Conference services

In Prato, Monash researchers connect with major research networks, especially those based in Europe. Through these networks and industry linkages, we are able to tackle global challenges together.

We hold international conferences, workshops and symposia in a range of disciplines including art design and architecture, business and economics, law, science, education, medicine, nursing and health sciences, pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, engineering, information technology, humanities and social sciences.

We’re also home to the following annual or biennial international research meetings:

Rooms, capacity, and set-up options

We can:Salone Grollo

  • host up to 132 people in our main conference room (Salone Grollo), and between eight and 49 people in our smaller spaces depending on the set-up - our total building capacity is 331 people at any one time (up to 232 on the first floor, and up to 99 on the ground floor)
  • video-link some of our rooms
  • run up to four parallel sessions
  • set up our rooms daily, to suit your needs, including theatre, horseshoe, boardroom and classroom styles
  • provide display boards for poster sessions, and flip charts
  • provide indoor and outdoor function spaces - enjoy views of Prato’s historical centre from our large terrace or admire our Italian garden designed by Paul Bangay, both of which can be used for conference reception events
  • keep you cool or warm - all our rooms have air-conditioning and heating

For more details and a floor plan, see our Room Capacities page and view photos of our spaces.

IT and audio visual services

Our rooms are equipped with standard IT and audio-visual equipment, and there’s wireless Internet access throughout the building.

We have qualified on-site technical support. For events that require a technician at all sessions, we can help you hire external support.

Find out more on our IT and Audio Visual Services page.

CateringCatering buffet

We collaborate with an experienced local catering company for on-site food and drinks, including reception events.

We can also assist you with booking group dinners at restaurants in Prato and surrounds.

Other services

We can help you plan and realise your event by:

  • providing pre-event and on-site advice and support
  • contacting local suppliers such as printers and stationers - consider printing your conference materials locally to reduce your shipping costs and environmental impact
  • booking airport pick-ups and coach transfers
  • advising on costs and making arrangements for simultaneous or consecutive interpreting (please note that interpreting booths reduce the maximum capacity of our main conference room to 100 people)
  • recommending accommodation - start with our Accommodation page
  • sourcing gifts for keynote speakers - consider The Italian Garden book about our garden
  • making suggestions for cultural and social activities

How to book your event

We welcome enquiries from Monash faculties and centres, as well as from other academic institutions* worldwide.

For booking enquiries, please complete this online form.

*Non-Monash bodies must have appropriate insurance cover.