Ms. Janice Cachia Schembri
Board Member
Janice Cachia Schembri has been working in the Educational sector for the last twenty years. She is currently in the role of an Assistant Head. She graduated as a teacher and later did a post graduate diploma in Public Administration. At the moment she is reading a Masters degree in Applied Educational Leadership. This year Janice Cachia Schembri was appointed as one of the directors of the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC). She thrives on challenge and constantly set goals for herself, so she has something to strive forward to. As an ex dancer, her love for theatre was always strong since its main purpose is to provide joy to people through various performing arts. With the MCC’s superb location, she is positive that the MCC will become one of Europe’s most sought exclusive venues for high profile conferences and events. Janice Cachia Schembri is married to Frank and has two children, Andrea and Julian.
Mr. Joe Julian Farrugia
Board Member
Joe Julian Farrugia is a writer/lyricist. He wrote many album numbers and has taken regular part in Maltese and international song contests. He penned two musicals, three Christmas pantos, other theatrical works and four books. For television, he wrote drama episodes and produced documentary, discussion, variety and infotainment programs. He is the author of the choral symphony which inaugurated Valletta’s year as European Cultural Year in 2018 and is currently a daily presenter on national radio. This year he has been appointed board member of the Mediterranean Conference Centre and looks forward. Joe Julian is married to Marlene and has two daughters: Clara and Valentina.
Mr. Kenneth Busuttil
Board Secretary
Kenneth Busuttil has been appointed board secretary of the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) since February 2020. Unfortunately the last four months have seen the MCC close its doors for the public due to the Covid -19 Pandemic. During this time, the MCC Board together with the Management and workers have meticulously taken the opportunity to upgrade the Centre’s facilities. Mr Busuttil is a graduate in Education and Educational Leadership and at present he occupies the role of Head of School. He has occupied various responsabilities at the Qormi Local Council and was involved in setting up and running a number of organizations and Foundations. He is married to Patrizia and has two children, Samwel and Danjel.
Management
Mr. Pierre Fenech
Chief Executive Officer
Pierre Fenech has been appointed CEO of the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) since 2015. He is a Commerce Graduate with a specialisation in Tourism and has a Masters in Business Administration. He has 22 years experience in the Tourism Industry occupying various high positions mostly withing the hotel, catering and events sector. He also heads the Institute of Tourism Studies. Since joining MCC together with his team, managed to bring back the centre on a sound financial standing, as well as turning the place in one of the most sought after venues on the Island. He is married and has three children.
Ms. Anita Portelli
Chief Financial Officer
Anita Portelli holds the role of Chief Financial Officer heading the Finance and Administration department. Anita has a long experience in accounting ,auditing and EU funding implementation and management. For some time she has had a leading role in the entity as chief executive designate. Earlier on in her career she has had the opportunity of working on and leading audit assignments including international groups. She has also sat on the independent panel of auditors within the Ministry for Finance. Anita holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an Executive MBA from the University of Malta. She also holds a practising certificate in accounting and auditing and is a Fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants.
Ms. Rosette Micallef
Director of Sales and Marketing
Rosette Micallef is mainly responsible for the business development at MCC, tapping new market segments as well as raising awareness of such a unique venue. Rosette joined MCC in 1982 and held several positions over the years. Following a re-organization exercise in 2000, Rosette was offered the post of Sales Executive and was promoted to Head of Sales & Marketing a year later. She immediately embarked on a mission to transform the MCC from a loss-maker into a profit-making entity. . Highly motivated with a passion in everything she does, Rosette has a wealth of experience and an extensive network of clients, suppliers and business colleagues. Perfectionist by nature with an eye for detail, Rosette ensures that the service offered by the team at MCC exceeds client’s expectations.
Mr. Noel Sammut
Director of Operations
Noel Sammut started his career within the Accounts Department of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in 1992. In 2000 he joined the Events Section at the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, where he was mainly responsible for the organisation and co-ordination of several prestigious local and international events. His vast experience as an event co-ordinator together with his accounting background helped him integrate easily to head the operations set-up of the MCC in 2008. As Director of Operations he is responsible for the co-ordination of events organised at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, capital projects, procurement and the upkeep and preservation of the historic edifice and its equipment.
Careers
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