Kuala Lumpur’s exhibition centres are the lifeblood of Malaysia’s thriving MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, projected to contribute RM15.9 billion to the economy in 2025. As the hub for international trade shows, tech expos, and cultural fairs, these venues attract over 1.1 million delegates annually, generating significant economic ripple effects through tourism and the hospitality sector. However, for event organizers, understanding rental prices is crucial amid rising operational costs and post-pandemic recovery. Rental rates vary based on space size, duration, peak/off-peak seasons, and add-ons like AV equipment or catering. In 2025, expect a 5-10% increase due to inflation and demand for hybrid setups; however, competitive pricing keeps KL affordable compared to Singapore or Hong Kong.
This article breaks down rental costs for KL’s premier centres—Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC, now World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur), Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC). Drawing from industry reports and venue insights, we’ll explore base rates, influencing factors, and strategies to optimize budgets. While exact quotes require direct inquiries (as prices are often customized), indicative figures provide a benchmark for planning.
KLCC: Premium Pricing for Iconic Prestige
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) sets the gold standard with its 33,000 sqm of versatile space, including 12,310 sqm of column-free exhibition halls. Overlooking the PETRONAS Twin Towers, it’s ideal for high-profile events such as Food & Hotel Malaysia or the World AI Show, accommodating up to 10,000 attendees. As Asia’s first AIPC Gold Standard venue, KLCC commands premium rates that reflect its location, advanced technology integrations (including AI translation and hybrid AV), and sustainability features such as EarthCheck certification.
In 2025, base rental for exhibition halls starts at RM15,000–RM25,000 per day for smaller sections (e.g., Hall 1A, 1,000 sqm), scaling to RM80,000–RM120,000 per day for full halls (12,310 sqm). Plenary Hall (3,000 seats) rents for RM20,000–RM30,000 per day, while the Grand Ballroom (2,000 pax) is RM15,000–RM25,000. Off-peak periods (weekdays, non-festive months like January) offer 10-15% discounts; peak periods (September-October expos) add 20%. Additional costs include RM5,000–RM10,000 for setup and RM2–RM5 per square meter for utilities. Organizers praise the ROI, with events generating up to RM77.5 million in impact. Compared to global peers, KLCC’s rates are 30-40% lower, making it a value leader for prestige.
MITEC: Scale-Driven Value for Mega Events
As Malaysia’s largest venue at 45,000 sqm, MITEC excels in trade-focused expos like MIHAS Halal Showcase, with 10 pillarless halls supporting 20,000+ visitors and heavy-load floors (up to 5t/sqm). Located in KL Metropolis near Sentral, its rubber-seed-inspired design and logistics (truck bays) suit industrial shows. Managed by Qube Integrated, MITEC emphasizes trade efficiency, with rates reflecting its capacity over luxury.
2025 rentals begin at RM10,000–RM18,000 per day for junior halls (2,000 sqm), rising to RM60,000–RM100,000 for mega halls (full 45,000 sqm). The 4,000-seat auditorium costs between RM15,000 and RM25,000 per day. Discounts: 15% off-peak; packages for multi-day events are available as a bundle (RM3,000–RM8,000). Peak surcharges (10-15%) apply during the October fairs. Parking at RM15/day incurs minor costs, but shuttles from Sentral mitigate these. MITEC’s pricing undercuts KLCC by 20-25% per square meter, making it ideal for volume-driven budgets, with events like Automex yielding high attendance at lower per-delegate costs.
PWTC: Affordable Legacy for Mid-Tier Gatherings
The historic Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), now rebranded as World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, offers 15,000 sqm of space across multi-level halls, including the 3,000-seat Dewan Tun Dr Ismail. A staple since 1985 for policy events and fairs like Ekspo Kucing, its central Jalan Tun Ismail location near the LRT provides accessibility. Undergoing a 52,000 sqm expansion by 2026, PWTC balances heritage with upgrades for hybrids.
Rental rates in 2025 are the most budget-friendly, ranging from RM8,000 to RM15,000 per day for exhibition halls (1,000–5,000 sqm), with full spaces available at rates of RM40,000 to RM60,000 per day. The Dewan rents for RM10,000 to RM18,000. Off-peak savings hit 20%, and expansion teases phased discounts. Add-ons, such as multicultural catering, start at RM50/pax. At 30-40% below KLCC, PWTC suits mid-scale events (5,000-10,000 pax), though parking congestion (RM10-15/day) is a noted drawback. Its value shines for community expos, fostering loyalty amid KL’s competitive scene.
MIECC: Suburban Savings with Ample Space
MIECC in Seri Kembangan delivers 24,000 sqm of column-free space—the largest single hall in Malaysia (10,500 sqm, 50ft high)—perfect for events like MIAPEX. Part of Mines Resort City, located 30 minutes from KLIA, it integrates hotels and golf, appealing to both leisure and business travelers. As a pioneer since 1997, MIECC prioritizes flexibility over frills.
2025 pricing: RM7,000–RM12,000 per day for smaller halls, up to RM50,000–RM70,000 for the main hall. Seminar rooms (1,552 sqm in total) are priced at RM5,000 to RM8,000. Off-peak (20% off) and KTM proximity (5-10min walk) enhance affordability. Utilities: RM1.50–RM3/sqm; parking RM5-10/day. 25-35% cheaper than central venues, MIECC attracts regional events, with shuttle options helping to curb transport costs.
SPCC: Integrated Convenience at Mid-Range Costs
The Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC) spans 7,157 sqm in Bandar Sunway, situated adjacent to malls, theme parks, and over 1,400 hotel rooms. Suitable for upscale events and weddings (6,000 cocktail guests), its mall adjacency offers a wealth of food and beverage options. Eight function rooms support diverse setups.
Rates for 2025: RM12,000–RM20,000 per day for halls (2,000-5,000 sqm), full centre RM40,000–RM60,000. Rooms: RM3,000–RM6,000. 10-15% off-peak; packages include AV (RM4,000–RM7,000). Parking (10,000 spots, RM5-12/day) is seamless. 15-20% below KLCC, SPCC’s ecosystem justifies premiums for all-in-one events.
Factors Influencing Prices and Budget Tips
Rates are based on duration (multi-day discounts of 10-20%), seasonality (peak season: +15%), and inclusions (catering: RM50-100/pax, AV: RM5,000+). Sustainability add-ons (e.g., KLCC’s green tech) cost extra but attract ESG-focused clients. To save: Book off-peak, negotiate packages, or consider hybrid options for smaller footprints. KL’s centres average RM2–RM5/sqm/day, bargains regionally—fueling a USD212.83 billion Asia MICE boom.
In 2025, KL’s venues blend affordability and excellence, ensuring events thrive economically and experientially.
FAQs
1. What are the base rental prices for KLCC exhibition halls in 2025?
Smaller halls (1,000 sqm) start at RM15,000–RM25,000 per day; the full 12,310 sqm hall is priced at RM80,000–RM120,000. Off-peak discounts are available, with add-ons such as AV at RM5,000–RM10,000.
2. How do MITEC’s rates compare to KLCC’s for large events?
MITEC’s mega halls (45,000 sqm) rent for RM60,000–RM100,000 per day—20-25% less than those at KLCC, making them ideal for trade expos, with auditoriums available for RM15,000–RM25,000.
3. Why is PWTC the most affordable top centre?
At RM8,000–RM15,000 per day for halls, PWTC offers 30-40% savings over KLCC, making it a suitable option for mid-scale events with central access and expansion perks.
4. What influences rental costs across KL centres?
Factors include space size, peak seasons (+10-20%), duration (multi-day discounts), and add-ons (catering RM50-100/pax). Off-peak bookings save 10-20%.
5. Are there budget tips for renting MIECC or SPCC?
MIECC’s main hall is priced at RM50,000–RM70,000 (25% below central rates); SPCC is priced at RM40,000–RM60,000, with mall perks included. Use shuttles and packages to cut extras.