Melbourne, a global hub for premier international association conferences

February 29, 2024

Melbourne is set for a bumper year with its calendar of business events across 2024 set to attract more than 84,000 international and national delegates across the 118 events confirmed to date. Excitingly, this includes 40 of the world’s premier meetings to be held across 2024 - a record high for international association events. That's nearly one event each week!

From energy and renewables to business, socio-cultural, engineering and education sectors, Melbourne will be a hive of knowledge sharing and is set to shine as a preferred international association conference destination in the world.

Standout events MCB has secured for the city taking place over the coming months include the International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB2024); International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Southern Hemisphere Forum & National Sports Convention 2024; and the Lions International Convention, which is expected to attract 13,000 delegates to Melbourne this June.

Recent wins include:

· Asia Pacific Financial and Innovation Symposium 2024

· World Indigenous Cancer Conference 2024

· UFI Asia Pacific (AP) Conference 2025

Why associations continue to choose Melbourne as their conference destination

Melbourne brings together academic institutions, research and medical centres as well as private enterprise to foster world-leading innovation across its three knowledge precincts, the Biomedical Precinct, South East Melbourne Innovation Precinct, and the Northern Precinct. Collectively they house some of the world's leading research institutes and brightest minds who continually inspire, innovate and deliver big impact.

MCB partners with Victoria’s knowledge community to drive collaboration opportunities, amplify Melbourne’s position as a global knowledge hub, development of local talent and draw attention to upcoming international association bid prospects and support confirmed events for Melbourne.

When a conference organiser selects Melbourne as the choice destination, they’re able to tap into the reputation of this global destination that attracts the world's best minds.

Bring your Association’s event to life in Melbourne

Working closely with you in the lead up to, during and post your conference, the dedicated MCB team will provide a suite of free services to ensure the planning process is smooth and the event is attended by the maximum number of delegates.

Each event is unique, and collaboratively with you, MCB tailors the approach for your business event. Whether it is securing financial support, coordinating site inspections, or sourcing supplier information, MCB will connect you with the right people, places and products to ensure your event is secured, planned and executed with ease and on budget.

Why choose Melbourne

An event hosted in Melbourne will exceed the requirements and expectations of any event organiser. With its cutting-edge infrastructure, ease of access, and MCB's unparalleled track record in delivering high-quality business events, delegates will be left wishing they booked a longer stay in Victoria.

Boasting the country’s highest concentration of conference facilities, conveniently located in the heart of the city, Melbourne’s convention district offers more than 197,000 square metres of conference space, the pinnacle of which is Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

If you are planning a unique function there's a wide selection of unique venues is on offer in Melbourne’s city centre alone.

Ideal for exploration by foot or through the extensive transport network, Melbourne beckons delegates to discover both the host city and its surroundings. It’s the perfect opportunity to delve into Melbourne's vibrant culture, rich history, world class fine dining experiences, fashion, events, and thriving arts and music scene. The MCB team can skilfully coordinate these facets to offer a diverse range of pre- and post-conference tours, incentive experiences tailored to accommodate various interests, cultures, and preferences. For those desiring to venture beyond, the distinctive natural beauty and wildlife of regional Victoria are just a short journey away.

Conferences made easy within the city's precincts

Three of Melbourne’s iconic business events venues, CENTREPIECE, the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Pullman on the Park have also formed a strategic alliance to create a quintessential Melbourne ‘Meet, Celebrate and Stay’ business conferencing experience.

Unrivalled as Melbourne’s home of sports and entertainment, the venues’ footprint spans from the edge of the Melbourne CBD and stretches through Fitzroy Gardens and down to the Yarra River edge, encompassing Yarra Park, the iconic MCG and Melbourne and Olympic Parks.

This is a compelling precinct for hosts aiming to provide a ‘postcard’ Melbourne setting, as well as the benefits of accessible transport connections including tram, train, and boat.

Ongoing support from MCB

Once an event has been secured for Melbourne, MCB’s Convention Servicing department provide bespoke end-to-end event delivery support, ensuring the planning process is smooth and the event is affordable, accessible and attended by the maximum number of delegates.

Partnering with 200+ suppliers, MCB can connect you to leading venue, accommodation, catering and entertainment options to best meet your event brief to create a show stopping event.

How MCB can help you:

· Be the eyes and ears on the ground to provide expert localised knowledge

· Facilitating access to industry experts

· Referrals to key business event products, services and sustainable suppliers

· Providing inspiration for unique experiences including pre and post touring options

· Locating suitable accommodation

· Digital toolkits complete with free marketing material, a Delegate Destination Site and the recently launched First Peoples Engagement Guide

In a fast-paced world where event planners are time poor and don't have time to manage multiple suppliers, MCB is committed to collaborating with you for your next conference, event, incentive program, or meeting in Melbourne. 

Contact your nearest MCB office for more information and discover support.