The 16th-century building, now the Mediterranean Conference Centre, has long been one of Valletta’s most remarkable landmarks. Located towards the tip of the 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 make the MCC such an impressive architectural feat today. The sensitive and innovative restoration won 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 in 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”, 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 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 British Military Forces used the Hospital 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 Infirmary in June 1798, just after the occupation of the Island by General Napoleon Bonaparte. The Infirmary now became known as “Grand Hospital” or “Hospital Militaire”. The French carried out various structural alterations to improve the ventilation, 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 Claude 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 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, from 1945 till 1950.
Between 1950-1951 it was turned into a 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 conference venues on the Island, is now renowned for its outstanding services and facilities.Board of Directors
Chairman: Dr. Kenneth Spiteri
Deputy Chairman: Mr. Christopher Grima
Board Members: Mr. Felix Galea Busuttil, Mr. Norman E. Grech, Ms. Joanne Xuereb, Mr. Joe Julian Farrugia, Dr. Joseph Chetcuti, Ms. Davinia Laferla Turner, Ms. Anna Maria Vella, Ms. Lara Azzopardi, Ms. Nadia Portelli
Board Secretary: Mr. Kenneth Busuttil
Management
Pierre Fenech – Chief Executive Officer
Pierre Fenech has been appointed CEO of the Mediterranean Conference Centre (MCC) since 2015. He is a Commerce Graduate specialising in Tourism and has a Master’s in Business Administration. He has 22 years of experience in the Tourism Industry occupying various high positions, mostly within the hotel, catering and events sectors. He also heads the Institute of Tourism Studies. Since joining MCC together with his team, managed to bring the centre back on a sound financial standing, as well as turning the place into one of the most sought after venues on the Island. He is married and has three children.
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 had the opportunity of working on and lead 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.
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 in 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 coordination of several prestigious local and international events. His vast experience as an event coordinator and 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 coordination of events organised at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, capital projects, procurement and the upkeep and preservation of the historical edifice and its equipment.